What if the key to America’s future is hiding in plain sight—and our politicians are too afraid to act?
This episode of Unconventional Times with Richard Gordon pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes dealmaking and deep-seated challenges facing both New York and the nation. Former Congressman John Faso, a Republican who’s won and lost big races—and who’s seen two rivals resign in disgrace after beating him—joins Richard for a conversation that’s eye-opening, refreshingly honest, and filled with rare political candor.
In this riveting episode, John Faso shares the behind-the-scenes reality of running for major office in New York, reveals why bipartisan dealmaking is almost extinct in Congress, and gives unfiltered insights into the latest Trump administration victory: the sweeping tax and legislative package that’s changing nearly every aspect of American life. From the hidden consequences of SALT deductions and the exodus from high-tax states, to the dangers of ballooning federal debt and the ticking time bomb under Social Security and Medicare, this episode doesn’t shy away from the issues our leaders refuse to confront.
Faso also weighs in on America’s demographic crisis, the political gamesmanship of redistricting, the future of immigration policy, and why losing an election may be the best test of true leadership. Throughout, you’ll hear rare perspective on why politics is more polarized than ever—and what it will really take for Republicans (and New York) to win again.
Key highlights:
- The shocking truth about New York’s outmigration—and how tax law accelerated the trend
- Faso’s first-person account of high-stakes campaigns, devastating losses, and the resilience needed to run again
- The partisan battle over the Trump tax bill, with a deep dive into SALT, deficits, and the hidden triggers threatening America’s financial future
- Real talk on Medicaid and the demographic cliff facing entitlement programs
- Unvarnished commentary on redistricting, hypocrisy in both parties, and why gerrymandering is political war
- The path forward for the Republican Party: MAGA or something new?
- An inspiring reflection on losing with grace—and why democracy desperately needs it
Timestamps Overview: 00:00 – Introduction to Unconventional Times and John Faso’s political background
03:00 – Stories from the campaign trail: massive spending differences, misfortunes, and lessons learned
07:00 – When victory turns sour: both of Faso’s opponents resign in scandal
08:20 – Breaking down the Trump tax bill: impacts, opposition, and unintended fallout
14:15 – SALT deductions, cost of living, and why New Yorkers are leaving
20:10 – Debt, deficits, and the crisis politicians dodge
22:30 – Medicaid’s explosive growth and how to (really) rein it in
30:53 – Would Faso have voted for Trump’s big bill? His answer and reasoning
34:23 – Immigration, demographics, and America’s economic future
35:14 – Has bipartisanship died? Faso’s experience (and being booed for it)
36:13 – Redistricting wars: hypocrisy, legal fights, and lasting consequences
42:13 – Can the GOP win statewide in New York—and the future of the party
45:41 – Why losing isn’t the end—and how it strengthens democracy
47:57 – Final thoughts: gratitude, American resilience, and staying unconventional
Ready for a rare, nonpartisan glimpse behind the political headlines? Tune in to discover what our politicians aren’t saying—and what we all need to hear.
