Blind Politics with Dr. A.J. Nolte: Recent Episodes
Robertson School of Government
Drawing on history, comparative politics and arguments based on political principles, Blind Politics seeks to examine current events and future trends both at home and abroad, and to answer the big questions behind the headlines. Along the way, we’ll strive to find common ground and practical solutions to complex, polarized and seemingly intractable political problems. Your host, Dr. A.J. Nolte is Assistant Professor at Regent University’s Robertson School of Government. Don’t forget to rate and subscribe on your favorite podcast provider!
When it comes to the news, we've all asked the question, "who can I trust?" In this episode, Dr. Nolte engages with this question and provides tips for figuring out what kinds of sources you should listen to.
In the year since Putin invaded Ukraine, we have learned new things about Russia, Ukraine, the West, the US, and the future of geopolitics in the 21st century. Dr. Nolte outlines the key lessons we have learned from the ongoing conflict and forecasts what might become evident in the future.
The Asbury revival has gained national attention and prompted Dr. Nolte to ask what this revival means for politics. The short answer is: we don't know yet. Still, we can look to history and consider past revivals' social and political impacts even as we speculate about the implications of modern-day revival.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte plays match-maker, setting presidential candidates against their ideal opponents. He uses this criteria: which challenger would produce the most entertaining or edifying presidential contest?
Dr. Nolte is not expecting history to repeat itself during the 2024 Presidential Election. In this episode, he highlights developments in how Republican candidates understand their voters, the impact of a political record, and the new issues voters care about. This is an episode you won't want to miss!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte goes on record with his full thoughts on Christian Nationalism. He engages with academic literature on the subject, outlines a way of identifying what Christian Nationalism is, and describes the history of religion in the US. Ultimately, he concludes that the left's freak out about Christian nationalism is overblown and misplaced, and the right must be more vigilant.
For more on Joe Biden's sermon, listen to this GetReligion podcast: https://www.getreligion.org/podcast/press-covers-joe-biden-sermon-was-that-faith-or-politics
After 15 ballots, the United States Congress has elected Rep. McCarthy Speaker of the House! Please join us as Dr. Nolte chronicles all the details of the drama-filled saga on this episode of Blind Politics.
On this episode of Blind Politics, join Dr. Nolte on a myth busting journey as he tackles the conservative (and Christian) myth that we need to match the left's mainstream popularity by enlisting celebrities as spokespeople. Thanks for joining us on today's episode of Blind Politics!
Dr. Nolte jumps in with a contrarian take that the GOP presidential candidate field might be bigger than some people will like but still smaller than some might think.
It is pretty normal during the NFL draft to hear commentators compare top pics to other notable players. In this episode, Dr. Nolte does something similar with top candidates for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, identifying potential strengths and weaknesses by drawing comparisons with other political players.
In this special Thanksgiving edition of Blind Politics, Dr. Nolte covers some things that progressives can be thankful for, things that conservatives can be thankful for, and some things that we all can be thankful for! Thank you for joining for the latest episode of Blind Politics.
Dr. Nolte reacts to Trump's campaign announcement! Months ago, Dr. Nolte went on record predicting that Trump would not run for re-election, but Trump announced presidential campaign on November 15th. Still, Dr. Nolte says his logic for why Trump should not run remains valid. According to him, a rational risk calculation still shows that the Trump campaign is a mistake.
In this episode of Blind Politics, Dr. Nolte explains why the potential Red tsunami turned into a slight red trickle. Thanks for joining us for the latest episode of Blind Politics.
Midterms are almost here! In this last installment of power rankings leading up to election night, Dr. Nolte discusses if we’re looking at a red-trickle, red-wave, or a red tsunami. Visit American1.com
Issue Brief: Russia using Iranian-made weapons. Dr. Nolte discusses what it means and why it matters. American1.com
Dr. Anthony Fauci has retired, and in this episode Dr. Nolte dissects his time in the public eye, and how he did so much damage to the relationship between Americans and our public health experts. Thank you for joining us for the latest episode of Blind Politics!
In the latest episode of Blind Politics, Dr. Nolte discusses why the Biden student loan forgiveness is doomed to failure, what it will do to the economy, and how the Biden administration is just borrowing trouble for themselves. Thank you for joining us for the latest episode of Blind Politics!
Recent polling data on upcoming Senate elections have left Democrats hopeful for a blue wave in the 2022 midterm elections. However, Dr. Nolte is here to pour some cold water over such wishful thinking as he outlines the reality of August polling and some on-the-ground facts facing Democrats in 2022. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Blind Politics!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte highlights the importance of religious freedom and the effects it can have on a nation. This episode is based off of the study Dr. Nolte conducted with Family Research Council's Arielle Del Turco. Here is the link to the study if you would like learn more, and thanks for tuning in!
On today's episode of Blind Politics, Dr. Nolte delves into a more historical topic, the unsung heroes of the Presidency. We all the names of Presidents like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Ronald Reagan, but there are a few presidents in America's history that have been forgotten yet had a bigger impact than history remembers them for. Tune in to find out who those presidents are in this episode of Blind Politics!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte delves more into the international relations side of things as he discusses why the United States needs alliances in order to preserve its status as the world's greatest power to confront its latest great-power challenges. Thank you for joining us for this episode of Blind Politics!
