President Trump met with both Putin and Zelensky separately in an effort to broker a deal of a lasting peace agreement.  What would a deal look like?  Long-time WCPSS school board member resigned from her post.  I take a look back a her tenure and why I am happy to see her leave.  And MSNBC is rebranding, but why this move is indicative of the ongoing Democrat favorability and branding issues discussed in the last pod.  

Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts

Support the show

Democrat favorability is at historic lows heading into the 2026 midterms.  In North Carolina, registered Republicans are on the verge of overtaking registered Democrats.  Why the sharp decline?  It's a matter of trust.  Democrats, particularly their leadership (or lack thereof) has lost the trust of the American public.  From COVID through today, it has been eroded away.  What can they do to fix it?  Hint:  It's not continuing to point the finger at Trump.   

Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts

Support the show

In an attempt to deflect from the growing Epstein Files fervor, the Trump Administration has dusted off the Russia Russia Russia story and shed new light onto what US Intelligence knew and what it portrayed to the American public after the 2016 election in regards to Russian influence on it.  Trump has specifically stated that Obama committed treason, and MAGA is thirsty for retribution for years of lawfare and a failure to Lock Her Up.  Governor Stein is the 5th most popular governor in the US.  And CBS cancels Colbert. If this was due to political pressure rather than purely a financial decision, it will backfire as Colbert will come out with a bigger platform than had he just been left alone to his dwindling audience.  

Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts

Support the show

MAGA is a mess at the moment.  A movement that has largely been fueled by conspiracy theories peddled by its leader, Donald Trump, in eradicating the Deep State is now at a crossroads.  One of its biggest conspiracy theories, The Jeffrey Epstein files, is risking tearing apart the entire movement.  Leaders want Attorney General Pam Bondi to step down.  Other leaders, including Trump, are fully supportive of her and blaming (of course) Democrats while trying to shift the focus to other worn out conspiracy theories.  Those same Democrats are hopeful that this wedge issue will make the base fall apart.  It was a moment long in the making, and it is finally here.  Get your popcorn.  

Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts

Support the show

All the conspiracy theories surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's death and client list took a major hit this week when the DOJ and FBI announced that there was no list and he committed suicide.  The news surprised many, particularly MAGA supporters, who were sold on the idea that the Deep State was finally going to be exposed.  To me, this is the latest example of a long history of Trump overselling and under delivering.  Elon Musk is contemplating creating a third political party.  Why this would benefit all races but POTUS.  And prayers for all the victims of flooding in Texas, New Mexico and here in North Carolina.  To support those victims from the Texas flooding, donate here: https://cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4201

Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts

Support the show

Two-term Republican North Carolina Senator opted to not run for re-election in 2026 in what will likely be the most contested Congressional race of the upcoming election.  Tillis was despised by many Republicans for being a RINO, with his history of periodically going against the GOP agenda, or more importantly, Trump.  His knack for seeking bipartisanship compromise may have cost him a third term, but will Republican's decision to force him out cost them a Senate seat in 2026 and create a blockade to Trump's agenda for the latter half of his term?  I think this is a "be careful what you wish for" scenario for the NC GOP.  Let's discuss.  

Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts

Support the show

Iran is dominating the news at the moment.  Fears grow of World War III or US involvement in another Middle East conflict.  But how much do you actually know about the country?  Who is the Ayatollah and why does he hold power?  Do the Iranians want regime change?  What led to the Islamic Revolution?  Why does Iran refer to the US as the Great Satan?  Hint, it dates back to our help in overthrowing a democratically elected prime minister in the 1950s.  Surprised?  Learn more in my discussion with Attorney Reza Breakstone.  

Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts

Support the show

I predicted that last weekend would be turbulent.  And it unfortunately was in the worst of ways.  The assassination of Rep. Hortman in her own home was horrifying and widely condemned.  But fingers were pointed by hands that were not clean.  My state Rep. von Haefen took to social media promoting the beheading of President Trump and Elon Musk.  She deserves all the criticism she has received, and I share my own thoughts on it.  But this all goes to one central issue: we need to live in a civil society where dialogue and debate are favored and demonization and death are condemned.  An important discussion.  

Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts

Support the show

ICE deportations are escalating.  Protests that originated in LA are going to spread.  Peaceful protests will turn into destructive riots.  And Trump 2.0 will deal with the situation differently than Trump 1.0 did in the summer of 2020.  But what is the basis for these protests in the first place and who is ICE actually deporting?  Time to discuss context behind the images you have and will see this summer.  

Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts

Support the show

You knew it would eventually come.  But this week, President Trump and Elon Musk seemingly ended their bromance in spectacular (and embarrassing) fashion - with accusations ranging from lack of influence to pedophilia.  The catalyst is Trump's Big Beautiful Bill that is still sitting in Congress.  Republicans had a mandate.  They can't seem to get out of their own way.  And the circus from Trump Administration 1.0 appears to be fully back in town. 

Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts

Support the show