The Tank

Welcome to another empowering episode of The Tank Podcast, presented by the America First Policy Institute. Today, Chad and Hogan delve into critical discussions impacting America's heart and future, with special guests Bob Unanue, CEO of Goya Foods and Chair of the Hispanic Leadership Conference, Ashley Hayek, Executive Director of America First Works, John Ratcliffe, former Director of National Intelligence, and Drake and Jayme Franklin.

Our discussions explore the pressing issue of the Hispanic community's relationship with conservative values and the growing rejection of woke ideologies by America's youth. We address America's most significant national security threats and the pressing need for robust border controls. We recognize that immigration concerns remain at the forefront of national discourse as a top security issue.

The panelists provide deep insights into the urgency for conservatives to engage in cultural conversations actively and the vital role of churches in mobilizing congregations to vote, ensuring our voices are heard and values represented.

This episode illuminates our challenges and reinforces our commitment to America First solutions, bringing these solutions from Washington, D.C., to every state across the nation. Join us as we stand firm in our principles, ready to shape a prosperous future for all Americans.

**Key Sound Bites:** - "The Hispanic community feels abandoned; the future of the country lies in reaching out to them." - "The border and immigration issue is the number one national security concern for most Americans."

Tune in to The Tank Podcast for a conversation that champions America and challenges the status quo, inspiring action and fostering a patriotic renewal.

In this episode, Hogan Gidley and Chad Wolf discuss the crisis along the Southern border, specifically the murder of a nursing student by an illegal alien. They highlight the consequences of open border policies and the need for accountability. The conversation then transitions to the topic of election integrity and the importance of transparency in the voting process. Later, Dr. Ben Carson joins the podcast to share his personal journey from humble beginnings to becoming a renowned neurosurgeon and serving as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Trump administration. Dr. Ben Carson discusses the importance of personal responsibility and education, the greatness of America and the threats it faces, his service in the Trump administration, the American Cornerstone Institute and patriotic education, and impactful moments from his time in the administration.

Takeaways

• The crisis along the Southern border, including the murder of a nursing student by an illegal alien, highlights the consequences of open border policies.
• There is a need for accountability and transparency in addressing the border crisis and ensuring election integrity.
• Policy solutions, such as securing the border and enacting election integrity laws, are necessary to address these issues.
• Dr. Ben Carson's personal journey exemplifies the American dream and the opportunities available in the United States. Personal responsibility and education are key to success and breaking the cycle of poverty.
• America is a great nation, but it is facing threats to its core principles and values. Dr. Carson served in the Trump administration to address issues of poverty and dependency.
• The American Cornerstone Institute focuses on promoting the principles that made America great.
• Dr. Carson shares an impactful story about the challenges faced in implementing Envision Centers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Border Crisis

03:11 Public Outrage and Political Response

07:27 Media Coverage and Accountability

11:45 Policy Solutions and Legislative Actions

23:01 Introduction of Dr. Ben Carson

24:00 Dr. Carson's Background and the American Dream

26:22 The Power of Personal Responsibility and Education

31:29 The Greatness of America and the Threats It Faces

36:07 Dr. Carson's Service in the Trump Administration

45:13 American Cornerstone Institute and Patriotic Education

49:27 Impactful Moments in the Trump Administration

Summary

Join Chad Wolf and Hogan Gidley as they discuss the impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas, Biden's immigration policy, changing messaging on the border, DHS funding and border security, the impact of the border crisis on crime rates, the cultural shift in immigration, funding for Ukraine and Israel, national security and America First, addressing immigration issues, and the importance of transparency in national security.

A fascinating interview with Morgan Ortagus discusses the impact of the US's Iran policy on its relationships with Russia and China. It highlights how the US's failure to enforce sanctions has allowed Iran to become richer and supply advanced weaponry to various groups. The conversation also raises concerns about Iran's nuclear capability and its potential to provide sophisticated weaponry to Russia and China. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the nightmare scenario of terrorist groups obtaining advanced weaponry and the administration's inaction in addressing this threat.

Takeaways

• The impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas highlights the accountability and responsibility of cabinet secretaries in addressing security challenges.
• Biden's immigration policy, particularly the lack of a plan for dealing with the influx of migrants, has contributed to the border crisis.
• The changing messaging from the Biden administration on the border crisis reflects the need to distance themselves from the issue.
• The funding deficit for ICE and the release of detainees highlight the consequences of bad policy and the need for effective budget planning.
• The cultural shift in immigration, with a focus on identity and tribalism, undermines the idea of assimilation and the pride in becoming an American.
• Negotiating with allies and partners should prioritize equitable alliances and partnerships that benefit both parties.
• Transparency in national security is crucial for building trust with the American people and effectively addressing threats. The US's Iran policy has undermined its relationships with Russia and China.
• Iran has become richer and supplied advanced weaponry to various groups due to the US's failure to enforce sanctions.
• There are concerns about Iran's nuclear capability and its potential to provide sophisticated weaponry to Russia and China.
• The administration's inaction in addressing the threat of terrorist groups obtaining advanced weaponry is a significant concern.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:18 Impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas

03:40 Biden's Immigration Policy

05:37 Changing Messaging on the Border

08:29 DHS Funding and Border Security

10:27 Mayorkas' Role and Accountability

12:14 Impact of Border Crisis on Crime Rates

13:34 Cultural Shift in Immigration

15:00 Funding for Ukraine and Israel

17:27 National Security and America First

20:20 Addressing Immigration Issues

22:59 Interview with Morgan Ortagus

23:55 Border Security as a National Security Issue

24:52 Root Causes of Migration

26:18 Cartels and National Security

27:40 U.S. Assistance and Loans

29:30 Negotiating with Allies and Partners

36:19 Aid Packages to Ukraine and Israel

40:59 Transparency in National Security

46:54 Declassification of National Security Threats

49:31 Undermining Russia and China Policy

50:22 Iran's Nuclear Capability

51:21 Iran's Support for Russia and China

52:20 Nightmare Post 9/11 Scenario

In this episode, Hogan Gidley and Chad Wolf discuss the Middle East attacks and the border crisis. Dr. Jonathan Pidluzy and a panel of experts join them to delve into the issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on college campuses, the challenges of men competing in women's sports, and the rise of anti-Semitism. The conversation explores the alarming historical ignorance among college students, the influence of foreign money on higher education, and the efforts to reshape the conversation around Israel and Palestine. It highlights the refusal of university presidents to condemn anti-Semitism and the power of the DEI left on campuses. The discussion also touches on the impact of these issues on college campuses and the hope found in smaller private universities. The episode concludes with discussing potential solutions, including defunding DEI and promoting better leadership.

Takeaways The Biden administration's immigration policy has led to a border crisis, with record numbers of illegal apprehensions and a lack of enforcement of immigration laws. DEI programs on college campuses promote race separation, indoctrination, and a viewpoint orthodoxy that stifles free speech and critical thinking.

Allowing men to compete in women's sports undermines the integrity of the sport and compromises the safety and security of women's spaces.

Anti-Semitism is on the rise on college campuses, fueled by DEI ideologies that view Jews as oppressors and Palestinians as victims. College students often lack historical knowledge and are influenced by ideological faculty.

Foreign money, particularly from the Middle East, funds radical departments in elite institutions to shape the conversation on Israel and Palestine.

University presidents often refuse to condemn anti-Semitism due to the influence of the DEI left.

Foreign students and scholarship programs aim to reshape the conversation on campus.

Smaller private universities may provide hope for preserving values and viewpoint diversity.

Solutions include defunding DEI, enforcing prohibitions against anti-Semitism, and promoting better leadership.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Discussion on Middle East Attacks 06:44 The Border Crisis and Texas' Response 19:34 Challenges with the Biden Administration's Immigration Policy 24:45 Introduction to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) on College Campuses 32:15 Experiences with DEI on College Campuses 36:32 Issues with Men Competing in Women's Sports 47:00 Anti-Semitism on College Campuses 50:16 Alarming Historical Ignorance and Ideological Faculty 51:10 Foreign Influence in Higher Education 52:05 Foreign Students and Reshaping the Conversation 52:35 University Presidents' Response to Anti-Semitism 53:31 Awareness of Foreign Influence on Campus 54:54 University Presidents' Personal Stake in Protecting Jewish Students 55:19 Impact on College Campuses 56:17 University Presidents' Response to Attacks on Israel 57:15 Lack of Comfort and Cancelation of Pro-Israel Events 58:13 Hope in Smaller Private Universities 59:38 Preparing High School Students for College 01:00:36 Solving the Issue: Defunding DEI and Better Leadership

AFPI Instagram was deleted?! Is Big Tech censorship ramping up? And the increasingly disastrous southern border triggers some very confusing border crossing math. It's Biden Bordernomics, folks. Join Chad Wolf and Hogan Gidley as they discuss all of these things and more, and then a fascinating interview on the weaponization of government with the former Acting Attorney General, Matt Whitaker.