Ever since the events of January 6th, Democrats have been proclaiming that Republicans are an existential threat to American democracy. If that is the case, then why have they been propping up extreme Republican candidates in the upcoming elections? What game are they trying to play? Find out today on this episode of Blind Politics!
The sun has now set on Boris Johnson after his official resignation as the British Prime Minister. Dr. Nolte once covered Johnson's meteoric rise, and so shall he cover the twilight of his time as Prime Minister. What what was the catalyst for Johnson's catastrophic fall from grace, and what does the future hold for the United Kingdom? Find out on this episode of Blind Politics!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte continues his breakdown of the most important upcoming elections, this time focusing on the upcoming gubernatorial races. Who will win? Who will lose? Tune in to find out!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte gives us his updated predictions on who will come out on top in the senate race as the competition heats up as we get closer to the elections. If you are looking a possible edge on Predict It, or are just curious about how your candidate of choice is stacking up against the competition, tune in to this episode of Blind Politics!
Election junkies tune in to this episode! Dr. Nolte will take a deep dive into the most important primaries happening, share his predictions on who he thinks will come out on top, and attempt to answer the question, "why on Earth does Tennessee have its primary on the 4th?" Thanks for stopping by Blind Politics and enjoy the episode.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte dives into the craziness that is Israeli politics to explain the significance of Israel's fifth election in three years, and what it might mean for the U.S. - Israel relations. Thank you for joining us on this episode of Blind Politics!
In this episode of Blind Politics, Dr. Nolte explores the crowded field of potential presidential nominees and shares his thoughts on the top ten candidates most likely to receive the Republican nomination. Thanks for joining us on this episode of Blind Politics.
In this episode of Blind Politics, Dr. Nolte presents truths that both Democrats and Republicans need to face in light of the January 6 hearings, especially as key political issues emerge and 2024 rapidly approaches.
In this episode of Blind Politics, Dr. Nolte recaps the events of the June 7th primaries and shares his predictions regarding the most important upcoming primaries!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte recaps primary election results from Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, and Minnesota. Taking a big-picture view, he also highlights a few general things we’ve learned during the primary-packed month of May.
On May 17th, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Oregon, and Idaho voted for their mid-term election nominees. In this recap of the most crowded primary night so far, Dr. Nolte announces the results of important races and identifies important voting patterns.
Prompted by the mass shooting in Buffalo, NY, Dr. Nolte responds to the demographic replacement theory that seem to have motivate the shooter in that attack. In this episode, he asserts there is no such thing as demographic destiny and explains the dangerous impact of replacement theory in the "fever swamps" of both political parties.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte highlights three points about the potential impact of repealing Roe v. Wade:
- Repealing Roe is a good thing for our country.
- It will likely not have an impact as decisive as some expect.
- It will not save Democrat politicians in the midterm elections.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte reacts to and laughs about the public's reaction to Elon Musk buying Twitter. You might be wondering, why do people care? Listen to this episode to learn the answer.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte fills us in on what happened in the Ohio and Indiana primaries. In particular, the results in Ohio shed some light on the question of how much weight a Trump endorsement carries.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte summarizes all the primaries that will take place during the month of May. His analysis tells you what races to keep an eye on and forecasts some key outcomes. By the end of the month, we should have a clearer idea about the political climate in the country.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte provides an update on the recent elections in France, Russia's plans for Moldova, and developments in Donbas.
Dr. Nolte believes the looming battle in the Donbas region will be a major pivot point in the Russo-Ukrainian war. In this episode, he explains why, identifies various possible outcomes, and discusses the possibility of Russia using a tactical nuclear weapon.
Who would win the Republican primaries for the 2024 Presidential election if they happened today? In this episode, Dr. Nolte updates his power rankings to reflect the change in the political terrain over the past few months.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte introduces you to Russian political analyst Alexander Dugin. From a conservative Christian perspective, Dugin might be the most dangerous man you've never heard of since his false doctrine and dangerous ideology have found an audience among some on the American political right. Dr. Nolte critically examines Dugin, underscores the danger of his influence, and urges Americans to stay on guard against wolves in sheep's clothing.
Florida's so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill has garnered disdain from some and support from others. In this episode, Dr. Nolte talks about what Florida House Bill 1557 says, what it doesn't say, and considers the strengths and weaknesses of this new legislation.
Viktor Orban, Hungary's Prime Minister, inspires strong feelings: some have labeled him a fascist, while others have hailed him as a conservative role model. In light of Orban's reelection, Dr. Nolte takes this opportunity to consider who Orban is as a political actor and how the world can engage with him.
Right now, it is unclear what the U.S. strategic objectives are in the Russo-Ukrainian war; however, we all know we need them. In this episode, Dr. Nolte considers different strategic objective the U.S. could adopt and the potential consequences of each. Finally, he offers his own perspective on the best strategic path for the U.S. to advance during this crisis.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte and Arielle Del Turco discuss their research on the benefits of using faith-based actors to administer aid in crisis situations. Their findings are especially relevant as Congress develops strategies for responding to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
Follow this link to the op-ed Dr. Nolte and Arielle Del Turco wrote on this subject: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/aid-ukraine-congress-faith-based-groups-aj-nolte-arielle-del-turco
In this episode, Dr. Nolte uses data from Pew research to evaluate religiosity in Europe. His analysis reveals that Putin's narrative about a religious, traditionalist Russia defending itself against a decadent, secular west does not match the actual data about modern-day religiosity.
