Real Debate: Recent Episodes
Greg Abbott
Gregory Abbott hosts this roundtable discussion on the hottest political news of the day. The Real Debate team is focused on finding the truth among a sea of diverging opinions and media perspectives.
Greg and Jim discuss a recent article in the Intercept called "The Elephant in the Zoom" and give their takeaways on the current state of activism in the United States. They also discuss the midterms, speculating on the public's reaction to inflation and revelations from January 6th attack on the US Capitol.
Why do school shootings keep happening? The R D P crew tackles the Uvalde school shooting -- looking beyond guns at the larger problems in American society. The panel discusses alienation, anger, bullying, and a lack of purpose or meaning in American life, and how that lays the groundwork for estranged teenagers to act out their revenge fantasies.
Greg and Jim spend this episode discussing the leaked decision by the Supreme Court that will likely overturn Roe v. Wade and potentially cascade into further incursions on previous rulings.
Jeff, Greg, and Jim discuss the current state of social media, specifically Twitter, its impact on public discourse, and the news surrounding Elon Musk's interest in the company.
The R D P crew talks about inflation, interest rates, and the looming bad news for the economy. Also, we get closure on the conviction of former US Representative Jeff Fortenberry, discuss the surprising news that Elon Musk has become the largest shareholder in Twitter, and how streaming services have made the movie industry and in particular the Oscars less culturally important.
In this episode, Greg and Jim discuss the ongoing invasion of Ukraine at the hands of Russia. They also discuss the trial of the US Representative from Nebraska, Jeff Fortenberry, who was found guilty this week in a Los Angeles court of lying to the FBI.
In this edition of Real Debate, it's a one-on-one with Greg and Jim discussing the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
This week's episode is a grab bag topic. Panelists Greg, Jim, and Jeff all choose their favorite story of the week and discuss. The conversation moves from Real Estate to foreign policy in Ukraine and beyond.
Greg, Jeff, and Jim discuss the ongoing global tensions around Russia and Ukraine as well as the international attention on China amid the Winter Olympics.
A year in review on tonight's Real Debate Podcast. The panel of Greg, Jeff, and Jim decide who wins the RDP Person of the Year Award and the Outstanding Movie or TV Program of the Year Award.
Greg, Jeff, and Jim discuss Russia's military buildup on the border with Ukraine, the fate of the Build Back Better plan in the US, and the latest developments of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
The R D P crew is down to two, with Jim and Greg discussing the startling lack of attention to the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, who was Jeffrey Epstein’s (alleged) accomplice in his underage sex-trafficking ring. It’s amazing how quiet Big Media gets when friends and acquaintances get caught in a scandal. The crew also discusses this week’s oral argument before the US Supreme Court on the 15-week abortion ban enacted by the state of Mississippi — signs point to a substantial weakening of the protections of the Roe v. Wade decision, and perhaps even an outright reversal. Finally Greg and Jim stalk about the ethics of suspended CNN anchor Chris Cuomo and how helped his brother fight back against claims of sexual harassment.
Greg, Jim, and Jeff discuss the ongoing movement in Congress on reconciliation. They also talk about the arrest of Steve Bannon after being charged with contempt of Congress and the decision by the House to censure Rep. Paul Gosar.
Greg, Jeff, and Jim discuss the gubernatorial win by Republican Glenn Youngkin in Virginia and the outcome of the Minneapolis police reform amendment.
Greg, Jeff, and James give their thoughts on the life and career of Colin Powell and discuss the role Joe Manchin is playing throughout negotiations on the reconciliation bill in Congress.
Greg, Jeff, and James discuss the increase in supply chain issues across the globe and the release of the "Pandora Papers" which appear to expose tax avoidance, money laundering, and dirty deeds of some of the world's richest people.
Greg, Jim, and Jeff discuss the Facebook outage and the overall impact that Facebook's algorithms are having on society. They also address the upcoming debt limit, talks of reconciliation, and the filibuster. They close with at tribute to Dr. Peter Schotten, a professor who was influential in the lives of both Greg and Jeff.
Greg Abbott, James Crotty, and Jeff Grell discuss the death of Gabby Petito and the decision by Australia to work with the US and the UK on a submarine deal, putting them at odds with France.
Greg and Jim discuss the results of the California gubernatorial recall election, and the implications for national politics. They then discuss the revelations in Bob Woodward’s new book that General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, took extraordinary measures to keep Donald Trump from recklessly ordering military action during the transition period after the election.
The panel discusses the Supreme Court’s refusal to block a Texas law criminalizing virtually all abortion, without an opinion and without a hearing. Also discussed, the threats made by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to companies who might comply with requests for information from the House Select Committee on the Capitol Riot.
Greg and James discuss the progress and negotiations regarding infrastructure in the US as well as President Biden's decision to leave Afghanistan.
Greg and Jim discuss chaos, poor planning, and outright negligence in the Biden Administration’s sudden decision to pull out of Afghanistan by August 31st; drawing a distinction between the policy itself (yes, the US needs to get out of Afghanistan) and the poor execution of the policy (for example, why give up Bagram airbase before the evacuations of US citizens and allies even began). The chaotic and incompetent withdrawal from Afghanistan is a huge blow to American prestige abroad, and gives comfort to bad actors across the globe. The world is a more dangerous place today than it was four weeks ago.
Greg Abbott and James Crotty discuss the damning revelations surrounding NYC Mayor Andrew Cuomo.
The R D P crew discusses the latest news from the Covid-19 pandemic, with Dr. Chris Colby, our resident scientist. Topics include the new variants, how the vaccines might or might not work against the new variants; and how to respond to the threat of variants given that the remaining unvaccinated population is continuing to resist getting the shots.
The panel of Greg Abbott, Jeff Grell, and Jim Crotty discuss Police Violence and Reform, the US Military's exit from Afghanistan, Cuba, and the European Soccer Championships.
Greg, Jeff, and James discuss the latest news, including President Joe Biden's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They also butt heads on the topic of Critical race theory.
Greg, Jim, and Jeff discuss the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine and the Biden Administration's reaction to the natural gas pipeline between Germany and Russia.
Greg, Jeff, and Jim discuss the GOP removal of Rep. Liz Cheney from House Leadership, Golden Globe blowback, and Elon Musk.
We open with a discussion of the resurgence of Covid-19 in India and how it affects US foreign relations; then we turn to this week’s very low-rated Oscar ceremony (ending with an agreement that streaming is no substitute for the real movie-going experience); and then finish with a discussion of the FBI’s raid Wednesday on the home and office of Rudy Giuliani.
Greg, Jeff, and Jim discuss the conviction of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, Jr.
The R D P crew looks at yet another police shooting of a black man, which happened just 3 days ago in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota (a suburb of Minneapolis). How does this shooting affect the ongoing trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd? Does it make sense for a trained police officer to mistake her gun for a Taser, and “accidentally” shoot a suspect? Have we just become numb to these events?
Also, a brief update on the Chauvin trial itself; an update on the reinstatement of the officer who shot Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last summer; and finally some ominous warning clouds coming out of eastern Ukraine, reflecting the build up of Russian troops.
The RDP panel of Greg, Jim, and Jeff (no Jerad tonight) take a casual look at some of the events in the news, such as the progress of the Derrick Chavez trial, new Senate rules, and the Georgia voting laws.
Greg, Jeff, Jim, and Jerad discuss the news of the week and give their predictions for the near-future of US governance.
Space and Cryptocurrency are the hot technological frontier; R D P talks about the landing of the Mars rover Perseverance, and the latest developments in cryptocurrency. Greg observes that exploring the wonders of the universe is happening while poverty and cruelty happen at home; Jeff observes the dark underbelly of cryptocurrency; and Jerad and Jim keep the conversation in bounds.
