The Politics Guys

Mike and Michael mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 before turning to the GOP’s first midterm convention, Trump’s effort to mobilize lower-propensity voters, John Fetterman’s unusual Republican outreach, and the battle for control of the Senate. They also discuss the New Hampshire and Rhode Island primaries and debate Missouri’s redistricting fight, including whether changing congressional maps between a primary and general election creates serious constitutional and democratic problems.The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

On this midweek supporters-exclusive episode of The Politics Guys, Trey Orndorff (Oklahoma Christian University) is joined by Justin Holmes (University of Northern Iowa) in an extra-long preview for non-supporters. Listen to an entire segment this week as Trey and Justin break down a high-stakes constitutional dispute over interstate extradition between Minnesota and Texas. Then, join as Trey and Justin debate the ethical boundaries between research or search tools, such as Gemini Notebook, and generative engines. What sparks the debate? Stanley Druckenmiller’s acknowledgement that his commentary piece was published using AI and the Wall Street Journal’s Paul Gigot defending the piece. What are the edges of ethical AI use? The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

On this week’s episode of The Politics Guys, Trey Orndorff (Oklahoma Christian University) is joined by Justin Holmes (University of Northern Iowa), filling in while Ken Katkin takes a few weeks away from the show. The pair start by looking at breaking down the decision of SCOTUS to allow the White House Ballroom Construction to continue. Trey and Justin discuss the mechanics of standing and why both agree that on its merits the petitioners lack standing. They dig deeper to discuss why unsigned orders draw criticism, and how congressional inaction creates systemic blind spots in checking executive power.Next, they move to the 413-2 vote to censure Rep. Chuck Edwards. Trey and Justin evaluate the rare bipartisan consensus behind the vote, contrasting it with recent disciplinary battles involving former representatives Matt Gaetz, Eric Swalwell, and Tony Gonzales. Trey posits that the bipartisan anger, including the MAGA wing of the Republican Party, over Epstein might be a contributing factor in the unanimity.After that, they move to the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. With Driscoll’s exit following the previous departures of top civilian and military officials, Trey and Justin examine how the turnover affects the ongoing military operations in the Middle East. They also discuss the potential presidential aspirations of both VD Vance and Hegseth in the dealings behind the scenes.They close the show by looking at Gallup’s tracking poll on government corruption. Gallup’s question on widespread corruption hit a new high, with 89% of American adults indicating they view government corruption as widespread. This is up significantly from 79% in 2025 and 74% in 2024. Justin dives into survey question methodology and how the question has flaws, but still has merit. Both hosts analyze how declining social capital, negative media incentives for institutions, and institutional alienation impact democratic stability.The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Is America really losing its technological edge to China? Mike talks with Mehran Gul, author of The New Geography of Innovation, about why U.S. tech dominance may be stronger than it looks—and why China has nevertheless become a genuine innovation powerhouse. They explore Silicon Valley’s surprising government roots, the critical role of venture capital, Europe’s struggle to compete in AI, South Korea’s giant conglomerates, Singapore’s unusually capable state, the demographic threat facing innovative economies, and why geography may matter more—not less—in an increasingly digital world.The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