In this episode, special guest Fr. Job Serebrov talks about his area of expertise: orthodox theology. There is a complicated relationship between the Putin regime and the Moscow patriarchate. This podcast takes a close-up look at the theological, political, and cultural aspects of this important relationship.
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, says the war in Ukraine represents a conflict of visions between Russia and the West: the West is okay with LGBT+ Pride parades while Russia is not. In this episode, Dr. Nolte examines the role of LGBT+ issue in the war.
Colin Powell filled many honorable roles during his life, but he was never an American President. In honor of this great leader, Dr. Nolte imagines a hypothetical scenario that leads to a Powell Presidency and speculates about how the world would look different as a result.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte talks with special guest Julianne Condrey about everything we know regarding the Virginia 2021 election. They discuss strategic moves and potential missteps candidates have made along the campaign trail. They identify critical districts in the House of Delegates races. And finally, they encourage Virginians to get out and VOTE!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte analyzes the results of the off-year elections. What can Republicans learn from Glenn Youngkin's success in Virginia? What could Democrats do to protect their seats in the 2022 midterm elections? For answers to these questions and many more, tune in to this episode!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte goes on record saying he does NOT think Donald Trump will make another run for the presidency. He acknowledges just how difficult it is to predict Trump's behavior, but tune into this podcast to hear why Dr. Nolte believes the Republican nomination will go to someone else.
In this episode, special guest Richard Parker brings his expertise to answer Dr. Nolte's questions about the food security implications of the war in Ukraine. Mr. Parker warns that the absence of key agricultural exports from Ukraine and Russia has staggering humanitarian and security implications for people around the world.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte shares a message about deterrence. He reminds American policymakers that taking things off the table doesn't deter harmful acts. We can only prevent bad actors from doing bad things when they are scared of us, and right now, they just aren't.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte shares a tale of two countries, each with its own national concepts. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine occurs within the context of their unique national narratives. To understand this conflict better, we must understand the role of Russian and Ukrainian nationalism.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte considers a range of possible outcomes in the Russia-Ukraine war, evaluating the probability of each possible scenario.
There are complicated religious dynamics within Eastern Orthodoxy, and this episode helps straighten things out. Dr. Nolte and special guest Dan Harre talk about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, a group still under authority from Moscow, and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which accepted autocephaly in 2019. Their conversation highlights the importance of religious soft power and the religious factors at work in the war in Ukraine.
In this episode, two Texans discuss the results of the 2022 Texas primary. Guest host Justin Murff and special guest Bunni Pounds offer insight into the inner workings of the Texas political environment and consider what these outcomes mean for politics more broadly.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has a definite impact on the Middle East. In this episode, Dr. Nolte pinpoints how factors such as food, oil, and the Iran Nuclear Deal impact middle eastern actors, and he provides suggestions on how the US should respond.
This episode launches a new Blind Politics series: Eye on Ukraine. During the ongoing Russo-Ukraine war, Dr. Nolte analyzes global impact, domestic response, and conflict context. Stay tuned for more frequent episodes to keep you informed.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte talks about how Russia's invasion of Ukraine has changed the game for global politics. He calls for a strong American response to isolate Russia, support Ukraine, and protect American hegemony.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte explains why he thinks the brewing Parents' Revolt could have a greater impact than the 2010 Tea Party movement. The primary strength of the Parents' Revolt is its simple message: "get back in the classroom, get the masks off the kids, and stop teaching nonsense." Listen to this episode to hear how remote learning, masking in classrooms, critical race theory, and critical gender theory inspired this populist movement.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte hops around the country, pointing to the most crucial senate, house, and governor’s races in the 2022 election season. He sets the stage for this election year by telling you about the key players to watch and goes on record with a few predictions.
At this moment of American history, some leaders on both sides of the political aisle claim that the state of our elections poses an "existential threat" to democracy. Dr. Nolte responds to these claims with the shocking assertion that American elections are fine. Listen to this episode to hear Dr. Nolte's hot takes about stolen elections, election reforms, and partisan politics.
A year and a day after the events of January 6th, 2021, Dr. Nolte talks about what happened at the Capitol, the political mistakes and missed opportunities that followed, and the lingering mystery that still surrounds that day in American history.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte recognizes outstanding events and individuals from 2021. Find out what Dr. Nolte identifies as the most significant, iconic, underreported, and over-reported events. Learn who takes the awards for noteworthy international actors and domestic actors from both political parties. Finally, hear Dr. Nolte go on record with a few predictions of what he expects to happen in 2022.
Dr. Nolte says it isn't too early to start thinking about the 2024 Presidential election. Of course, a lot can and will change in the next few years, but for now, here are 15 potential Republican candidates to keep an eye on and a few thoughts about the Democrats.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte evaluates Dr. Robin DiAngelo's article "White Fragility" and considers the danger of fragility in a democracy. While some of Dr. DiAngelo's points may be useful as tools to explain discreet situations, the overall argument is fallacious, internally inconsistent, and paradigmatically false. However, the discussion of fragility is important, so Dr. Nolte discusses how unexamined assumptions make people fragile and pose a risk to democracy.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte is joined by returning guest Mari Serebrov to discuss recent developments with COVID-19. What do we know about the Omicron variant? How do things look with FDA approval for new therapeutic treatments? And what direction are we headed in? For answers to all these questions, tune in to this episode!