First, the R D P crew looks at the causes and results of the Texas weather crisis, why the electrical grid collapsed in freezing weather, and what it means for energy policy as a whole. Then we look at what has been described as Facebook’s attack on Australia, as our friends down under consider a law requiring Facebook and Google to pay some compensation to local news sources for information which Facebook shares on its network.
With an estimated 450,000 dead Americans, R D P returns to the Covid-19 pandemic, with returning guest Dr. Chris Colby. Will vaccination occur fast enough to outpace infections by new variants of Covid-19? The panelists take stock of recent developments and discuss what victory against Covid-19 might look like.
The R D P crew debates the aftermath of the January 6th attack on the US Capitol; whether conspiracy charges might apply, and who might be involved; and the impact of the second impeachment of Donald Trump adopted by the House of Representatives.
The R D P panel reacts to the storming of the Capitol by rioters and armed protestors, trying to stop the certification of the Electoral College votes in the presidential election.
Greg, Jerad, and Jeff are appalled at the threat to democracy. Jim condemns the violence, but claims that the BLM protests last summer were worse.
The R D P crew looks at the sudden year-end debate over an additional $2,000 stimulus check, which popped up when Donald Trump undercut his own Treasury Secretary in a deal for a smaller stimulus with Mitch McConnell and Nancy Pelosi.
Is this just political chaos, or is Trump playing 11th dimensional chess?
We also talk about the Christmas Day bombing in Nashville, Tennessee. No one is saying so, but is it domestic terrorism? Can it be described at least as a suicide bombing?
The R D P crew nominates and debates who should receive the first annual Real Debate Person of the Year Award. We also debate the criteria for person of the year (listen to how the sausage is made!) but generally speaking we were looking for the person who had the most meaningful impact of the events of 2020, positive or negative.
After some nominations, we narrowed the list down to these finalists: George Floyd, Mark Zuckerberg, Front-Line Covid Workers, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump.
Listen in to see who won Person of the Year!
The R D P crew re-visits US foreign policy, which has been overlooked in 2020, buried beneath the Covid crisis and election news. Specifically we look at the more aggressive posture China has been taking against Australia and other Pacific neighbors; and check in with the news on US-Iran relations, and what options the outgoing Trump Administration may leave for the incoming Biden Administration.
2020 has been, so far, an awful year, and as consequence the R D P crew takes a step back and debates people, things, or events in 2020 for which they are thankful. Both the Dalai Lama and Donald Trump get a mention. However, one panelist dissents about Baby Yoda (?!!?)
The R D P panel takes a well-deserved break from politics to talk about two science issues: (1) the amazing new Covid-19 vaccines and how they represent a substantial advance in prevention of viral disease; and (2) the transformation of space travel by SpaceX, with the massive reduction in cost which flows from reusable rockets.
The transition for President-elect Biden has yet to announce major news (understandably), so the R D P panel takes a look at Donald Trump’s post-election plans now that he has lost the 2020 presidential election. Will he create a new cable news network to compete with Fox News? Is he planning to run again in 2024? And will conservative plans for alternative social media platforms succeed?
The R D P crew assesses the results of the 2020 election, who were the winners, who were the losers; and the prospects in the ongoing count in the presidential race.
The R D P crew lays it on the line for their pre-election predictions. Does Trump have a path to 270? Is this election like 2016, or like 1980? Tune in for our discussion.
The crew also discusses the rather anti-climatic reveal of the identity of the Trump Administration official who in 2018 wrote the famous “Anonymous” Op-ed in the New York Times.
The R D P crew recaps and critiques the second and final presidential debate, which was MUCH BETTER than the first one. Trump was better, Biden was steady, and the moderator was great. Is this an alternate universe? Did the looming threat of the mute button prompt the candidates to behave? Listen in, and find out.
Greg, Jerad, and James give their predictions on the 2nd Presidential Debate of 2020. With the new microphone limitations, will this debate take on a much different tone from the last one?