In this supporters’ exclusive midweek episode, Mike and Jay dig into three fights over elections, technology, and government power. First, the Supreme Court intervenes in the battle over President Trump’s new mail-ballot rules—raising questions about standing, last-minute election changes, presidential authority, and whether states can realistically comply before the midterms. Then they turn to Meta’s $17.1 billion settlement over alleged harms to children and teens, asking whether the enormous headline number will actually hurt Meta—or meaningfully improve kids’ mental health. Finally, they debate a federal appeals court ruling striking down South Carolina’s rule giving voters 65 and older easier access to mail voting, a decision that could put the meaning of the 26th Amendment before the Supreme Court.The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Mike and Jay open with a discussion of what President Trump hopes to gain from 50% tariffs on America’s second-largest trading partner, whether Trump fundamentally misunderstands the value of allies, and how his approach could strengthen China rather than contain it.Then they turn to Republican politics after Trump-backed candidates win closely watched races in South Carolina and Oklahoma. How much does Trump’s primary endorsement record really tell us about his hold over the GOP? The discussion expands to political dynasties, inexperienced senators, the decline of the Senate’s old “apprenticeship” norm, and the tradeoff between political experience and entrenched party machines.Finally, six months into the Iran war, the Trump administration launches “Operation Economic Outcast,” threatening banks and companies that continue doing business with Tehran. Mike and Jay debate whether Trump is really prepared to impose serious costs on China, how long Iran can survive economically, and whether staying the course could eventually force Tehran to accept a deal—or simply deepen an already costly strategic mistake.The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Mike, Justin, and Michael open this supporters’ exclusive midweek episode with a look at the Trump crypto fortune, conflict-of-interest questions surrounding World Liberty Financial, Trump’s newly approved national trust bank, and the stalled CLARITY Act. Then, they consider why data centers have suddenly become a bipartisan political liability. The guys dig into rising electricity costs, water use, local tax incentives, surprisingly few permanent jobs, NIMBYism, and the national-security argument for keeping America ahead of China in AI.Finally, they discuss some genuinely good news: U.S. violent crime is falling sharply, with homicides potentially reaching their lowest level in generations. But why? Better policing, demographics, less lead exposure, improved trauma medicine, incarceration, changing drug and alcohol use—or some combination of all of them?The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Mike is joined by fellow political scientists Michael Levy and Justin Holmes to break down what the latest primaries say about the Democratic and Republican parties, whether the Iran war is exposing serious limits in U.S. military readiness, and what AOC means when she says “Woke 1 was crazy.”They start with Florida, where Trump-backed Byron Donalds won the Republican gubernatorial nomination and former Republican David Jolly became the Democratic nominee. The guys look at Florida’s dramatic shift toward the GOP, Democrats’ struggle to build competitive state parties, and the growing number of Democratic Socialist candidates poised to enter Congress. Then it’s Alaska, where Mary Peltola’s strong showing against Republican Senator Dan Sullivan suggests one of Democrats’ better Senate pickup opportunities.Next, they turn to the war with Iran and reports of mounting strain aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. Is this simply the inevitable cost of a long deployment—or evidence that the Trump administration badly underestimated the logistics of an extended war? They also consider what pulling naval assets from the Pacific could mean for U.S. deterrence against China.Finally, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says “Woke 1 was crazy.” Is that a substantive rethink of progressive politics, a shift in rhetoric, or simply recognition that some of the left’s post-2020 language became politically toxic? Mike, Michael, and Justin debate whether progressive politics has primarily a messaging problem—or a policy problem too.The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

On this week’s episode of The Politics Guys, Trey Orndorff (subbing for Mike) is joined by political scientist Michael Levy for their first show together. They begin with Michael breaking down the August 11 primaries. This includes discussing David Crowley’s narrow victory over Democratic Socialist Francesca Hong in Wisconsin, along with races in Minnesota and South Carolina. The pair discuss why polls missed by wide margins, and Trey discusses the difficulty of modeling primary elections and new tech challenges, including automatic call-screening available on smartphones.Next, the pair move to Executive Order 14407, or the “Gold Standard” of childhood vaccines. Trey and Michael highlight the order’s mandate to split the combined Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine into three separate single-disease shots administered across three visits. Trey points out that such shots do not currently exist, rendering the directive unworkable in the short term. The duo also discuss the public-facing crisis that public health officials now face.They close the show with a look at the one-year anniversary of the federalization of D.C.’s Police and the deployment of National Guard troops to the district. The hosts discuss both the confirmation that troops will remain in D.C. through Inauguration Day 2029 and the cost of it at approximately 3 million dollars per day. They finish by discussing the effects of normalizing domestic military policing.The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Mike talks with political scientists Kirby and Spencer Goidel about their new book, The Trump Realignment, and their argument that Donald Trump didn’t simply take over the Republican Party—he fundamentally changed the American party system. They discuss how Trump exploited divisions over trade, immigration, education, and distrust of elites; why the GOP’s transformation began well before 2016; the growing political divide between college and non-college voters; Democrats’ struggle to reconnect with the working class; higher education’s collapse in Republican trust; Silicon Valley’s shifting political alliances; and why Trumpism may prove far more durable than Trump himself. They close with what the coming fight over both parties could mean for 2028 and beyond.The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

