Inez Stepman of the Independent Women's Forum fills in for Jim on the 3 Martini Lunch podcast. Join Inez and Greg as they discuss Sen. Mitch McConnell announcing he won't run again, the latest unspeakable atrocities committed by Hamas, and how federal agencies are making DOGE-related budget cuts painful for the public.

First, they analyze Mitch McConnell’s decision to retire after 42 years in the Senate and 18 years as GOP leader, and they assess his performance. They credit McConnell for defending free speech, blocking left-wing policies, and confirming conservative judicial nominees. However, they criticize his failure to address federal spending and his lack of progress on conservative priorities during Republican control of the Senate.

Next, Inez and Greg express their outrage over the latest atrocities perpetrated by Hamas, including a gruesome ceremony involving the return of hostages' remains and reports detailing how the two young brothers who were brutally murdered. In addition,  the remains of their mother, Shiri Bibas, were excluded from the return to Israel. With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing reprisals, Inez and Greg reflect on the critical details of the Bibas family's abduction and the role of the Red Cross in facilitating the spectacle we saw this week.

Inez and Greg discuss government-run sites making DOGE-related budget cuts as painful as possible for visitors. They highlight three instances of "malicious compliance" and recall past government shutdown tactics used by Democrats to needlessly inconvenience the public.

Inez Stepman of the Independent Women's Forum fills in for Jim today. Join Inez and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they analyze the U.S. decision to designate cartels and gangs as terrorist organizations, President Trump’s sharp criticism of Ukrainian President Zelensky, and the latest developments on congestion tolls in New York City, where Andrew Cuomo's political ambitions are taking shape.

First, they commend the State Department for labeling MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and several cartels as terrorist organizations. They discuss why this designation matters, the impact it may have, and how it aligns with Trump’s national security strategy.

Next, they break down President Trump’s strong criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. They examine where Trump’s rhetoric diverges from the facts and how how Trump most likely believes this statement will help bring the war to an end. And while Trump and others have suggested possible Ukrainian concessions to reach a deal, Greg and Inez also consider what demands should be placed on Russia.

Finally, they dive into two major news items in New York City, where Inez resides. They assess the battle between the Trump administration and Gov. Kathy Hochul over congestion tolls. Plus, they react to reports that former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is likely to announce his run for mayor before the month ends.

Inez Stepman of the Independent Women's Forum fills in for Jim on this episode of the 3 Martini Lunch podcast. Join Inez and Greg as they discuss Trump’s legislative priorities, his controversial executive order on in vitro fertilization (IVF), and the role COVID played in shifting young men towards Trump in the 2024 elections.

First, Inez and Greg break down Trump’s call for a single reconciliation bill to tackle border policy, energy, defense, and tax cuts. Trump is aligning with the House strategy, while the Senate currently plans to divide the issues into two separate bills. Inez explains how this demonstrates what Trump learned from his  legislative approach eight years ago and why he’s likely to get what he wants in the end.

Next, they discuss Trump’s executive order aimed at making in vitro fertilization more accessible and more affordable. They both agree taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for IVF treatments. Greg says while IVF provides hope to married couples struggling with infertility, it also results in the destruction of human life in many cases. Inez opposes the executive order, warning it could accelerate the troubling rise of "designer babies" and genetic engineering. They also stress that the government should focus on making it easier and more affordable for families looking to adopt children already born.

Finally, they explore polling and analysis from The Atlantic that suggests COVID lockdowns and the erosion of trust in experts have contributed to a significant shift in young men’s political allegiance towards Donald Trump. Inez points out that the COVID era coincided with the peak of the woke movement, and many young men grew frustrated with being blamed for society’s problems.

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Undisputed King of Stuff and Sink the Rising Sun author Jon Gabriel is in for Jim today. Join Jon and Greg as they dive into Sen. Kennedy's hilarious but accurate diagnosis of Democrats, NGO's running out of customers for their migrant facilities along the border, and whether New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will remove New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

First, Jon and Greg share their amusement over Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy’s insightful and often hilarious analysis of the Democratic Party’s struggles in the 2024 elections. Kennedy accurately points out why Democrats fared poorly, and both Jon and Greg believe that the DNC’s recent elections prove the party still hasn't learned the lessons needed for future success.