The panel also discuss the allegations regarding Hunter Biden and how it could play into the overall dynamics of the debate.
How do we know what is real or not? How do we fight an addiction to social media when the only way to reach people is social media?
After a brief recap of the Supreme Court nomination hearings, the RDP takes a head trip through disinformation and the social media landscape, through the lens of today’s New York Post story about Hunter Biden’s missing laptop.
WARNING - there are no happy endings in this episode.
Should we be concerned by Trump’s refusal to commit to a peaceful transfer of power? Greg, Jeff, Jerad and Jim game out the scenarios.
The panel also discusses the politics of Trump’s pending nomination to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, this year and in the future.
Greg, Jerad, Jeff, and James give their reactions to the first Presidential Debate of 2020. Some common themes emerge from everyone's takeaway...
Greg, Jeff, James, and Jerad all bring a number of issues that have been a part of this year and discuss what, if any, impact they will have on the 2020 US Election.
All presidents mislead or deceive the public from time to time — the real question is when is it justified to do so? The Real Debate panel explores the topic, debating example from recent U.S. history. The panel concludes, in part, presidents lie because the public prefers optimistic, happy messages from their president, and punishes presidents who deliver bad news.
BYOT - bring your own topic! This episode is a grab bag, the panelists suggest their own. Greg brings up breaking news, including a plethora of post-convention polling, and a new Trump executive order to designate certain cities as “anarchist jurisdictions” for the purpose of denying them federal funding. Jim talks about his office’s work on the future of the agriculture; Jeff and Jerad go meta on what it all means.
They were the best of conventions, they were the worst of conventions: What worked and what did not work. A surprisingly agreeable panel analyzes the DNC and RNC, with some predictions for November.
Greg, Jim, and Jerad put their stamp on the crisis facing the U.S. Postal Service, its connection to the election, and the importance of universal mail service to the nation.
Like a wily coyote chasing a swift roadrunner, Greg, Jim, and Jerad discuss the selection of Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for Vice-President. There are clever schemes, and interesting diversions. Do the panelists fall off a cliff? Listen and find out! Veep, Veep!
The panel discusses news of the week, including an update on the Covid-19 pandemic stats in the United States.
The panel (all together for the first time in 3 weeks) discusses the riots in Portland and the legality of the Trump Administration response. Greg notes that federal law permits use of federal officers to defend federal property, noting that Trump’s actions (so far) are legal but are ill-advised. Jeff decries Trump’s inflammatory deployment of “secret” police in nondescript uniforms without insignia or name badges. Jim argues that ongoing riots threaten public safety and might well be a form of domestic terrorism, supporting the extension of these efforts into other cities. Jerad, who has friends and family in Portland, contends that the federal response has made the situation worse, and that Trump’s action recklessly inflamed a situation that was otherwise improving.
The panel draws a distinction between undercover police surveillance, which require anonymity, and police openly suppressing riots in anonymous camouflage; and concludes with a debate about federal intervention in local police issues.
Returning from a break over the Fourth of July holiday, Jim, Jerad, and Greg take a mid-year look at the state of the country. Greg runs through the current situation for the coronavirus pandemic, the economy, and the presidential election; Jim gives a behind-the-scenes look at congressional appropriations on under-the-radar issues like research funding for ALS and rural broadband access; and Jerad laments that we continue to drift into the darkest of timelines with no uniting directives from the Executive Branch. The panel concludes with a debate over presidential leadership in a time of crisis, and specifically if Trump’s response to the pandemic can be compared to Obama’s response in Syria or Bush going into Iraq as a response to 9/11.
We take a broad look at the Supreme Court’s recent decision in June Medical Services v Russo, which struck down a Louisiana law requiring doctors at abortion clinics to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. Greg opens with an overview of how the Supreme Court binds itself to its previous rulings; and discussed why Chief Justice John Roberts felt bound to strike it down this year, even though he voted to uphold a nearly-identical Texas law only four years ago in Whole Woman’s Health v Hellerstedt. Jim observes that judicial nominations do not generate the attention you would think, at least on the House side of Congress. Jeff talks about public perception of legal issues, or the lack thereof.
