Politics Mostly: Recent Episodes
Peter
New data shows about half of Republicans believe mass shootings are a necessary byproduct of "living in a free society."
Next, I talk about one of the Dakotas because it's a perfect example of Republicans screwing poor people, changing the rules mid game, and then losing anyway.
Finally, are ballot initiatives the secret weapon to passing liberal ass shit? I take a look.
Back from surgery just in time to discuss the end of Roe v Wade. I give two takes, and read a nice quote.
It must suck that you can't even tweet that you liked the Super Bowl Halftime Show without getting accused of being a RINO. Why is everything a culture war?
I give a somewhat related rant about not allowing politicians to take happiness from us.
Trump used to be so on message with slogan-esque talking points (China, wall, nationalism, immigration, etc.)
These days, he has changed.
I discuss how he has changed, and why that makes me less nervous about Trump in 2024.
Fox News overhypes a pretrial motion, but the bigger issue is this...does Fox fight too many battles? I offer free advice to Fox, you're welcome!
A fake news story about Biden giving away crack pipes makes me think about the sterling record Republicans have on drug policy.
The Green M&M mascot is less sexy, and the right is outraged that they will now need to find new source material for self pleasuring. I talk about how I used to fear culture wars from the right, but why I no longer feel that way.
Democrats are overly focused on supply chain and pandemic related defensive arguments for inflation. They should go on offense and talk about corporate greed and lack of economic competition.
I am not a doctor, don't listen to me. This is just what worked for me. Consult your doctor first before trying anything. This is for educational purposes only. Thanks.
Sometimes, politics is easy. Today, I read some recent headlines and attempt a new thought exercise.
By almost any metric, the economy is roaring. I discuss my displeasure in Democrats' refusal to go on offense, and instead voluntarily play defense to Republican talking points.
Thank you today's sponsor, No Games Just Gains.
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Took a break from the usual political stuff to talk about my history with anxiety.
While I'm not fully over it, I'm doing a lot recently. I took a week to reflect on these last 11 years, and I came up with some techniques, thoughts, etc. that have helped me.
Full disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Nothing I say is intended to cure, diagnose, or treat a medical condition. Don't follow anything I say before first consulting with a licensed medical official. If you are in danger please call 911.
Thanks to today's podcast sponsor, No Games Just Gains! Visit them:
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Three topics on today's episode:
1) Where I'm at with Covid (and why I don't talk about it much on this podcast)
2) A surprisingly good showing for the blue team at the redistricting table
3) A George Bush speech writer says Biden is "winning big with a bad hand," and I must agree
A listener suggested I do this type of episode. Let me know if you like it.
I read five or so news stories and give my instant reaction.
Plus, two differences between Democrats and Republicans.
Three reasons why Trump's media company will fail.
New episodes every day this week (hopefully) (you don't pay for this shit) (so relax).
0:00-3:08: I am exploring the possibility of converting my basement to a podcast studio because this shit continues to put up big numbers.
3:09-6:48: Trump debated Biden while Covid positive, and I use this revelation to flash my lib card.
6:53-23:05: Abortion. I don't really talk abortion, but the recent SCOTUS briefing has me feeling rant-y. Also, the best pro choice argument was made by....a pro lifer? I explain.
23:16-29:55. Another mass shooting at a school. I discuss one of my political theories, the "No Bending Leads to Breaking" way of thinking. The right has fought against common sense gun safety laws for so long that increasingly people want to just outright ban them.
30:00-end. Good news on gas prices, at home Covid Tests, and unemployment. Immigration is falling and no one knows why. And why the right would rather dunk on "the media" than celebrate victories.
I give three takeaways from the Rittenhouse trial. Then, I discuss the real media bias, and it isn't liberal! Finally, the difference between Democrats and Republicans.
Politics Mostly is back, stop emailing me. First, I dissect the election results, and discuss how the GOP underperformed last week based on how they should have done. Next, a rant about the insatiability of the political minority (using economics as an example), and lastly, Paul Gossar makes me play a game called "What Would Happen If I Did This?" as in "What would happen if Peter Ramirez tweeted a video of killing my coworker?" The results may shock you!