Next, they welcome the news that a prominent NGO is shutting the doors of its San Diego migrant shelter because no migrants have shown up there since Trump became president. While the NGO cites Trump’s deactivation of the CBP One app, Jon and Greg suggest that tougher border policies and greater scrutiny of NGO funding are also significant factors at play.

Finally, Jon and Greg discuss the latest rumors surrounding New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and her potential removal of NYC Mayor Eric Adams from office. Democrats accuse Adams of assisting President Trump's efforts to deport criminal illegal immigrants in exchange for Justice Department favors, Jon and Greg largely agree on what is really happening here and shudder at the thought this could all be setting up the return of Andrew Cuomo to big time New York politics.

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Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour Host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim. Join Scot and Greg for the 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss CBS News' attacks on free speech, the significant decline in illegal border crossings, and how the right is outpacing the left on political messaging. They also offer their quick thoughts on the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live.

They start with a deep dive into multiple efforts by CBS News to undermine free speech. Scot and Greg explore the controversial comments made by Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan, who suggested that too much free speech contributed to the rise of the Nazis and the Holocaust. They also take aim at 60 Minutes' favorable coverage of German laws prosecuting individuals for allegedly posting offensive or false information online. They explain why CBS is taking this dangerous position and how it distorts the concept of free speech.

Next, the hosts celebrate the dramatic drop in illegal border crossings. They highlight a report showing just 229 illegal crossings on Sunday, a stark contrast to the peak numbers during the Biden administration. Greg attributes the sharp decline to policies enacted by the Trump administration that ended the incentives for illegal immigration, while Scot points out that President Biden could have implemented similar measures to achieve these results but refused.

Then they marvel at a new Politico report in which Democrats acknowledge that Republicans are "running circles" around them in terms of political messaging, which has almost never been the case. Scot explains why this is a significant development for the left, and how it explains their efforts, along with the media, to suppress free speech. 

Finally, Scot shares his thoughts on Sunday's 50th anniversary special for Saturday Night Live and which moments stood out in the program.

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Join Jim and Greg on 3 Martini Lunch Podcast, where they dive into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s refreshing priorities at the Pentagon, Vice President Vance’s accurate diagnosis of Germany’s issues, Trump’s approach to inflation, and the left’s relentless legal efforts to slow the Trump agenda.

First, they focus on Hegseth's call for a focus on military readiness rather than Pentagon climate change initiatives. Jim and Greg applaud Hegseth for ensuring the Pentagon prioritizes building a military capable of deterring and winning wars. They also discuss Vice President Vance’s remarks on the Russia-Ukraine war and his critique of German policies that have weakened the country’s position on the global stage over the past two decades.

Next, they analyze the latest inflation numbers and reject the left’s immediate attempt to blame Trump for a three percent year-over-year increase in January. While they acknowledge that economic changes take time, they highlight that Americans will expect real progress by the end of the year and especially ahead of the midterms. They agree with Trump's cost-cutting efforts and unleashing American energy to drive prices lower. Will that get the job done?

Finally, they sigh as Democrats launch lawsuit after lawsuit to stop as much of the Trump agenda as possible. While issues like birthright citizenship were always likely to end up in court, the left's relentless efforts to roll back orders that are clearly within Trump's powers, are simply a nuisance. Trump will ultimately prevail in most of these cases, but long will it take to get there?


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Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss another Senate Democrat retiring in 2026, Hamas planning to release more hostages but not meeting Trump’s demands, and Rep. Schakowsky speculating whether the term “manufacturing” discourages women from pursuing those jobs.

First, they react to the surprising news that Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith will not seek re-election in 2026. While Democrats remain favored in the race, Jim and Greg note that multiple retirements signal deeper concerns within the party. They also examine the Democrats’ bleak outlook at the state level in New Hampshire and how strong candidate selection will be crucial for the GOP’s chances of flipping Georgia’s Senate seat in 2026.