A passionate debate erupts among the panel on the topic of the “Cancel Culture,” Social Media, and the recent anti-police protest movement. Greg suggests that a line may have been crossed but also that it’s hard to justify using deadly force in defense of Confederate statutes. Jim contends that an increase in crime and on-going protests and destruction of statues must be contained, or we risk a complete break-down in public safety and societal norms. Jeff pushes back hard on Jim’s “slippery slope” argument, asserting that going from attacking symbols of oppression to the decline of civilization is a huge and unjustifiable leap. Jerad contends that the push back on racism has been a long time coming, and is a huge concern for younger Americans. Greg contends a “law-and-order” backlash has not occurred because, thanks to cell phone cameras, white America finally saw the truth in what black America has been saying for years: that cops are abusive and lie about it when challenged. After Greg pokes a little fun at Jim, the episode concludes with a virtual group hug to let Jim know that we love him.
Unlike most of America, the COVID-19 pandemic did not take three weeks off to protest police violence. Chris Colby returns to the pod as the COVID-19 expert, and gives updates on the pandemic, including new hot spots in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, and other places with medium-density population centers. Chris and Greg discuss whether wearing masks is effective (SPOILER: They protect other people, wear them). Jeff and Jerad describe the social pressure to avoid mask wearing, and how mask wearing has become a political football. Jim closes out the COVID-19 discussion with a concise and efficient discussion of the politics of the pandemic.
In the final ten minutes, the panel discusses the revelations in John Bolton’s new book, concluding that even if Bolton’s allegations are true it won’t change anyone’s mind about Donald Trump.
After last week’s intense discussion of racism, the REAL DEBATE panel (Jeff, Jerad, Jim, and Greg) focuses on the practical questions of police reform. Greg describes a reform bill authored by Democrats in the House, and Jim gives an early handicap on its prospects. Jerad and Jeff contend we should take the slogan “defund the police” seriously, arguing for a complete reset in community police relations. Greg suggests that replacing part of the police function with a social service function will improve police effectiveness by taking away duties that police are ill-equipped and unmotivated to perform. The panel concludes that a sea change of public opinion is happening, and that big changes are afoot.
Greg opens by describing a scene from Star Trek - where characters are tested by how they handle the “no-win scenario”; and asks if the nationwide protests and violence are Donald Trump’s own No-Win Scenario. The panel, however (Jeff, Jim, and Jerad) quickly moves on to a bigger discussion of racism and crime in America; Jerad focuses on the threat of explicit white nationalism; Jeff, as the whitest man in America, gets emotional while arguing structural racism and the legacy of slavery are crippling the country; while Jim counters with statistics about racial involvement in criminal behavior, contending that unarmed blacks are not killed by police in greater proportions than unarmed whites. Greg points out that human beings learn by experience and not through statistics; and that black Americans have long learned to fear the police, with justification, based on their experiences. Greg notes the War on Drugs has also had an unjust and disproportionate effect on people of color. The panel concludes with a passionate debate over systemic changes needed to address the deep issues exposed by the protests and riots.
The Real Debate panel discusses the death of George Floyd and protests erupting in Minneapolis. Greg describes the dark history of police violence in Minneapolis, and why it persists in one of America’s most progressive cities. Jim finds parallels between the Minneapolis riots and the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles; Jerad argues the divisive and explosive rhetoric of the Trump era is a factor leading to violence; Jeff admits he himself has problems with police despite being the whitest man in America.
The panel takes stock of America’s standing in the world on this Memorial Day weekend, with a raucous debate in which Greg is outnumbered 3-to-1. Jim, Jeff, and Jerad recite the litany of mistakes the US has made over the last several decades, creating an opening for China. Greg erupts in response, pointing out that nearly all of America’s problems are self-created, and if it can get out of its own way, the US is still unmatched in its ability to project power, solve problems, and spread peace and prosperity around the globe.
