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).