This bonus midweek episode begins with the Democratic National Committee’s precarious finances: the DNC is spending heavily on state parties, organizers, and long-term infrastructure while the Republican National Committee sits on a formidable cash advantage heading into the 2026 midterms. Mike and Jay debate whether DNC Chair Ken Martin is making a disciplined investment—or leaving Democrats dangerously exposed. Then they examine the Democratic Socialists of America’s increasingly prominent agenda, including abolishing the Senate, replacing the presidency and Supreme Court, open borders, dismantling ICE, sharply reducing the Pentagon, prison abolition, and public ownership of major corporations. Are these serious answers to genuine problems, reckless shortcuts around constitutional constraints, or both? The discussion ends with a larger argument about populism, political guardrails, and whether American democracy now gives popular passions too direct a path to power.The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

On this midweek supporters-exclusive episode of The Politics Guys, Trey Orndorff (Oklahoma Christian University) and Ken Katkin (NKU Chase College of Law) continue their ongoing deep-dive series through The Federalist Papers, taking on Federalist Nos. 17, 18, and 19.  In this cluster of essays, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison tackle a central Anti-Federalist anxiety pushed by writers like Brutus (Robert Yates), Cato, and Patrick Henry: the fear that the proposed Constitution would create an all-powerful, consolidated national government that absorbs state sovereignty and individual liberty. Publius flips this argument on its head, contending that the real threat to the American republic isn’t central tyranny, but internal anarchy, state fragmentation, and weak federal enforcement. Topics discussed include: Hamilton’s dismissing that a national government will seek to usurp state powers because ambitious national leaders will care about glorious issues such as commerce, finance, negotiations, and war.The draw of state and local governments for the average person Trey and Ken highlight that even today, over 98% of all court cases in the U.S. remain in state courts. Hamilton’s arguments that the true threat is state governments obstructing or interfering with federal law enforcement, anticipating modern disputes like sanctuary cities.The collaborative authorship and unique drafting history of Federalist 18, where Madison incorporated notes and research compiled by Hamilton into his own previous research studies for the constitutional convention.How in an era before modern social science, the Framers looked to ancient history as their primary empirical evidence, and what they left out to persuade readers.The influence of Abbé Mabley on the writing of Madison.The history and background of The Holy Roman Empire and its distinction with the Roman Empire.To dive deeper, read more on Trey's Substack.The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

On this week’s episode, Trey Orndorff (Oklahoma Christian University) and law professor Ken Katkin (NNKU Chase College of Law) tackle as many major stories as possible for the first week of August, breaking down a pair of controversial new executive orders on citizenship, high-stakes primary results out of Kansas and Michigan, and the Senate Judiciary Committee’s vote to advance Todd Blanche for U.S. Attorney General.Trey and Ken begin with the two executive orders signed on August 6, attempting to narrow birthright citizenship following earlier Supreme Court pushback. The first order directs the State Department and Department of Homeland Security to deny visas to pregnant non-citizens to curb "birth tourism". The second order attempts to strip automatic citizenship from specific categories, including children of foreign government employees, those born in U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and Guam, and children born via commercial birth-tourism transactions. The guys unpack the legal hurdles facing both orders, comparing executive immigration authority against statutory protections like the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, analyzing the precedent of Geduldig v. Aiello (1974), and examining how the 14th Amendment’s "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" clause applies to territorial residents. Next, they look to Tuesday’s primary results, especially in Kansas and Michigan. Kansas voters resoundingly rejected (61%–39%) a Republican-backed constitutional amendment that would have replaced the state's merit-based judicial nominating commission with direct partisan elections for state Supreme Court justices. Ken and Trey debate whether the vote was driven by post-Dobbs voter mobilization to protect the court’s abortion rulings or a broader conservative skepticism toward the election of judges. Affter that, the duo also discuss progressive Abdul El-Sayed ’s narrow victory (48.5% to 47.5%) over establishment favorite Rep. Haley Stevens despite being heavily outspent by outside groups. Trey and Ken discuss what this close result signals about intra-party friction, the debate over "abolishing ICE," and how candidates navigate Middle East policy in Michigan. They also discuss one of the strangest primaries in the cycle: the victory of Thomas J. Smith, a candidate who raised just $1,850, filed his paperwork by hand, and formally suspended his campaign in Michigan’s 8th Congressional District. Smith trounced the Trump-endorsed candidate Amir Haneef Hassan. Finally, Trey and Ken finish with a discussion of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s 12-10 vote to advance Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination to the full Senate floor. The vote came after Republican Senators Cornyn and Tillis secured written assurances from Blanche formally killing a controversial $1.8 billion executive "weaponization fund" intended for presidential payouts. With Senator Bill Cassidy announcing his floor support, Trey and Ken evaluate whether the Senate exercised meaningful oversight over the Justice Department or simply cleared a path for executive confirmation.The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Mike and Jay debate whether Donald Trump has a coherent strategy for the wars in Ukraine and Iran—or is improvising while weapons stockpiles, alliances, and political pressures narrow his options. They examine a major Russia sanctions bill targeting China and India, Ukraine’s possible license to manufacture Patriot interceptors, and whether the United States can bomb Iran into submission. Then they turn to the courts, where Trump’s executive order tightening mail-voting rules faces serious constitutional obstacles, before asking what Anthony Fauci’s private COVID diaries actually prove—and whether Rand Paul’s investigation is legitimate oversight, political theater, or a perjury trap.The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Open Primaries founder John Opdycke joins Mike to argue that America’s primary system gives political parties too much control while shutting out millions of independent voters. They discuss taxpayer-funded closed primaries, top-two elections, whether open systems actually reduce polarization, the threat of strategic “raiding,” and why third parties so rarely gain traction. Opdycke also explains the 2024 defeats of several election-reform measures, the risks of bundling open primaries with ranked-choice voting, opposition from both major parties, and why changing election rules matters only if reformers also build new political coalitions and persuade voters to participate.Open Primaries on XThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

On this midweek supporters-exclusive episode of The Politics Guys, Trey Orndorff (Oklahoma Christian University) and Justin Holmes (University of Northern Iowa) continue their deep dive into political ideologies by tackling a unique case: religion. Topics covered include: How religion shapes political behaviorJohn Rawls and exorcising faith, and can it be, from the public sphereAn overview of the substantive and functional definitions of religion Is religion just an add-on to other ideologies?What, if anything, makes the values of religion different from other values?Are there true values and how do we exist in a pluralist society if we accept that there are better and worse values?Become a new monthly supporter on Patreon and get your first month nearly free (90% off) with promo code 0943D, or become a new annual supporter and get an additional 10% off on top of the regular 10% annual supporter discount with promo code 9B50C. These offers are good until the end of July at patreon.com/politicsguysThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Mike talks about the Explain Like I'm 5 podcast. I hope you will enjoy this excellent show as much as we do.