Greg concedes that the American political system is holding the US back, and Greg and Jim have a dialogue about how foreign powers exploit our political problems for their gain.
Can the Center Hold in the age of Cable News and Social Media? This week's panel (Jeff, Jerad, Jim, and Greg) bemoans the state of political debate in the age of cable news and social media. Greg describes the forces that pull the new media to the extremes at the expense of the middle. Jim and Jerad discuss the philosophical implications of the modern media world - can argument produce synthesis or does it just push people away? Jeff argues that the ambiguity of language is a powerful tool that most people use without knowing it, and that they trap themselves into artificially rigid positions.
Greg concludes by going (or trying to go) positive, arguing that Americans will get practical when they need to, Jim predicts we will muddle through, and Jerad thinks it needs to get worse before it gets better.
The economics of COVID19 is tonight’s topic, including the latest on the debate over the re-opening the economy. The panel explores the tension between defiance of the say-in-place orders and the fear of disease that will keep the economy shut down regardless of any governmental action. What does freedom mean in the context of a health care crisis? Are protestors carrying assault rifles making a profound argument about civil liberties, or are they just whining because they can’t go to McDonalds? The pod concludes with a wide-ranging discussion about specific parts of the economy.
Greg, Jeff and Jim talk about the 2020 presidential election. Polling shows a close race, closer than the Trump campaign expected. Jim discusses whether the Trump campaign should be doing anything different; Greg argues Trump is suffering from overexposure; and Jeff triggers the Explicit Language warning when discussing the intense motivation of Democratic voters. Discussing the appeal of populist candidates Jeff makes the shocking confession that he voted for Jesse Ventura in 1998; likewise Jim confesses he voted for Bill Clinton in a discussion about recent allegations against Joe Biden. Greg wonders if Joe Biden should keep campaigning from his basement, since he’s been doing so well lately. The panel discusses the Tara Reade accusations against Joe Biden. Greg argues Trump can’t really damage Biden with the allegations because of his own allegations of sexual misconduct; Jim argues it will hurt Biden nonetheless; and Jeff advocates for more female candidates. The episode closes with some old-fashioned handicapping - Jim predicts Trump will flip Minnesota and New Hampshire; Greg predict Biden will flip Arizona and Florida; and Jeff (an Iowa native) predicts Biden will win Iowa. Whose predictions will prevail? We’ll find out on November 3rd.
The Real Debate Podcast introduces a new panelist tonight, Jim Crotty, a political independent, author, columnist, and currently Director of Communications for a Member of Congress; along with our usual hosts, Greg Abbott, Jerad Finck, and Jeff Grell. Today was a grim day for the COVID19 crisis, with overall U.S. deaths approaching 50,000. Greg asks the panel how they come down on the “Re-open or Not,” debate, in light of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s decision to relax restrictions beginning next week; followed by a discussion of problems with the federal relief bills. Jim gives some context about how and why those bills were drafted. The panel next talks about what the crisis will look like a year from now. Greg suggests a 9/11-style national commission to investigate the virus and our response; Jerad worries that it will provoke violent extremists and domestic terrorism; Jeff hopes it will cause Americans to rethink their partisan bickering; and Jim argues it will cause a profound re-evaluation of U.S. dependence on Chinese supply chains, and the outsourcing of critical manufacturing.
The Real Debate panel gathers remotely via teleconference. Greg gives the latest Coronavirus numbers and discusses reaction to today's White House press conference, in which Trump finally admitted hundreds of thousands of Americans may die from the virus, but also kept gaslighting the country about what he has and hasn’t done. Chris notes some positive trends in the overall numbers. The panel then moves, with some reluctance, to a discussion of the political impact of the crisis. Based on his prior experience as a candidate during 9/11 Greg argues politics will be frozen until the crisis is over; and notes Trump’s head-to-head numbers against Joe Biden haven’t changed despite a modest improvement in his overall approval ratings. Jeff, Jerad and Phil push back, contending Trump will pay a political price for his incompetence, arguing that a rising body count in red states may force at least some Trump supporters to reassess their opinions. Chris reaffirms that Trump’s delay in responding to the circus will cost many lives, despite Trump’s new spin that a hundred thousand dead Americans is a “victory." Finally the panel discusses what Joe Biden can do to avoid getting pushed off the stage by the crisis, and maintain visibility.