The main themes covered include the two-tiered justice system, the impact of weaponization on legal institutions, and the need for reforms to address these issues. Whitaker emphasizes the importance of leadership and accountability in restoring trust in the government and ensuring equal protection under the law. In this conversation, we discuss various government, leadership, and free speech topics. We touch on the importance of promoting the right leaders in the FBI, the challenges to due process and the republic, and the impact of technology on free speech. The conversation highlights the need for leaders who prioritize public service and understand the importance of local impact. It also raises concerns about the erosion of due process and the potential suppression of free speech by corporations and governments. Takeaways

• The weaponization of government and the politicization of the justice system are significant concerns that undermine the principles of equal protection under the law and the rule of law.
• The two-tiered justice system, where individuals are treated differently based on their political affiliations or beliefs, erodes trust in the legal system and undermines the principles of fairness and impartiality.
• Reforms are needed to address the weaponization of government, including changes in leadership, accountability, and a focus on executing solutions to pressing issues such as illegal immigration and the opioid crisis.
• Structural issues within institutions like the FBI and DOJ should be examined to ensure that cases are handled objectively and without political bias. Promoting leaders in the FBI who prioritize public service and have a deep understanding of local impact is crucial.
• Challenges to due process, such as arbitrary rulings and lack of proper procedures, can undermine the foundations of the republic.
• The dominance of technology and social media platforms has raised concerns about censorship and the suppression of free speech.
• Creating a marketplace of ideas where the best ideas rise to the top is essential for a healthy democracy.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Social Media Suspension 01:18 The Weaponization of Government 10:20 Accountability and the Southern Border 21:05 The Two-Tiered Justice System 36:15 The Impact of Weaponization on Legal Institutions 43:45 Reforms to Address the Weaponization of Government 48:54 Structural Issues at the FBI and DOJ 50:17 Promoting the Right Leaders in the FBI 52:08 Challenges to Due Process and the Republic 56:25 The Impact of Technology on Free Speech

In this episode, Chad Wolf and Adam Schindler sit down with Pastor Jensen Franklin to discuss a range of topics, including the Christmas season, anti-Semitism on college campuses, the left's fear of people of faith, the Biblical Foundations Project at AFPI, attacks on people of faith by the federal government, concerns of Pastor's congregation, inflation, and mental health, parents' rights and school choice, and the significance of the holiday season and the birth of Jesus.

Takeaways

• The Christmas season is a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus and the hope and peace that he brings.
• Anti-Semitism on college campuses is a growing concern, with Jewish students facing discrimination and threats of violence.
• The left is often afraid of people of faith because their biblical worldview challenges the values and agenda of the left.
• The Biblical Foundations Project at AFPI aims to connect the policy agenda with biblical principles and values.
• The federal government has been weaponized against people of faith, targeting religious institutions and individuals.
• Parents' rights and school choice are essential issues that must be addressed to ensure the well-being and education of children.
• Inflation and mental health are significant concerns affecting American families.
• The holiday season is a time to focus on love, reconciliation, and restoring families and communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Christmas Season

02:23 Anti-Semitism on College Campuses

09:25 The Left's Fear of People of Faith

12:07 Biblical Foundations Project

17:19 Attacks on People of Faith by the Federal Government

21:21 Biblical Foundations Initiative at AFPI

27:30 Attacks on Speaker of the House for His Christian Faith

31:41 Weaponization of the Federal Government

36:49 Concerns of Pastor's Congregation

42:47 Inflation and Mental Health

45:59 Parents' Rights and School Choice

48:21 Holiday Season and the Birth of Jesus

Join Chad Wolf and Hogan Gidley as they discuss a broad range of issues with some of the top America First national leaders: former Congressman Doug Collins, Dr. Heidi Overton, Pastor Paula White-Cain, Secretary Robert Wilkie, and Steve Yates.

The Tank podcast, hosted by AFPI, aims to address the challenges facing the nation and discuss policy solutions. The conversation covers various topics, including the state of institutions, the importance of education, the crisis of public trust in medicine, protecting religious liberty, the co-opting of religious institutions, the weakening of the military ethos, the weakness of US foreign policy, and the fentanyl crisis. The podcast seeks to reach a new and different audience and provide a platform for important discussions. Takeaways

• The left has co-opted many institutions, including the media, education, and healthcare, for their benefit and to push their agenda.
• The education system plays a crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations, and it is important to prioritize teaching over indoctrination.
• There is a crisis of public trust in medicine and public health, with a need for reform and a focus on evidence-based science.
• Protecting religious liberty is essential, as religious institutions have been under attack and face challenges in practicing their faith freely.
• The military is facing a crisis, with a weakening of the military ethos and a lack of strong leadership in foreign policy.
• The fentanyl crisis is a significant threat to the American family, and urgent action is needed to address the demand and supply of this deadly drug.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Tank Podcast 02:14 Discussing the State of Institutions 03:05 Importance of Education 04:13 The Role of Teachers in Education 05:41 Challenges in the Education System 06:31 Addressing Concerns about School Indoctrination 08:30 Protecting Religious Liberty 10:12 Crisis of Public Trust in Medicine 11:20 Creating Conservative Academic Journals 14:07 Protecting Freedom of Worship 15:07 The Co-opting of Religious Institutions 16:53 The Fight for Religious Liberty 22:17 The Crisis in the Military 23:46 The Weakening of the Military Ethos 25:39 The Weakness of US Foreign Policy 28:29 The Importance of Leadership 29:25 The Fentanyl Crisis and the Attack on the American Family

In this episode of The Tank, Chad Wolf, and Hogan Gidley discuss the ongoing war in Israel with Fred Flights, the vice chair of AFPI's Center for American Security. They cover events leading to the conflict, the Biden administration's approach to Iran, anti-Semitism and the left, the influence of academia on anti-Israel sentiment, moral equivalence and media coverage, the Biden administration's stance on Israel, Israel's approach to entering Gaza, anti-Semitism and protests on college campuses, attacks on US bases in the Middle East, and the contrasting America First approach with current policies. Takeaways

• The conflict in Israel was sparked by Hamas launching an act of genocide against the Israeli people, and Israel is determined to destroy Hamas to protect its citizens.
• The Biden administration's approach to Iran, including attempts to re-enter the JCPOA and loosen sanctions, has been criticized for appeasing Iran and ignoring the threat it poses.
• Anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment are growing on the left, with protests, harassment of Jewish people, and a lack of recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organization.
• Academia plays a role in perpetuating anti-Israel sentiment, and there is a need for intellectual diversity and conservative/moderate professors to counter far-left ideologies.
• The media's moral equivalence in covering the conflict between Israel and Hamas is concerning, as Hamas uses civilians as shields and violates the rules of war.
• Attacks on US bases in the Middle East by Iranian-backed militias highlight the need for a strong US military and a prudent use of military force.
• The current administration's policies, including abandoning embassies, withdrawing from Afghanistan, and a porous southern border, have negatively impacted national security and global stability.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:53 Events leading to the conflict 04:45 The Biden administration's approach to Iran 08:03 Anti-Semitism and the left 10:59 The influence of academia on anti-Israel sentiment 17:22 Moral equivalence and media coverage 19:19 The Biden administration's stance on Israel 24:07 Israel's approach to entering Gaza 27:20 Anti-Semitism and protests on college campuses 30:13 Attacks on US bases in the Middle East 32:10 Contrasting America First approach with current policies 34:04 Conclusion

Former FBI Special Agent Nicole Parker discusses the weaponization of government and the growing epidemic of wokeness within the FBI. The conversation also covers the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Biden administration's approach to Iran, the impact of open border policies on national security, and the need for structural changes in the FBI. The conversation with Nicole provides insights into the experiences and observations of an FBI agent under different administrations. The politicization of the FBI and the impact of changing priorities and policies are discussed. The lack of response to the events at the Capitol and the loss of an FBI agent raise concerns. The focus on diversity and its impact on work priorities is examined. Nicole shares her desired changes in FBI leadership and emphasizes the importance of putting America first. Takeaways

• The Biden administration's cozying up to Iran undermines America's pro-Israel position and national security.
• Open border policies put the American people at risk and allow known or suspected terrorists to enter the United States.
• The FBI has experienced politicization, particularly in upper-level management, which has eroded trust and compromised the agency's mission.
• Structural changes, including separating the counterintelligence and criminal divisions, may be necessary to address the issues within the FBI.
• Personal experiences of former FBI agents highlight the challenges and concerns within the agency. The FBI's experiences and operations can vary under different administrations.
• The politicization of the FBI exists regardless of the president in office.
• The lack of response to the January 6th events and losing an FBI agent raises concerns about priorities and support.
• The focus on diversity should not overshadow the primary mission of putting bad people behind bars.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Israel-Hamas Conflict 06:45 The Biden Administration's Cozying Up to Iran 10:46 The Weaponization of Government and the Iran Nuclear Deal 23:24 The Impact of Open Border Policies on National Security 24:23 Introduction of Former FBI Special Agent Nicole Parker 26:16 Reasons for Leaving the FBI 29:22 Politicization in the FBI: Leadership vs. Rank and File 34:24 The Political Leanings of the FBI 38:33 The Influence of Politics on Advancement in the FBI 41:24 Structural Changes Needed in the FBI 52:30 Personal Experiences and Reasons for Leaving the FBI 53:26 Comparison of Different Administrations 54:20 Politicization of the FBI 55:19 Lack of Response to January 6th 55:45 Loss of FBI Agent and Concerns 57:35 Shift in Priorities and Policies 59:00 Diversity Focus and Work Priorities 59:48 Desired Changes in FBI Leadership 01:01:08 Putting America First

Join Chad Wolf and Hogan Gidley as they discuss the 3rd anniversary of the Abraham Accords and the ongoing threat from Iran with Senator Joni Ernst.

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