With increased immunization rates and highly effective treatment options, the threat of COVID-19 is shrinking every day. This reality turns Dr. Nolte's attention to thinking about what America will look like post-pandemic. Listen to this podcast to hear Dr. Nolte's predictions about consumer behavior, mistrust of experts, and skepticism of China.
With our attention turned so frequently from crisis to crisis, it is easy to let Lebanon slip to the back of our minds. But this episode brings the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon to the forefront. Dr. Nolte is joined by May-Lee Melki and Justin Murff--two people with knowledge of the situation on the ground--to discuss what is happening in the country.
Learn more and donate here:
Heart for Lebanon: https://heartforlebanon.org/donate/
Resurrection Church Beirut: https://www.rcbeirut.org/donate/
In this episode, Professor Lynne Kohm joins us to discuss how she applies intersectionality in her analysis of the abortion issue. She shares her perspective on how abortion negatively impacts women and minority groups. This is an episode you won't want to miss!
Check out Professor Kohm's article here: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3910730
A passing glance at domestic politics in America shows intra-party conflict verging on civil war, chatter about a wave election in '22, and an infrastructure week that seems as unending as Groundhog day. Why is this happening and what should we make of it? Tune in to this podcast for Dr. Nolte's perspective.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte examines the constitutionality, efficacy, and political significance of President Biden's recent vaccine mandate.
For even further analysis of the mandate from a constitutional perspective, Dr. Nolte recommends the following podcast from Advisory Opinions: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-of-bidens-vaccine-mandate/id1490993194?i=1000535232792
In this episode, Dr. Nolte talks about the history of the pro-life movement, court rulings on the issue, and possible future legislation. What will Texas' new abortion law actually do? Will the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade when they rule on the upcoming case of Jackson v. Dobbs? In the aftermath, what will happen with abortion law? If you've wondered about any of these questions, check out this week's episode!
In this episode, Mari Serebrov joins us again to engage with questions about vaccinating the world. Is global vaccination truly the only way to move past the pandemic? If so, what are some of the hurdles we would have to overcome to get everyone vaccinated? Tune in to this podcast to hear her perspective!
Through his scholarship on just war theory, Dr. Eric Patterson has done a lot of thinking on ending wars well. His just war analysis of US involvement in Afghanistan is a discussion you won’t want to miss!
Our guest, Mari Serebrov, has been tracking COVID since day one through her work as a regulatory editor with BioWorld. In this episode, she talks with Dr. Nolte about the impact of the delta variant and the means we have to fight against it.
The foreign policy failure in Afghanistan and the ongoing domestic struggle with COVID-19 reveal that America must adopt a new operational approach if we are going to maintain our place in the world. But how did we get here, and what might a new strategic doctrine look like? For Dr. Nolte's answers to these and other questions, tune in to this episode of Blind Politics.
Dr. Nolte says that as we survey the situation in Afghanistan, "we are staring at something that is a national dishonor and embarrassment, a betrayal of allies, something that makes us look weaker, and something that makes us less safe." This podcast explains why Biden's withdrawal imploded and considers the long-term consequences of this foreign policy decision.
In this somewhat political and mostly very nerdy episode, Dr. Nolte talks about the future of space travel. He discusses the endeavor's potential impact on national security, innovation, the environment, and general American coolness. Dr. Nolte encourages you to "...think about this; this is cool! This is a cool thing! People are going into space!"
In this episode, Dr. Nolte provides context and commentary on the subject of critical race theory. This presentation of his nuanced perspective touches on the academic background of critical theory, acknowledges the many layers of this discussion, and offers suggestions on how we should teach American history.
In this episode of Blind Politics, Dr. Nolte speaks with a voice of reason on the current COVID situation in the US. Listen to this episode for updates on the data surrounding the Delta variant, reactions to masks in schools, and advice for public policy makers and citizens.
Further reading:
https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/national-review-says-the-vaccines-are-good-a-collection/
In this episode, Dr. Nolte speaks on the growing issues surrounding big tech and offers solutions that would protect the free market. If you want to learn more about what can and should be done to address concerns about big tech, don't miss this episode!
In this week's episode, Dr. Nolte and special guest Juliane Condrey discuss the results of the 2021 primary elections in Virginia!
In this week's episode, Dr. Nolte provides an introduction to astropolitics. His speculation on what alien society might look like isn't just for sci-fi fans, though. Instead, the discussion of different civilizations reveals something about human politics broadly.
In this week's episode, Dr. Nolte brings us up to speed on the new coalition government in Israel. He discusses the consequences of this new government for Israeli politics, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and the people of Israel. If you want to understand the ins and outs of Israel's political parties and their interactions, this is the episode for you!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte looks at the historical and current issues that are causing the violence in Israel currently. He deftly explains the manipulation, different political parties' roles, and so much more! This is an episode you won't want to miss.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses the outcomes of the recent Virginia Convention with Virginia politics guru Julianne Condrey!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses the ins and outs of the upcoming Virginia GOP Convention; what to pay attention to, who to watch out for, and how he thinks everything will play out!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discussed what being an expert really means, and how experts play a role in America's institutional crisis.