On this week’s episode, political scientist Trey Orndorff (Oklahoma Christian University) is joined by political scientist Justin Holmes (University of Northern Iowa) to break down a packed late-July news cycle spanning a massive war supplemental request on Capitol Hill, a rapid-fire prime ministerial transition across the Atlantic, executive tariff gymnastics, and an electoral shockwave in a premier battleground state.The pair begins by diving into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's combative appearance before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Hegseth revealed that the U.S. military conflict with Iran has burned through $37.5 billion so far, defending a massive $87.6 billion emergency supplemental request. Trey breaks down the math discovering that the request represents a 9.2% increase over the baseline defense budget. Next, over in Great Britain, Andy Burnham officially became the UK's 59th Prime Minister. Trey and Justin discuss the mechanics of parliamentary leadership swaps, Burnham's swift shift to authorize U.S. air launches from British bases against Iran, and his appointment of prominent Trump critic Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary. They also look at polling showing that nearly two-thirds of the British public oppose offensive U.S. strikes and explore the domestic risks Burnham faces as he balances transatlantic relations with a skeptical electorate.  After that the guys analyze the White House's latest trade moves following USTR Jamieson Greer's announcement of new Section 301 tariffs targeting 60 major trading partners under the official justification of combating foreign forced labor. Trey and Justin look past the human-rights framing to reveal the underlying legal timeline: the Section 301 action was timed to seamlessly replace temporary Section 122 tariffs that expired at midnight. They debate President Trump's mercantilist vision, "constitutional whack-a-mole," supply chain realities and why global companies are likely to wait out executive trade directives.  To close the show, Trey and Justin head to Arizona, where primary voters handed a complete sweep to Donald Trump's endorsed slate: Congressman Andy Biggs for Governor, State Rep. Alexander Kolodin for Secretary of State, and State Senate President Warren Petersen for Attorney General. With all three nominees tied directly to post-2020 election challenges, Jan 6 objections, and the Maricopa County Cyber Ninjas audit, the guys debate how this hard-right ticket will fair in November against incumbent Democrats, the median voter theory, and why Democrats consistently struggle with tangible election security messaging.Become a new monthly supporter on Patreon and get your first month nearly free (90% off) with promo code 0943D, or become a new annual supporter and get an additional 10% off on top of the regular 10% annual supporter discount with promo code 9B50C. These offers are good until the end of July at patreon.com/politicsguysThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

AI is advancing faster than Congress can regulate it—but leaving the industry to police itself carries enormous risks. Mike talks with former congressman and Pentagon official Brad Carson about mandatory safety testing, federal efforts to override state AI laws, liability when AI causes harm, Anthropic’s clash with the government, autonomous weapons, mass surveillance, and why artificial intelligence could upend higher education. They also confront the deeper question: will citizens have any meaningful say over a technology being built by a handful of extraordinarily powerful companies? Americans for Responsible InnovationFollow Brad Carson on X.The Politics Guys on Facebook | XBecome a new monthly supporter on Patreon and get your first month nearly free (90% off) with promo code 0943D, or become a new annual supporter and get an additional 10% off on top of the regular 10% annual supporter discount with promo code 9B50C. These offers are good until the end of July at patreon.com/politicsguysThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