The Real Debate panel discusses the oncoming Coronavirus crisis; Chris Colby joins the podcast to offer some expertise about how the virus operates, and why the numbers are potentially so bleak. The panel grapples with the ramifications.
The Real Debate panel discusses Joe Biden's huge win on Super Tuesday. Jeff confesses to a last minute vote for Biden; Greg points out Bernie Sanders' lost opportunity to close the deal with Democratic voters; Phil discusses the youth vote (or lack thereof); Jared closes with a reminder of the ongoing illegality of Bill Barr's Justice Department. Greg also notes that the future primary calendar looks very grim for Bernie Sanders' prospects.
The Real Debate panel is down to two tonight, with Greg Abbott and Jeff Grell, who discuss the latest news about the Coronavirus, and how Trump's narcisscism is affecting the government's response.
Greg and Jeff also discuss the latest in the Democratic presidential race, including Mike Bloomberg's ritual political suicide in Nevada, Joe Biden's prospects in South Carolina, and whether Biden can carry momentum into Super Tuesday.
Topic 1: Pardons. The panel discusses Trump’s Pardon-Palooza, debating if it’s strategy, a perfomative display of masculinity for his base, or a distraction for another Trump scandal (or all three). Topic 2: Coronavirus. Greg lists some reasons why the coronavirus threat could be far worse than you believe (noting that 10% of the total global population is already under quarantine in China. Phil, recently back from Asia, is more optimistic. Topic 3: the panel discusses the Democratic presidential primary, causing Jeff intense anxiety when he is forced to choose between Bernie Sanders and Michael Bloomberg.
Jerad and Greg talk about the Iowa caucus disaster; Trump’s State of the Union address; and the sizeable anti-establishment majority in American politics and it’s ramifications for the rule of law. Jerad and Greg finish with a brief discussion of Trump’s acquittal in the impeachment trial.
Jeff, Jerad, and Greg react to the first day of Trump’s impeachment trial; hail Adam Schiff’s excellence and note the lack of candor and preparation from Trump’s team; and finish with some predictions about the Democratic presidential race.
Greg, Jeff, and Jerad discuss the abrupt departure of Republican Dan Cohen from the podcast, and what that means for communicating with friends and family who support Trump. They then discuss the U.S. strike that killed Iranian General Soleimani and finish with The Song That Will Never End, that is, the latest on impeachment.
The Real Debate panel argues two propositions: (1) Should the Democrats delay voting on impeachment of Donald Trump?; and (2) Should Michael Bloomberg be running for President? Along the way, Greg, Jeff, Dan and Jerad ask if Pete Buttigieg is too conservative, if Michael Bloomberg is too short, and whether Joe Biden is too old. Dan defends the Electoral College, Jerad points out that Lev Parnas and Don McGahn are critical witnesses, Jeff is in despair over the Democratic field of candidates, and Greg is curiously optimistic about Joe Biden’s chances.
The Real Debate panel (Greg Abbott, Jeff Grell, and Dan Cohen) argues whether Donald Trump has the right to confront the whistleblower; whether the mainstream media, e.g., the New York Times, is as dishonest as Donald Trump; and then discusses the best argument for the other side. During the discussion, Dan complains that Democratic candidates lack substance but also criticizes Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren for proposing big, expensive health care plans; Greg draws parallels between Ronald Reagan and Elizabeth Warren; and Jeff’s proposed defense of Trump raises the specter of an elected dictatorship.