A life update on getting a new job, a funny surgery story, and being sick.
Then, why some news stories catch my attention and reaffirm "politics as teams."
Republicans lie about American prestige abroad.
Finally, disputing the "Trump is being targeted for political reasons" narrative.
Special guest host Ryan joins Peter to discuss some lingering thoughts about Covid. Plus, media biases, political engagement, and some personal news.
1) Pride Month! How corporations make money off liberal marketing campaigns, then donate it to Republican candidates.
2) Donald Trump is telling associates he will be reinstated in a few months.
3) Democrats are accused of being friendly with China even though it's really the Republicans who are (plus the Chinese child policy)
4) The Greater Idaho, and why the right loses its mind when they are defeated at the polls.
A look into some of my future guests (and nonpolitical discussions!) plus the four things the right wingers do that generally piss me off.
The right claims they were right all along over the origins of Covid-19. That would be correct, if it weren't wrong. Come on kids, it's revisionist history power hour, hop on in.
Odds and ends! Trump campaign responsible for 3% of all credit card fraud (NYT), suicides decreased despite lockdown measures, Jewish Space Laser Lady distances herself from Gaetz, Trump calls for Coke boycott then is photographed with one, and a mini rant on corporate taxes.
My thoughts on the controversy surrounding Matt Gaetz. The parting shot is Trump boycotting companies for political reasons, aka cancel culture.
The future of this pod. Mitch wants to get involved in primaries. The Colorado shooting. Trump wants to start a social media company.
Why is Biden so progressive domestically but reeks of centrist establishment when it comes to foreign policy? Plus, three thoughts on the tragedy in Georgia (words matter!) Lastly, the right is playing the name game.
Based on the title alone, you'd think this is a right wing pod. Fear not! I am still your friend.
I go into a few small thoughts on the vaccine (mainly, that Trump should be pushing it.) Also, Tom Cotton thinks corporations are woke (lol) and a massive effort to find voter fraud in Texas turned up empty. Sad!
Running political campaigns on nonpolitical issues, and why they're against the Covid relief bill. Plus, a great anti-Arkansas rant.
Peter and Ryan break down Trump's CPAC speech, what he said (and didn't say), and his role in the party moving forward.
A little personal update on achieving some goals, scientifically backed ways to motivate yourself, and writing tips I learned the hard way.
Trump has me "pre-mad," an emotion I've never before experienced. I explain why.
Plus, I look at the possibility of Trump's incarceration. It's more likely than you think.
Finally, some jokes about Rudy Giuliani, because why not? It's low hanging fruit.
1:03 Trump Fatigue Syndrome
5:15 Rating Trump's new jokes
10:39 Censorship in Big Tech?
A YYYUUUGGEEE congrats to my listeners, and a rant about Trump's taxes (or lack thereof).
Ranking Trump's scandals, from garden variety abuse of power to the more peculiar corruption and self-dealing. Part 1, #50-#30!
My favorite thing that President Trump does. Also, the media botches the Bolton news, wind knocks down Trump's wall, and why smart policies are better than tough policies.
I struggled all week with this episode. How do I make an episode about a trade deal and still get people to listen? Keeping things short, well-placed sound drops and audio clips, sprinkled in music, and jokes. Lots, and lots, and lots of jokes.
I have two guiding political principles--a distrust of the financial elite, and a suspicion about endless wars in the Middle East.
Today, I discuss one of those principles.
President Trump's allies in Congress pursue bad faith arguments on his behalf. President Trump embarrasses himself abroad. Finally, Bill Barr on policing, Betsy Devos on hating students, and the war on poor people.
Democrats and Republicans were quick to pounce on the results of Kentucky's gubernatorial election this week. But is the answer much simpler?
Welcome! In today's episode, I go over what to expect with the Politics Mostly Podcast, and I offer a brief introduction on who I am.