This supporters’ exclusive midweek episode begins with a remarkable question: can a president sue his own government, negotiate with his own Justice Department, and call the result a legitimate settlement? Mike and Michael Levy unpack the judge’s ruling in Trump v. IRS, then turn to Marco Rubio’s campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court, Pete Hegseth’s removal of senior military leaders and push for testosterone screening, and the Democratic Socialists’ recent primary victories. Are Democrats facing their own Tea Party insurgency—or a movement whose appeal collapses outside deep-blue districts? Check out Michael Levy’s SubstackSt. Thomas, by Sonny RollinsBecome a new monthly supporter on Patreon and get your first month nearly free (90% off) with promo code 0943D, or become a new annual supporter and get an additional 10% off on top of the regular 10% annual supporter discount with promo code 9B50C. These offers are good until the end of July at patreon.com/politicsguysThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Donald Trump says America’s elections are dangerously vulnerable—but did his primetime speech offer evidence, or lay the groundwork to contest a Republican midterm defeat? Mike and Michael Levy dissect Trump’s election-security claims, the SAVE Act, and the gap between genuine cybersecurity risks and unsupported allegations of noncitizen voting. They also examine the renewed U.S.-Iran war, the collapse of the Strait of Hormuz agreement, and whether Trump’s pressure campaign has any plausible endgame. Then they debate Lindsey Graham’s legacy: pragmatic dealmaker preserving his influence, or cautionary tale of a senator who recognized Trump’s danger and enabled it anyway? Finally, they turn to Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination, Justice Department independence, Trump’s IRS settlement, and the Epstein files.Check out Michael Levy’s SubstackBecome a new monthly supporter on Patreon and get your first month nearly free (90% off) with promo code 0943D, or become a new annual supporter and get an additional 10% off on top of the regular 10% annual supporter discount with promo code 9B50C. These offers are good until the end of July at patreon.com/politicsguysThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Could a voter-approved law in Maine bring down the legal foundation of Super PACs without overturning Citizens United? Harvard Law professor Lawrence Lessig joins Mike to explain why he believes the lower-court ruling in SpeechNow v. FEC—not Citizens United—created today’s unlimited-contribution system, and why Maine’s overwhelmingly approved Super PAC contribution limits could give the Supreme Court a chance to correct that mistake. They discuss corruption, originalism, campaign coordination, democracy vouchers, public financing, and whether meaningful campaign finance reform remains politically possible.Lawrence Lessig on XBecome a new monthly supporter on Patreon and get your first month nearly free (90% off) with promo code 0943D, or become a new annual supporter and get an additional 10% off on top of the regular 10% annual supporter discount with promo code 9B50C. These offers are good until the end of July at patreon.com/politicsguysThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Political scientist Trey Orndorff and law professor Ken Katkin continue their ongoing Federalst Papers series. In this episode, Trey and Ken move past lofty philosophies of Federalist No. 10 to examine the raw mathematical, logistical, and financial realities that the Madison and Hamilton confronted as their argued for a more powerful national government. Topics covered include:Trey and Ken explore Madison at his most pragmatic. Facing fierce Anti-Federalist critiques that the American landmass was simply too large for a unified republic to function, Madison busts out the calculations to prove that no state representative is too far from the capital. The guys laugh at Madison's slightly (very) skewed size comparisons to Germany and a pre-partitioned Poland to make his point.Madison correctly predicting that future technological improvements will seamlessly shrink distances. Ken hooks this directly into modern constitutional law, analyzing how Justice Anthony Kennedy heavily channeled the spirit of Federalist 14 in his landmark concurring opinion in United States v. Lopez (1994) to explain the evolution of our integrated national economy.Hamilton argues that the U.S. has reached the final stage of "national humiliation," left with neither a unified treasury nor a standing military mechanism to enforce its own sovereignty. Trey and Ken trace Hamilton's fury back to his real-world experiences as an aide during the Revolutionary War and his deep financial roots as a founder of the Bank of New York, watching unpaid war bonds cripple the young nation’s global creditworthiness.And so much more!Don't forget that our July video campaign is in full swing! If you’ve been on the fence about upgrading your membership or extending your subscription, doing so this month gets you entered into a raffle for a free year of membership. Plus if 25 indiivudals subscribe or upgrade their support we launch video epsidoes of the show!90% Off Your First Monthly Month: Use code 0943DTXTAn Additional 10% Off Annual Support: Use code 9B50CThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Trey Orndorff and Ken Katkin tackle the ongoing volatilty of the U.S. / Iran conflict and its month-old Memorandum of Understanding falling apart. Ken argues there is no hope for peace until the next presidential elections. Trey is not sure even that event will end the violence fully. The pair also discuss the Friday morning mystery of the unclaimed bombs and who might be responsible.Next they discuss NATO and the discordent tone between Trump's demands to halt all U.S. trade with Spain and for Greenland to be purchased from Denmark. Trey and Ken look under the hood and find the real reasoning: Madrid's locking its airspace to American warplanes bound for Iran.They close with a discussion of the collapse Grahm Platner as a result of harrowing allegations of rape and domestic abuse. Trey argues that Democrats should have jumped ship long ago just on the basis of his written comments and his likely Nazi tattoo. Trey and Ken break down the strict state statutory deadlines for the Maine Democratic Committee to salvage the ballot, clash over whether a centrist replacement actually helps or hurts against incumbent Susan Collins, and dissect why primary voters are increasingly willing to overlook massive personal red flags to back an aggressive "fighter."We hear you! Everyone wants to know when The Politics Guys are finally launching video episodes on YouTube. We’ve got a promise for you: If 25 new supporters join or existing supporters increase their tier this month, we will officially start releasing some video episodes. Plus, anyone who signs up or upgrades in July will be automatically entered into a raffle to win a free year of membership at their current tier!90% Off Your First Monthly Month: Use code 0943DAn Additional 10% Off Annual Support: Use code 9B50CThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Michael Levy talks with California State Senator Scott Wiener of San Francisco, one of the country’s leading Democratic voices on housing policy, artificial intelligence, the abundance movement, LGBTQ rights, and sexual health policy. Wiener discusses how California’s housing crisis became a governance failure, why simply blaming Airbnb or corporate investors misses the larger supply problem, and what Democrats need to confront if they want to make blue-state government work. Michael and Scott also dig into San Francisco’s AI boom, the risks of frontier AI, job displacement, public transit, homelessness, California’s slow ballot counting, Jewish and LGBTQ politics, Nancy Pelosi’s congressional seat, and why Wiener thinks Democrats need to use power more aggressively if they return to control in Washington. Follow Scott on XBecome a new monthly supporter on Patreon and get your first month nearly free (90% off) with promo code 0943D, or become a new annual supporter and get an additional 10% off on top of the regular 10% annual supporter discount with promo code 9B50C. These offers are good until the end of July at patreon.com/politicsguysThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Mike and Jay kick off the Fourth of July weekend with a quick reflection on America at 250 before turning to a packed week of constitutional conflict: renewed U.S.-Iran tensions near the Strait of Hormuz, Trump’s failed attempt to limit birthright citizenship, and two major Supreme Court fights over presidential power. They dig into whether birthright citizenship is now truly settled, why the Court let Trump fire FTC commissioners, and why the Federal Reserve may be different — or at least too important for the Court to treat like every other agency.Become a new monthly supporter on Patreon and get your first month nearly free (90% off) with promo code 0943D, or become a new annual supporter and get an additional 10% off on top of the regular 10% annual supporter discount with promo code 9B50C. These offers are good until the end of July at patreon.com/politicsguysThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Mike talks with Tom Carroll, co-founder and CEO of Convos, a controlled AI-powered texting platform designed to turn campaign texting from one-way blasts into two-way voter conversations. They discuss why campaign texts feel so spammy, how AI could help campaigns answer voter questions at scale, and whether conversational campaign texting is a useful democratic tool or just a more sophisticated form of political manipulation. Mike and Tom also dig into AI disclosure, hallucination risks, voter privacy, campaign data, banned topics, regulation, and why emerging AI campaign tools may be adopted differently by progressive, conservative, grassroots, and major-party campaigns. The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

