3/27/26 - Gas Tax Showdown, Braun’s Promise, Media vs Politicians

Today on The Rob Kendall Show, Rob dives into a debate he never expected to find himself in: agreeing with Bernie Sanders. The conversation centers around a proposed federal bill called the “Home Team Act,” which would require professional sports teams to give communities the opportunity to purchase the team before relocating. Rob walks through the reasoning behind the proposal and argues that when franchises like the Chicago Bears or Indianapolis Colts accept massive taxpayer-funded stadium deals, they shouldn’t be able to walk away from those communities without accountability. Rob also responds to Indiana Governor Mike Braun’s criticism of the proposal. Braun framed the issue as government interference in business, but Rob challenges that argument, questioning whether it’s really “free market” behavior when teams leverage billions in public subsidies while threatening to relocate. The discussion highlights the ongoing battle between states competing to hand out taxpayer-funded incentives to multibillion-dollar sports franchises. The show also revisits Braun’s comments about potentially suspending Indiana’s gas tax if prices continued to rise during the conflict affecting global oil supply. With gas prices now over $4 per gallon in many places, Rob asks why the governor hasn’t followed through. Local South Bend officials are now asking the same question, urging Braun to temporarily suspend the gas tax to provide relief for Hoosier drivers. Rob breaks down how Indiana’s gas taxes work, explaining the combination of the gasoline excise tax and the state sales tax applied to fuel. As gas prices rise, the state collects even more tax revenue, which Rob argues makes the system fundamentally regressive for working families who rely on driving to get to work, school, and daily responsibilities. Later in the show, Rob reflects on the role of media in holding government accountable. He argues that the decline of local journalism, combined with media personalities seeking access and approval from politicians, has led to fewer tough questions and less accountability. According to Rob, real accountability only happens when media outlets are willing to challenge elected officials—even when it’s uncomfortable. Throughout the episode, Rob emphasizes the idea that the audience—not politicians—is the real opportunity for media. He explains why he believes platforms should prioritize serving their listeners and viewers rather than building relationships with those in power, and why accountability in government depends on a media environment willing to ask hard questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices