This week's show starts with a discussion of the 'national security' tariffs President Trump announced he planned to impose on steel and aluminum. Mike and Jay are in agreement that the tariffs are a terrible idea and not at all related to national security. Jay points out that this is an issue where President Trump is getting more support from Democrats from his fellow Republicans, who were generally upset and dismayed at the announcement. The president further disturbed many in his own party this week by suggesting he was in favor of tougher gun laws than most Congressional Republican are likely to support. Mike makes the point that we've seen the president make similar statements on other issues - immigration most notably - and then fall back into GOP orthodoxy in the end. The Guys also look at a variety of other gun policy related developments that took place over the last week. Next is a discussion of Russian president Vladimir Putin's bellicose speech about the U.S. threat to global security and new weapons systems Russia has developed to thwart U.S. missile defenses. This comes shortly after NSA and U.S. Cyber Command chief Mike Rogers told the Senate Intelligence Committee that we're not doing enough to prevent Russian cyberattacks on our election systems. Finally, it's a look at what seems to be a West Wing in disarray, following the departure of Hope Hicks as communications director. Mike and Jay agree that the extremely high level of turnover - especially in the communications area - is yet another indication that Donald Trump is an impulsive person who hates being managed and bridles at the necessity of message discipline. What Jay's Reading : The Only Good Thing About Donald Trump Is All His Policies. Joseph Epstein. (WSJ. Unfortunately, it's behind a paywall and there's no non-paywall version of this article. But you really should check out Epstein's wonderful writing, which you can do without having to deal with a paywall at The Weekly Standard.)   What Mike's Reading The Fractured Republic. Yuval Levin   Republic, Lost: Version 2.0. Lawrence Lessig Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to politicsguys.com/support. 

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This week's show opens with Mike and Jay's discussion of the 'Nunes Memo', in which the GOP majority of the House Intelligence Committee suggests that the FBI obtained a FISA warrant to spy on Trump campaign associate Carter Page using highly questionable evidence. Jay believes that it's important for this information to come out, while Mike argues that the GOP was wrong to release what he believes to be partial and misleading information. Next is a look at President Trump's State of the Union address. Both Mike and Jay agree that the SOTU is painful and largely pointless political theater - after explaining why they move on to discuss the two major substantive policy proposals in the speech: a four-point immigration plan and an outline of an upcoming $1.5 trillion infrastructure proposal. What Jay's Reading: Polarization is an Old American Story. (Wall Street Journal - paywall)   What Mike's Reading: TV Gave Us the Modern State of the Union. Then It Killed It. (Politico)  We hope you'll check out the sponsors of today's show:Policygenius.com - the easy way to compare and buy life insurance online. SeatGeek - Politics Guys listeners get $20 off their first SeatGeek purchase. Just download the SeatGeek app and enter promo code POLITICSGUY Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to politicsguys.com and click on the Patreon or PayPal link.

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This week's show starts off with the story everyone's been talking about - the government shutdown. Mike and Jay largely stay away from the blame game consuming most of the media, and try to focus on why both parties did what they did and the role President Trumps leadership (or lack thereof) played. Next, Mike and Jay discuss the 2018 March for Life, as well as some recent actions taken by the Trump administration and the House of Representatives in support of the pro-life movement. While Mike believes that women have a fundamental right to make reproductive decisions prior to fetal viability, he's sympathetic to pro-life people who see essentially all terminated pregnancies as needless deaths. Jay makes the case that in this area, the law is on Mike's side, but that he doesn't find the fundamental right Mike does in the Constitution. Finally, the Guys turn once again to gerrymandering, in light of the Supreme Court overturning the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals' order that North Carolina redraw its Congressional districts by the end of January. Mike agrees with Jay that the Supreme Court made the right call, though they disagree concerning how the Court should ultimately rule. What Mike's Reading Trump's Basic Instincts About the Political War Are Essentially Right, and The Establishment's Sense of It Is Essentially Wrong. What Jay's Reading Bad Weather Is No Reason For Climate Alarm.  Today's show is sponsored by SeatGeek. Politics Guys listeners get $20 off their first SeatGeek purchase. Just download the SeatGeek app and enter promo code POLITICSGUY. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the show, go to politicsguys.com and click on the Patreon or PayPal links.

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Mike and Jay discuss the impasse in the latest coronavirus legislation, President Trump’s promise to issue executive orders, the latest primary elections, and yet another state’s voters approving Medicaid expansion.

Mike’s Weekly Recommendation

The Bulwark’s Daily Newsletter

Jay’s Weekly Recommendation

No Property in Man. Sean Wilentz

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Trey and Ken discuss Stella Immanuel and the other frontline doctors and what it means to think critically, rationality, and scientifically. They also tackle the failures by House Democrats to hold Attorney General Barr accountable as well the House’s hearings with Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Google’s CEOs. Finally they discuss the gridlock over further COVID stimulus funds and why unemployment benefits are the sticking point.

Mike and Kristin discuss the Portland unrest that seems to have escalated with the arrival of federal officers, as well as the separate issue of Operation Legend in cities across the country. They also take on the issue of President Trump’s executive order to discount undocumented immigrants in the Census with regard to congressional redistricting, as well as cancellation of the in-person events at Republican National Convention and COVID-19 concerns.

Mike’s Weekly Recommendation

I Can Help (1974, Billy Swann)

I Can Help (1989, The Replacements - featuring Tom Waits) 

Kristin’s Weekly Recommendation

Missing in Alaska (podcast)

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Ralph Waldo Emerson said that “Society is a masked ball, where every one hides his real character, and reveals it by hiding."  Mike and Jay talk about masks, character, and who's hiding what in the Georgia- Atlanta spat, CDC guidance, and Trump's approach to facial coverings. Then the first federal execution in 17 years opens up a discussion about the death penalty, if and how it should be applied, and who should decide those questions.  And Trump once again proves himself to the George Steinbrenner of politics by replacing another campaign manager.  Does this signal a change in direction, or just Trump being Trump?

Mike’s Weekly Recommendation

Andrew Sullivan’s Final NY Magazine Column

The Weekly Dish

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This week, Mike & Jay discuss the commutation of Roger Stone’s sentence by President Trump, the Trump administration’s push to open up schools this fall, international student visas, and big Supreme Court rulings on the release of Donald Trump’s financial records and whether presidential electors can be punished or replaced for being “faithless”.

Mike’s Weekly Recommendation

Zoe’s Extraordinary Playlist

Jay’s Weekly Recommendation

The First Salute. Barbara Tuchman

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On this week's show, Mike and Kristin kick things off by discussing some of the recent developments in COVID-19 news and the differences in how governors and the President have handled mask-wearing. They also talk about allegations of Russian bounties on US troops as well as two recent SCOTUS decisions handed down this week, one involving abortion rights (June Medical Services v. Russo) and one involving religious freedom (Espinoza v. Montana), as well as related issues of activist judges and precedent in similar cases. 

Mike’s Weekly Recommendation

1776 (musical)

John Adams: A Life, by John Ferling 

John Adams (two volumes), by Page Smith

Kristin’s Weekly Recommendation

Floor is Lava (Netflix)

Home Before Dark, by Riley Sager

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Mike & Jay start off by discussing the House and Senate versions of legislation intended to address systemic problems with policing in the United States. They agree that neither side has much reason to compromise in the run-up to the 2020 elections, but they feel that there’s actually a good amount of ground on which a compromise could be possible.

After that, they take up the firing of US Attorney Geoffrey Berman. Mike argues that the whole thing was handled incompetently, and Jay feels that it’s yet another example of the GOP not being all that adept at “inside baseball”.

Then it’s a look at the DC Circuit’s 2-1 ruling ordering that the charges against Michael Flynn be dismissed. Mike argues that this is extreme judicial activism, and Jay doesn’t disagree, though he sees it as less extreme than Mike does. In the end though, Jay believes that the majority make the right call in a tough case, whereas Mike thinks it’s a clearly wrong decision that should be reversed by the DC Circuit as a whole.

Next is President Trump’s immigration order which further restricts entry to various classes of immigrants. The administration argues that this is necessary to protect US workers during the economic crisis stemming from COVID-19, but neither Jay nor Mike buys this argument.

Finally, Mike & Jay discuss the significant increase in coronavirus cases as well as the increase in the percentage of positive tests. They both feel that President Trump could show better leadership on the mask issue, but Jay is generally opposed to mandatory mask orders, feeling that societal pressure to wear masks is likely to be more effective.

Mike’s Weekly Recommendation

The Goldman Sans font

Jay’s Weekly Recommendation

The Revolution Comforts the Comfortable. Kevin Williamson

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On today's show, Trey and Ken discuss Bostock v. Clayton County and the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The discussion leads them to discuss the implications of various methods the court uses, or ought to use, in interpreting law.

Trey and Ken also talk DACA and the downfall of the Trump administration's use of illegality to try to end DACA. The two speculate as to why this was the method used and what it means for Dreamers in the future.

Finally Trey and Ken discuss Bolton's upcoming book The Room Where it Happened. The pair touch on both the civil litigation from the Justice Department to attempt to stop publication and the content details leaked thus far, including whether Bolton should have been willing to testify during the impeachment investigation or trial.

This Week's Recommendations

Trey suggests you check out Political instability by Peter Turchin. See the full article here.

Ken recommends you watch Inspector Lewis

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On today’s show, Mike and Kristin begin by discussing several developments in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, including some of the legislation put forth or discussed by Republicans and Democrats recently, aimed at eliminating police violence. They also bring up the issue of police culture, as well as the argument for reforming and changing police culture - as opposed to defunding the police.

Mike and Kristin also touch on some of the big problems that occurred on Tuesday, June 9th, as primary voters in five states went to the polls. Issues with voting machines, understaffing, and lack of training in Georgia, as well as COVID-19 issues, could play significant roles in the upcoming November elections.

Mike’s Weekly Recommendation

- a lacrosse ball

- The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook, Clair & Amber Davies

Kristin’s Weekly Recommendation

- Killers of the Flower Moon, David Grann

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Mike talks with economist Jeffrey Sachs, University Professor and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University. Dr. Sachs is  also director of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network and has been advisor to three UN secretaries-general. In addition to being one of the world's leading experts on poverty and economic development, he is the author of many influential, best-selling books, including The Age of Sustainable Development, The Price of Civilization, Building the New American Economy, and, most recently, The Ages of  Globalization, which they discuss on the show.

Topics discussed include:

- globalization over the course of human history

- the long historical dominance of China

- why China declined as a world power

- keys to sustainable development in the 21st century

- whether a non-democratic China is a threat

- prospects for development in Sub-Saharan Africa

Jeffrey Sachs on Twitter

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Mike & Jay start off the show with an extended discussion of the nationwide protest that continue in the wake of the death of George Floyd. They start with policy, finding a surprising amount of agreement on things that can be done on the national, state, and local levels to improve policing. Then it’s a look at President Trump’s response to the violence that accompanied many protests, and presidential detractors like former Trump Secretary of Defense James Mattis.

Next they discuss the shockingly good jobs report. While it’s not the unalloyed wonderful news President Trump portrayed it as on Twitter, it’s undeniably a good thing. Mike and Jay discuss if the good jobs news is likely to continue and what it means for future coronavirus stimulus measures.

The show closes with a look at former Deputy Attorney general Rod Rosenstein’s testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Mike and Jay agree that Rosenstein’s comments demonstrate that the intelligence and federal law enforcement system is in need of major change. Jay wonders whether Rosenstein was being willfully ignorant of what his subordinates were up to, a theory Mike feels makes a lot of sense, given the ramifications of such an unprecedented investigation.

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Mike talks with Lane Kenworthy, a Professor of Sociology at UC San Diego.  They discuss his latest book, Social Democratic Capitalism.

Topics discussed include:

- what social democratic capitalism is

- if social democratic capitalism is only possible in rich countries

- economic growth and dynamism

- the Nordic example, and whether it can be applied elsewhere

- how the United States stacks up to other wealthy countries

- whether the United States can - or should - move toward social democratic capitalism

Lane Kenworthy Online

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This week Trey is joined by Ken and the pair begin the show discussing the evolving situation over the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. This includes discussion of the protests, the recent charges of third degree murder, and the long-term ramifications for the African American community.

Next the Trey & Ken discuss President Trump's executive order on Preventing Online Censorship. Ken thinks there is no real substantive meaning to it, rather it is simply bluster. Trey wonders if the order is designed to allow a civil suit against Twitter by President Trump.

This Week's Recommendations

Trey suggests you check out Desert Solitaire" A Season in the Wilderness

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Mike talks with economist Branko Milanovic. Dr. Milanovic is  Visiting Presidential Professor at the Stone Center of Socio-Economic Inequality at the Graduate Center, City University of New York. He was formerly Lead Economist in the World Bank's research department. He's also the author of a number of books, including Capitalism, Alone: The Future of the System That Rules the World, which they discuss on this episode.

Topics covered include:

- the benefits of capitalism
- the different forms of capitalism
- the liberal meritocratic capitalism of the United States
- rising economy inequality since the 1980s
- sustainable growth under current models of capitalism
- capitalism and corruption in China
- the future of capitalism

Branko Milanovic on Twitter

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On this week’s show, Mike and Kristin take on President Trump’s firing of State Department Inspector General Steve Linick, a move prompted by a recommendation from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. They also discuss Trump’s threats to withhold funding from Michigan and Nevada after each state announced plans to mail all voters statewide requests for vote-by-mail forms and the actual ballots, respectively. Finally,  Mike and Kristin weigh in on the relationship between the WHO and China, whether President Trump’s threat to withhold funding was warranted, and the WHO’s  subsequent move to independently investigate the response to COVID-19 within its own organization. 

Mike’s Weekly Recommendations
The books of P.G. Wodehouse
Insight Timer (meditation app)  Android | iPhone

Kristin’s Weekly Recommendation
Calm (meditation app)

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Mike & Jay start off the show with Mike trying to explain that while he’s for the recent Title IX sexual harassment / abuse procedural rules (as is Jay) he has more of an issue with their being a mandate (in theory, at least). 

Then, it’s a discussion of the latest developments in the case against Michael Flynn. Mike sees a lot of bad behavior all around, and Jay doesn’t disagree. They both seem to think that the biggest potential problem is an intelligence & law enforcement community that seems to be doing more than just cutting a few corners here and there.

Finally, it’s a look at the House proposal for $3 Trillion in additional coronavirus aid, with nearly $1 Trillion of that set aside for state and local governments. While conservatives - including Jay - balk that that, especially in light of the enormous sum that’s already been spend, there seems to be some ground for compromise.

Mike’s Weekly Recommendations
The Reluctant Detective (Mike’s book in progress)
NYPD Blue
UPS Dogs (Facebook)

Jay’s Weekly Recommendation
The Good Place

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It's big week for due process.  Mike and Jay talk about the Justice Department's decision to drop the case against Michael Flynn, FBI abuses, and Mike makes a pitch for an Independent Justice Department. Then they discuss the new Department of Education rules guaranteeing rights to the accused in school sexual harassment and assault cases.  Then it gets sort of weird.

The full text of the DOJ filing to dismiss charges against Michael Flynn

Mike's YouTube page

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Mike talks with A’shanti Gholar, creator and host of The Brown Girls Guide to Politics podcast. Topics they discuss include:

• COVID-19’s disproportionate effects on minorities
• whether President Trump is racist, and if it matters
• demographic representation in Congress
• why the Democratic Party is so much more diverse than the GOP
• what Republicans can to do attract more minorities, without abandoning their core principles & beliefs
• Joe Biden’s potential VP choices
• what women & minorities can reasonably expect from a Biden administration
• what four more years of a Trump administration might mean for women & minorities
• what white males most often misunderstand about women & minorities in politics

The Brown Girls Guide to Politics on Twitter

White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism. Robin DiAngelo

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Trey & Ken start the show talking Biden's response to sexual assault allegation from Tara Reade. Next the pair move to discussing COVID, but primarily focusing on the armed protests in Michigan. Trey & Ken close the show discussing the entrance into the presidential race of newly minted Libertarian Amash and potential Green Party candidate Ventura.

This Week's Recommendations

Trey suggests you check out Jack Ryan on Amazon Prime.

Ken is reading The New York Review of Books.

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On this week’s show, Mike and Kristin take on more COVID-19 related stories and policy issues, including the most recent aid package, President Trump’s immigration proclamation, and state “exit strategies” for lockdown and plans to reopen economies. Mike and Kristin also discuss the complex, recently-decided Supreme Court case of County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund. They also share their recommendations for some non-COVID related entertainment.

Mike’s Weekly Recommendation
Open Psychometrics ‘Which Character Are You?’ Quiz
The Reluctant Detective (Mike’s P.I. book in progress)

Kristin’s Weekly Recommendation
Imagineering in a Box (Disney & Khan Academy)

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