Political Chit-Chat: Recent Episodes
Russell and Colin Behrens
Colin is a graduate student at an Ivy League Institution. Russ is a small business owner. Father and son are avid observers of American politics. Join them as they get together every week to discuss the important issues of the day, analyze political maneuvering, and figure out how this country can become civil again.
Russ and Colin talk about the governor's race in Georgia, Mark Meadows' power point, and Putin vis-a-vis the Ukraine.
In this episode, Russ and Colin read through the BBB framework to judge what it does, how much it costs, and how well it is implemented as far as we can tell.
In this episode, Russ and Colin go through the headlines of the week and reflect on how divided we've become as a country to such a degree that voting to protect Steve Bannon doesn't even seem shocking to us anymore.
In this game episode, Colin and Russ catch up on the politics surrounding the infrastructure bills and the upcoming mid-terms.
In this episode, Colin and Russ go through the new Texas voting bill and determine which parts of it are good policy, bad policy, and dangerous.
In this episode, Colin and Russ discuss the Three Stream Theory of Agenda Setting and how it can be applied to today.
In this episode, Russ gives us a brief discussion about how presidents have sought to preserve nature by creating national parks.
https://youtu.be/nwQVeNi2ms8
In this episode, Russ and Colin discuss the California Gubernatorial recall election as well as the latest diplomatic incident with Australia and the French.
In this episode, Russ and Colin discuss Biden's COVID speech. Was this speech bad COVID politics, or did Biden show the country that we're finally done with putting up with vaccine resistant people? Come for the good political analysis, stay for the fun anecdotes about Disney World. Our hearts and prayers go out to those who were murdered in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
In this episode, Colin and Russ discuss the abortion bill coming out of Texas and its bounty hunter clause. They also go into how this bill could impact the Republican primary and the general elections going forward before diving into this week's headlines.
Colin and Russ discuss the challenges current facing the Biden's administration, as well as different tactics Biden could employ to combat them. In Colin's opinion, Biden needs to take control of the narrative and take it away from Afghanistan until 3 years from now, the line "I got us out of Afghanistan" will be popular again.
In this episode, Colin and Russ discuss why people accept one authority figure over another, why they believe in certain belief systems, and how similar religion is to conspiratorial thinking. Quite a fun episode!
In this episode, Colin and Russ discuss everything under the sun, from Cuomo's resignation to Russian hacking; from COVID policy to new troubles in Afghanistan.
In this episode, Colin and Russ discuss the political tribulations of Andrew Cuomo and Ron DeSantis, as well as an extended excursus into Russ' past with the Disney Firework show.
In this episode, Colin and Russ discuss why America has been so reactive in their actions towards COVID (and other areas, like infrastructure) rather than acting proactively.
In this episode, Colin and Russ discuss the recent political happenings in the House before turning to the US posture towards Cuba. EVERYONE GO GET VACCINATED!!!
In this episode, Colin and Russ discuss some documents leaked from the Kremlin before turning their attention to some of the new books that have been published about Trump's final year in office.
Russ and Colin discuss Biden's withdrawal of our troops in Afghanistan and its potential implications before getting to the headlines of the week.
In this episode, Colin and Russ discuss Critical Race Theory -- what is it, how has it been presented in the media, and why are Republicans constantly harping about it? Included within is a rant Colin goes on about the role of education in the classroom and how Republicans keep wanting to stifle it in the name of "Free Speech."
In this episode, Russ and Colin discusses the latest tactics involved in passing infrastructure legislation.
· For what reason are Progressives demanding a broader reconciliation bill?
· Why are Democratic leaders vowing that they will not pass this bipartisan bill without a reconciliation bill?
· How does the threat of a reconciliation bill impact Republican efforts to pass the bipartisan bill?
· Can Democrats pass the bipartisan bill without progressive support?
· What are the optics for Biden?
· How do we predict things go? For video Russ referenced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSfejgwbDQ8
In this episode, Russ and Colin discuss Biden and Putin's recent summit. What should we expect from a summit? What constitutes a win and a loss? How well did Biden do? How well did Putin do? We then discuss the establishment of Juneteenth as a holiday and Chinese-American competition.
In this episode, Russ and Colin go step by step through the Georgia Voting Rights Bill to ascertain what is merely a policy disagreement and what is actually dangerous. In today's political climate, we are too easily persuaded to dismiss the concerns or counterarguments of the other side as being hysterical or needlessly alarmist. This video aims to add some precision to the ongoing discussion around voting rights and democracy.
In this episode, Russ and Colin discuss foreign policy. What should our moves be against Russia and China? What does Biden hope to accomplish with the G7? What about COVID vaccines and the developing world? Also, how is Kamala Harris doing with the border? How should we view her efforts in Guatamala?
In this episode, Russ and Colin discuss a hodgepodge of topics, ranging from Trump's newest speech, Matt Walsh's GoFundMe for AOC's grandma, how the media designs headlines to create outrage, Fauci's emails, and Joe Manchin.
In this episode, Russ and Colin discuss the difference between transitory and long term inflation. Is it even possible to tell which type we're facing today? We also discuss the recent switch in the intelligence community concerning if a certain worldwide phenomenon originated in a lab, as well as discussing the recent developments in the Infrastructure Plan.
