Issues And Ideas: News Commentary & Analysis With Chris DeBello February 8 2026

Join us for conversations, analysis and commentary about today's politics, news and current events with expert insight.(00:00) A Congressional committee hearing from this past week, which Republicans did not attend, with victims of ICE testifying about being shot and threatened is discussed.(10:51) Stephen Willeford, spokesperson with Gun Owners Of America, reacts to how the 2nd Amendment has been attacked in the aftermath of the Alex Pretti homicide by ICE as ICE supporters attempt to defend their actions.(24:49) The call by Donald Trump to nationalize elections versus what the U.S. Constitution establishes is examined.(30:14) Professor Pete Simi, Sociology Professor at Chapman University, reveals how Donald Trump and other government officials are sharing comments and ideas with roots and history in extremism, bigotry and hate.(43:47) Chris DeBello looks at how the Bible addresses the continued hate being expressed in the aftermath of the deaths by ICE of Alex Pretti and Rene Nicole Good.