People all across the country often throw out the claim that America is about to collapse... but what if that's not true? Dr. Nolte explores this assertion and explains why it's probably not actually the case.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses corporations, political parties, and the relationship between the two.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte explores the American Solidarity Party with Prof. Albert Thompson, discussing its beliefs, goals, and why it should be a political party more people consider.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses how luck and character determine political destinies by examining the trajectories of modern politicians such as AOC, Ted Cruz, Andrew Cuomo, Donald Trump, and more.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte interviews Professor Albert Thompson of Howard University about issues related to race, racism, and white supremacy in the United States today.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses how Evangelicals and the topic of immigration will influence the GOP in the coming years.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte reflects on Black History month in a comprehensive way, looking at race, history, the United States, politics, the Civil War, and the 1619 project.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte examines the future of the GOP and delves into whether it is time for them to embrace Eisenhower again.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses what politics in Virginia will look like in 2021 with Regent student and Virginia lobbyist Julianne Condrey! Tune in to hear all about the upcoming Gubernatorial election and other important issues and races!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses what's been happening in Iran since COVID hit, why it's likely they're severely under-reporting their numbers, and whether this could be the downfall of the Iranian regime.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses the problems in how we interpret science today; how we often tout science as the gold-standard which we should all listen to and abide by... except when it doesn't line up with the narrative that is being pushed.
In the second episode of his series on the insurrection that took place in Washington, D.C. on January 6, Dr. Nolte continues to unpack what happened and analyzes what the dangers of the movement are moving forward.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses the events that took place in Washington, D.C. on January 6th. He looks at the reasons the insurrection took place, who the participants were, and President Trump's relations to the events, as well as how other notable politicians have handled it.
In this special Christmas episode, Dr. Nolte explains how Santa IS real... just maybe not quite the jolly elf we're all thinking of!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses whether or not the United States is actually on the cusp of secession, a claim that has been thrown around frequently throughout the 2020 election cycle. He then explains why secession is actually a very unlikely scenario, using real-world examples from other countries.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses how he anticipates the first year of the Biden administration will go and what some of the difficulties will be.
In this election, Dr. Nolte discusses the new trends and shifts we've seen in the wake of the 2020 election and discusses how they will impact American politics moving forward.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses the recent election and the down-ballot disaster that the Democrats have been experiencing.
In this special Thanksgiving-themed episode, Dr. Nolte reflects on the meaning and importance of gratitude in both our lives and politics.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte reviews the last four years and analyzes the successes and failures of the Trump administration and those affiliated with it.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte dives deep into the Big Tech challenges that our nation, and the world, are facing. What are we going to do about how Big Tech controls social media platforms, how they influence our political behavior, their control over our searching and buying behavior, and their problematic alliances they make with dictatorships around the world? Dr. Nolte suggests that these questions will be some of the most important that our congress will be facing in the coming years.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses what we've learned from the 2020 election and what things will look like moving forward!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses third parties and how they can become relevant in American politics. He also discusses the costs and benefits of voting for them in the 2020 election and who some of the up-and-coming third parties are!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses how the tactics used by those interested in politics to convert others to their side have changed over time. He argues that returning to the use of persuasion will be necessary in order to move past the political stalemate we currently find ourselves in.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses the different ways that Trump and Biden approach foreign policy. He discusses whose views are better on many different issues, and even uses jelly bean analogies to illustrate what we can expect from each of them! This is an episode that you won't want to miss.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte analyzes what happened at the VP debate and discusses what the race will look like until November 3rd.
We're now just 4 weeks out from the election, and in this episode, Dr. Nolte and Brian Cannon discuss what will be the most important issue on the ballot for Virginia voters: Virginia Amendment 1. Virginia Amendment 1 is proposing a bipartisan redistricting commission and is a chance for Republicans and Democrats to both get a say in redistricting moving forward. Learn all about why this is so important right here!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte interviews Regent law professor Brad Jacob about Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court. They discuss everything from what her views on how to interpret the Constitution may be to why people on both sides of the aisle feel very strongly about her nomination.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses the recent Presidential Debate and why what happened is a situation we should never allow to happen again once this election season is over.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses the current political climate in the wake of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death. Why is everyone so concerned with who the next justice will be? And what is the main issue that nobody will talk about, and why? Dr. Nolte discusses all this, and more, right here!
In this special episode, Dr. Nolte interviews Ken Bricker and Hank Jones about how Jews and Christians across the world can cooperate in order to achieve common goals, and delve into many current political issues that are of the utmost importance for everyone.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses the great political divide in our country and explains how the polarization is caused by tribalism and an unwillingness to compromise with those across the aisle.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses how to analyze and understand COVID data with Dr. Ryan Murnane. The two discuss everything from why comparing the United States to other countries is like comparing apples to oranges to why you should look to the Governors of different states to really understand how things are actually going.