In this episode, Russ and Colin discuss regional differences in mask wearing before getting to the main story of the week -- the passing of the January 6th Commission in the House of Representatives. Do we need a Commission? Why is the Republican leadership against it, and what does it mean that 35 of them voted against it? What is the likely fate of the Commission in the Senate, and how might that impact the Republicans electorally in 2022? Article about Georgia purging the voter rolls: https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/many-eligible-georgia-voters-were-canceled-nation-largest-purge/jRlixHpVs0I9wVQYdDjxvM/
In this episode, Russ and Colin react to the ousting of Liz Cheney and the release of a letter-in-protest by 100 former Republican officials. While we do not agree with Liz Cheney's policies, the reasons why she has been ousted is bad for the health of the American Republic; yet, at the same time, the so-called "resistance" from Republicans has been totally lacking. Also, it's Dad's birthday.
In this episode, Colin and Russ respond to listener questions before debating likely candidates for the upcoming 2024 election. Of course, this is all subject to change, as we are years out; yet it is interesting to note how divorced "people who will run" is from "people who should run"!
In this episode of Political Chit-Chat, Russ and Colin discuss what makes a good presidential candidate. What qualities should they have? How does one balance ideological preference with "electability"? What's more important: base mobilization or persuasion? This will set the stage for an upcoming discussion as to who we think will be the primary contenders in 2024.
This week, Russ and Colin discuss Biden's speech to Congress, as well as the new evidence in the Matt Gaetz scandal and the developments in Rudy Giuliani's life. Also, Russ might have found a good deal on a baby grand piano.
In this episode, Russ and Colin discuss the headlines of the week, including the true nature of the Lincoln Project and the political reasons for DC Statehood. They then discuss the outcome of the Chauvin trial before attempting to figure out how the US should respond to Russian aggression against Ukraine. Should we stay out of the fighting, or should we get more intimately involved? What risks are involved? What should drive our foreign policy? Complex questions, and no easy answers!
In this episode of Political Chit-Chat, Colin and Russ discuss the week's headlines before diving into John Boehner's book. How was his Speakership? Why publish the book now? What does it mean for Republicans as a whole? They then move on to talk about Afghanistan. Should we leave? How do you do it safely? Why were we there in the first place?
Russ and Colin get together on this special, thematic episode to discuss the Filibuster, how it's being abused, how it should be reformed, and what role (legislative) minority rights have to play in our country. Hijinks also ensue.
“Tower of the Shadow of Death -Jukebox Remix-/The Legend of Heroes: Ao no Kiseki Official Soundtrack/ Copyright © Nihon Falcom Corporation“ is used in accordance with Falcom’s Music Use Policy (https://www.falcom.co.jp/music-use).
In this episode, Colin and Russ go through the headlines from this past week, including the progression of the COVID Vaccine and the social reaction to the vaccine, how the Suez Canal impacted global commerce, and summarizing what we know about everyone's favorite congressman from the Panhandle.
“Tower of the Shadow of Death -Jukebox Remix-/The Legend of Heroes: Ao no Kiseki Official Soundtrack/ Copyright © Nihon Falcom Corporation“ is used in accordance with Falcom’s Music Use Policy (https://www.falcom.co.jp/music-use).
Colin and Russ discuss the headlines of the week before talking about the Biden Infrastructure Plan. What are its advantages, and what are its pitfalls? They also touch on issues surrounding clean energy and Dominion's legal action against Fox News.
“Tower of the Shadow of Death -Jukebox Remix-/The Legend of Heroes: Ao no Kiseki Official Soundtrack/ Copyright © Nihon Falcom Corporation“ is used in accordance with Falcom’s Music Use Policy (https://www.falcom.co.jp/music-use).
Colin and Russ attempt to understand why Trump was successful at winning the Republican nomination and to ascertain what role he has to play in the party going forward. Russ ends it with a musical number.
“Tower of the Shadow of Death -Jukebox Remix-/The Legend of Heroes: Ao no Kiseki Official Soundtrack/ Copyright © Nihon Falcom Corporation“ is used in accordance with Falcom’s Music Use Policy (https://www.falcom.co.jp/music-use).
Russ and Colin are joined by Rick to discuss what Truth is. Is Truth an objective pointer at reality? Or is it governed by the social realities we all face? Porque no los dos?
“Tower of the Shadow of Death -Jukebox Remix-/The Legend of Heroes: Ao no Kiseki Official Soundtrack/ Copyright © Nihon Falcom Corporation“ is used in accordance with Falcom’s Music Use Policy (https://www.falcom.co.jp/music-use).
Colin and Russ discuss the role that political parties should play in society, what their limits should be, and why people get into politics. Also Russ discusses his father's career on a local school board and informs us of a duck massacre.
“Tower of the Shadow of Death -Jukebox Remix-/The Legend of Heroes: Ao no Kiseki Official Soundtrack/ Copyright © Nihon Falcom Corporation“ is used in accordance with Falcom’s Music Use Policy (https://www.falcom.co.jp/music-use).
Russ and Colin take their first forays into examining what it means to "govern." Questions include
What is the difference between politics and governing?
What are the functions of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches?
What is important to the American Public in governing?
“Tower of the Shadow of Death -Jukebox Remix-/The Legend of Heroes: Ao no Kiseki Official Soundtrack/ Copyright © Nihon Falcom Corporation“ is used in accordance with Falcom’s Music Use Policy (https://www.falcom.co.jp/music-use).