They also analyze Hamas' decision to release hostages based on the existing ceasefire agreement but not comply with Trump’s demand to release all captives by Saturday. Jim warns that allowing Hamas to ignore this ultimatum without consequences could weaken the U.S. position, and he argues that the Trump administration must have a clear response.

Finally, they shake their heads as Illinois Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky questions whether the term “manufacturing” deters women from pursuing such careers because it “sounds like a guy.” Jim sees this as yet another example of Democrats resorting to ridiculous rhetoric and political stunts as they struggle with their dwindling influence in Washington.


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Join Jim and Greg on 3 Martini Lunch as they focus on a new Michigan poll suggesting Republicans have the edge in the 2026 Senate race, the Dems' hysterical focus on Elon Musk and DOGE, and the White House barring the Associated Press from an Oval Office gathering because it won't acknowledge the Gulf of America,

First, Jim and Greg analyze a very early poll showing Republican Mike Rogers leading Pete Buttigieg in a hypothetical U.S. Senate matchup. Could the GOP win a Senate seat in Michigan for the first time in more than 30 years? They also discuss the weak fundraising numbers from New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen and debate whether New Hampshire might present a valuable GOP pickup opportunity in the 2026 elections.

Next, Jim and Greg dive into the Democrats’ exaggerated outrage over "unelected bureaucrats" making decisions within the executive branch, particularly regarding the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Democrats have long used the administrative state to push their policies, yet they now criticize the same system they’ve relied on.. However, they do encourage Elon Musk and his team to be more transparent about what they are finding so the American people can see it all.

Finally, Jim and Greg react to the ongoing spat between the White House and the Associated Press (AP) over press access to the Oval Office. The White House allegedly blocked the AP from a pool of reporters during an Oval Office event because the wire service refuses to use “Gulf of America” instead of the preferred “Gulf of Mexico.” 


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Join Jim and Greg for the 3 Martini Lunch podcast, where they break down President Trump’s ultimatum to Hamas, the return of Fort Bragg's name in a clever way, and alarming reports of FBI figures allegedly tipping off illegal immigrants about ICE raids.

First, President Trump is issuing a stern warning to Hamas, saying that hell will be unleashed if all hostages are not released by Saturday. His ultimatum comes as Hamas pauses its release of hostages, claiming Israel has violated the terms of the ceasefire. Jim believes Trump's anger over the condition of released hostages is evident, and they both think the vague nature of Trump's threat is a smart way to put pressure on the terrorists.

Next, Jim and Greg applaud Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision to rename Fort Liberty in North Carolina back to Fort Bragg. The name had been familiar to many, and this change not only ends the confusion but also shifts the honor to a different individual named Bragg—a U.S. Army PFC who heroically fought at the Battle of the Bulge, rather than the Confederate general.

Finally, they react to disturbing allegations that some FBI figures and other government sources are tipping off illegal immigrants about pending ICE raids aimed at removing criminals and others who are in the U.S. illegally. Jim says anyone who has a problem with the policy needs to resign or ask for a transfer. And anyone who deliberately undermines it should face stiff penalties.

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Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they analyze strong CBS poll numbers for President Trump, his controversial Labor Secretary pick, and their thoughts on Super Bowl LIX.

First, they react to President Trump's positive poll numbers just three weeks into his term. Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan appeared less than pleased to report Trump's 53% approval rating and that 70% of Americans believe he's keeping his promises. They discuss how future polling will depend on Trump's handling of unexpected events and argue that the media's relentless negativity isn't swaying public opinion much at all.

Next, they examine the push to derail Trump's Labor Secretary pick, former Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer. The National Right to Work Committee warns that she backs the PRO Act, which would ban the right to work without union membership and severely impact freelancers. They also question whether this nomination is a reward for some labor unions refusing Kamala Harris or whether Trump is shifting his stance on labor policy. But in all honesty, blocking this nomination will be very difficult. 

Finally, they break down Super Bowl LIX—from the Philadelphia Eagles' dominant win over the Kansas City Chiefs to commercials. Plus, Jim explains the not-so-subtle messaging inside Kendrick Lamar's halftime show while Greg wishes there wasn't a halftime show at all.

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