In this very special episode, Dr. Nolte interviews the former Governor of Virginia, Bob McDonnell, about the American Political Tradition. They discuss many facets of the American political tradition including what its most important aspects are, what the greatest threats to it today are, how it was developed, and so much more. This is an episode you won't want to miss!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte analyzes the state of the 2020 election season, looking at key races across the company and what will drive both Trump's and Biden's bases to the polls.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte gets into the weeds of both political philosophy and religion. He discusses Voegelin, church history, Gnosticism, and the impacts that Gnostic philosophy has on our politics today.
Confused about all the hullabaloo over the Post Office? In this episode, Dr. Nolte breaks everything down and explains why it is actually a non-issue.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/18/opinion/usps-vote-by-mail.html#after-story-ad-2
You asked, Dr. Nolte answers. In this "Ask Me Anything" episode, Dr. Nolte answers all your burning questions.
Previous pods that are mentioned in this episode:
George Washington is Still, and will Always Be, the Greatest President: https://anchor.fm/blind-politics/episodes/George-Washington-is-Still--and-will-Always-Be--the-Greatest-President-7242020-eh6j38
How Conservatives Can Join the Conversation on Race, and Why They Should: https://anchor.fm/blind-politics/episodes/How-Conservatives-Can-Join-the-Conversation-on-Race--and-Why-They-Should-6162020-efgcs7
Pivot to China, with Special Guest Josh Hastey: part 1, https://anchor.fm/blind-politics/episodes/Pivot-to-China--with-Special-Guest-Josh-Hastey-2182020-eatmju part 2, https://anchor.fm/blind-politics/episodes/Pivot-to-China-with-Special-Guest-Josh-Hastey--pt--2-2212020-eb0572
China Strategy after Coronavirus with Professor Josh Hastey: https://anchor.fm/blind-politics/episodes/China-Strategy-after-Coronavirus-with-Professor-Josh-Hastey-5192020-ee9njo
In this special episode, Dr. Nolte discusses the historic peace agreement between Israel and the U.A.E. and analyzes the effects it will have in the region and for both countries individually.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses the news of Kamala Harris being selected as Joe Biden's vice president and considers what benefits she will bring to his campaign and how she will play the game.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses the history of the Electoral College, the importance it still has today, and how, if we want to change American politics, getting rid of the Electoral College is not the answer. He focuses on the often-ignored impacts of such a change and argues that, if we want the American people to have more power, we need to return some of the power that the President holds to Congress.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte reviews the past 50 episodes of the podcast, outlines the plans for the podcast moving forward, and discusses what the world will potentially be like after 50 more episodes!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses why and how George Washington became the greatest President. He pays special attention to how, in a time of crisis, Washington was able to reinvigorate his exhausted and angry troops in order to win the Revolutionary War, and how, despite being the Patriot King, he was still able to step away from the Presidency after only two terms and set a precedent that has shaped our country for the better for over 200 years.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses how we should think about experts and expertise. Drawing on current events and using pop-culture figures such as Bill Nye and Neil Degrasse Tyson as examples, Dr. Nolte discusses how just because someone is in expert in something, that does not necessarily mean they are an expert on everything they choose to discuss. However, this does not mean we should disregard what experts tell us, we just need to evaluate whether they are discussing something that is actually in their field.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses two major recent events that have taken place in the Middle East: Turkey deciding to turn the Hagia Sophia back into a mosque, and Iran's new alliance with China. Both of these events have consequences that could be further reaching than any of the involved countries truly understand, and Dr. Nolte explains exactly why this is.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/11/world/asia/china-iran-trade-military-deal.html
https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/arab-states-give-china-a-pass-on-uyghur-crackdown
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses what would have happened if the Confederates had won the Civil War. He asserts that in that scenario, at this point in history the Confederates States of America would likely be extremely unstable, if not a failed state. The Confederates losing was perhaps the single best thing that could have happened for this country, because otherwise everybody would have lost (Unions, Confederates, and many other countries).
This episode begins a new trilogy of episodes in which Dr. Nolte discusses Civil War counterfactuals and considers how our nation has been shaped by that event. He discusses whether or not the Civil War could have prevented, and examines what the impacts of that would have been on our country.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses whether or not the Republican and Democrat parties should hold conventions this summer, why conventions are normally held, and what some alternatives to the traditional "in-person" conventions could be in the age of Covid-19.
In this episode. Dr. Nolte discusses what our foreign policy should look like moving forward, and explains why he believes it will rely on building a "Zone of Peace" grand strategy with other democratic nations (that also have peaceful transitions of power) worldwide.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte examines how Conservatives can join the conversation on race, and discusses why the basis of racial equality should be acknowledging everyone's human dignity.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte continues to ponder the issues America is facing right now, and he explains how and why we ended up where we are. He articulates that a lack of virtue in American society is the primary reason we have ended up here, and calls on us all to return to virtue in order to help rightly re-order our society.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte tackles some of the difficult issues that have arisen over the past several weeks and discusses how the virtues of Gratitude and Justice shape different people's perspectives and cause people to talk past one another. He also discusses what the role of the Church should be in bridging the racial divide in our country.
Do you love American history? Are you obsessed with the second half of the hit musical Hamilton? Do you enjoy political drama? If so, this week's episode of Blind Politics will be right up your alley. Dr. Nolte discusses all the drama between our Founding Fathers and draws parallels between the partisanship that has become so prevalent today and that of the 1790s.
The major role of media in United States politics is undeniable... whether you love it or hate it, it is a force to be reckoned with. In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses some of the impacts that the media has had during the 21st century, and what the role of media has been in the United States has been going all the way back to the Washington administration. He explains how the conception of media has changed since the 1700s, and explains how the idea of an "unbiased" media is a new idea and not something our Founding Father's intended when creating the First Amendment.
In this episode, Professor Josh Hastey returns to discuss what strategies the United States, and world, should take when dealing with China in the wake of the Coronavirus.
https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2014/april/defend-first-island-chain
The debate on re-opening the economy has largely come down on partisan lines, but in this episode, Dr. Nolte cuts across the partisan divide and evaluates and explains the arguments with empathy for all. He implores that we, as a society, come together during this time to figure out the best solution rather than assuming the worst about others because their opinion on how to handle this crisis moving forward differs from yours. Everybody wants what is best for society, and now is the time to show love and grace to all of our neighbors because this is a difficult and unprecedented time for everyone.
In this exciting episodes, Dr. Nolte discusses international elections with expert Hank Jones (the newest faculty member of the Robertson School of Government). They cover a range of topics including how to deal with alleged mobsters, how different administrations have handled international foreign relations over the years, and why you should ALWAYS ask as many questions as possible when beginning a new job.
Don't forget: from May 4-6, Regent will be hosting a thrilling webinar on how to fuel the fire of representative democracy in a time of pandemic. Please register at this link to attend (https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEldOmqrT8iEtV6tnELO9EEPXYMVMVJZMj8) and visit our Facebook page for full details.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses how Coronavirus has affected religious freedom and discusses the constitutional principles behind why churches are allowed to be closed down, and explains how and why religious leaders and local governments should work together in the face of this pandemic.
Coronavirus has changed life as we know it dramatically, but how will COVID change our lives and the political landscape in the future? In this episode, Dr. Nolte considers what life in the United States will look like in the next few years, how our international relations will change, and examines how our local politicians deeply affect our lives.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses the histories of Islam and Christianity, how the structure of Islam is different than Christianity, and whether or not Islam is compatible with ideas such as women's rights
This week, Dr. Nolte discusses the relationship between capitalism and virtue. He explains the history of capitalism and argues that without virtue, capitalism would not be able to exist.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte looks at the responses of several more authoritarian leaning countries and how they have handled the Coronavirus. He also delves into why so many countries and global organizations refuse to recognize Taiwan as a state, and why it could never successfully be reintegrated into China.
In this episode, Dr. Nolte analyzes the responses of the United States, China, and Russia in regards to how they are handling the Coronavirus. He explains that despite the fact that democracies are often "messier" in how they respond, the fact that they share the truth of a given situation and learn from their mistakes is infinitely more valuable than any lies that an authoritarian country spits out.
"Political science requires sacrifice, and sometimes it requires sacrificing our deeply held convictions about the inadequacy of things like deep-dish pizza." To hear all about everyone's favorite food (pizza, of course), path-dependency, and the politics of institutional change, go ahead and listen to this thrilling episode wherever you find your podcasts!
This week, Dr. Nolte discusses how different views of human nature form the roots of political divide between conservatives and progressives. He also examines the Christian view of human nature, and how that relates to conservatism and progressivism.
I know we're all sick of the Coronavirus, so this week, Dr. Nolte catapults us forward in time to discuss what he thinks the general election between Joe Biden and Donald Trump will look like in November. He discusses what their main campaign focuses will be, and the strategies each will use to attempt to defeat their opponent.
The world has changed dramatically over the past several weeks due to the Coronavirus, and COVID-19 has become a focal point of many of our lives. This week, Dr. Nolte discusses what we know, and don't know, about the Coronavirus, and analyzes everything in a calm but thorough manner. If you're stuck at home, this is the perfect time to listen and share this with your friends and family. We don't want the Coronavirus to spread, but we definitely want this podcast to! Also, remember to wash your hands and look to the CDC for information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
In this week's episode, Dr. Nolte discusses the history of the U.S.-Israel alliance and what he learned at the AIPAC conference last weekend! He explains why support for Israel should be a bipartisan issue, and why all Israel supporters should unify over that issue regardless of what other political differences they may have.
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Super Tuesday was an important day in American politics... we learned who the true front runner in the Democratic primary is, and we learned some interesting things about American voters. This week, Dr. Nolte discusses why the vote went the way it did, and the possible paths for the different candidates moving forwards.
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
In this episode, Dr. Nolte and Admiral Larry Baucom discuss the rise of the coronavirus; how China has handled it, how the United States should handle it, the potential impacts it could have globally, and the precautions that every person should take in order to avoid catching it.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
In his second episode on Conservatism in America, Dr. Nolte discusses the idea of Christendom. What is it? What is the history of Christendom? Would it be possible for the United States to be a Christendom? To find out the answers to these questions (and many more), go ahead and listen wherever you get your podcasts!
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
In this episode, Dr. Nolte's producer asks him questions about headlines that have been in the news over the last couple of days. The four questions discussed are whether Bernie Sanders can win the general election, why Russia would be meddling in his campaign, what's going on in the Israeli elections, and whether the nuclear family was actually a mistake (a reference to the recent article by David Brooks).
David Brooks article: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/03/the-nuclear-family-was-a-mistake/605536/
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
In the thrilling conclusion to Dr. Nolte's discussion with Professor Josh Hastey, the two discuss everything from Coronavirus to China's trade relations to the surveillance of the Uyghurs and whether or not it is acceptable to do business with China. Please remember to rate and subscribe where ever you get your podcasts!
Sources:
Haaretz article on China’s Uighurs:
https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/.premium.MAGAZINE-a-million-people-are-jailed-at-china-s-gulags-i-escaped-here-s-what-goes-on-inside-1.7994216
Beckley’s book on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Unrivaled-America-Superpower-Cornell-Security/dp/1501724789
Shirk’s Book on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/River-Runs-Black-Environmental-University/dp/0801476135
Babones’s Article on Foreign Affairs (dated but still good
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/china/2011-08-19/middling-kingdom
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses China with China-expert Josh Hastey, a professor in the Roberston School of Government. In the first half of this special, two-part interview, Dr. Nolte and Professor Hastey discuss how countries develop power, China's territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and much more!
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses the results of the New Hampshire primary and analyzes in-depth what the future of the race looks like for the top candidates.
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses what Turkish foreign policy has looked like in recent years under Erdogan. He examines their foreign policy as it relates to the United States, the region as a whole, and examines how their foreign policy has changed over time.
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
There's been a lot going on politically in the past few weeks... speeches have been torn up, voting systems have completely and totally failed, and because of all this, it seems like there has been very little media coverage given to the Israeli/Palestinian Peace Plan that dropped a few days ago. This is actually an important development, so this week Dr. Nolte analyzes the plan, discussing the good and bad, and the potential impacts for the future of the conflict.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Peace-to-Prosperity-0120.pdf
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
This is our first ever episode recorded at a live event! In this episode, Dr. Nolte joins Dr. Higgins (from the College of Arts and Sciences at Regent) and Dean Perry (interim dean of the Robertson School of Government) to discuss the Iowa caucus and what the most likely (and most interesting) outcomes would be!
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Last Friday, President Trump made a speech at the March for Life rally in Washington, D.C. In this week's episode, Dr. Nolte considers what this means for both Trump and the pro-life movement as a whole.
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
In this episode, Dr. Nolte considers what the impacts of a more automated workforce will have on society as a whole. He examines the potential impacts that it will have on workers whose jobs are at risk of being automated, and also considers how it will ultimately be viewed by those whose jobs are not at risk of automation.
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses the history of nationalism and why Conservatives should be very wary of it. He also artfully explains the difference between being a nationalist and American exceptionalist, and why that difference is so important.
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
In this week's special bonus episode, Dr. Nolte reviews the recent major events regarding the United States and Iran and determines what was done well, what was done poorly, and predicts what is most likely to happen next.
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Are you tired of the seemingly endless rounds of presidential debates? Do you wish you could learn about how candidates would truly react in a crisis? In this episode, Dr. Nolte considers how a new form of presidential debates, one that puts nominees in a real-life crisis scenario, could better equip voters to choose their next president.
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
In this episode, Dr. Nolte reviews the major political changes of 2019. He considers who is "stock-up" and "stock-down" in both the Democratic and Republican parties, and discusses major international events including the Hong Kong protests and what is happening in Venezuela. He then looks forward to 2020, exploring what is likely to happen both internationally and in the United States.
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Are you curious about what's been going on in the Middle East? Iraq, Lebanon, and Israel have all experienced serious upheavals in recent months that have resulted in some fascinating questions. Are we entering a second Arab Spring in Iraq and Lebanon? Is Israel undergoing a political shift that could transform Israeli society? And what does all this mean for the endemic conflict in the region between Iran and Saudi Arabia? In this week's special episode, Dr. Nolte will answer all these questions and more.
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Have you heard about the recent British election but aren’t quite sure what happened? This week, Dr. Nolte is here to clear all that up for you. He first discusses the results of the election and considers what the long term impacts on Britain, the United States, and the European Union will be. He then looks to the future to see what changes might come in British politics and foreign policy as a result.
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
This week, using the historical case study of the infrequently discussed impeachment of Andrew Johnson, Dr. Nolte deftly explains what impeachment is, how it works, and why it’s so difficult. Dr. Nolte also looks into historical trends in order to predict what impeachments during the twenty-first century might look like moving forward.
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
In this episode, Dr. Nolte discusses the dynamics that shape the democratic primary races. He explains why it is the front-winners usually win, and who the notable exceptions to this were throughout American history. He finally discusses who is going to most likely be the Democratic nominee, and who other notable candidates in the democratic primaries are.
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
In this episode, Dr. AJ Nolte talks with special guest Dr. Mary Manjikian about monsters, zombies, and the politics of the end of the world (oh my!). The two discuss everything from Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" to the Walking Dead, and what our cultural obsession with zombies and horror has to do with politics today.
Music from https://filmmusic.io
"Groundwork" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Welcome to Blind Politics with Dr. AJ Nolte, the brand new podcast from Regent University's Robertson School of Government! This podcast will bring you national news stories and political coverage from a unique perspective, that is both informative and backed in solid research. Get ready to listen along with Dr. Nolte as he delves into what makes our world spin yesterday, today, and into the future!