In this supporter-exclusive midweek episode, Trey is joined by Justin, and they cover multiculturalism as an ideology.On this week’s show, Trey and Justin discuss:Core principles of multiculturalismWhat differentiates multiculturalism the ideology from the empirical reality of cultures living side by side inside one stateThe attacks on multiculturalism from liberalism, feminism, and marxismThe conflicted nature of thinking of culture and ethnicity as only belonging to "the other"The difficulty of crafting laws that account for all potential cultural exceptions⁠Trey’s Substack on the Federalist Papers⁠The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Political scientists Trey Orndorff (Oklahoma Christian University) and Justin Holmes (University of Northern Iowa) break down a wildly volatile week in American governance, focusing heavily on the expanding boundaries and realities of modern presidential power. From a shocking last-minute executive shutdown of a bipartisan housing bill to the unprecedented face-to-face shouting match on Capitol Hill and two major immigration overhauls at the Supreme Court, Trey and Justin get into the details of the relationship of the the branches of government. Topics covered include: The 90-Minute Housing Act U-Turn: Trey and Justin detail the sudden collapse of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, a sweeping bipartisan bill that sailed through the Senate 85–5 and the House 358–32. The bill was designed to block municipalities from stopping office-to-housing conversions and cap Wall Street mega-investors from aggressively buying up single-family homes. Yet, just 90 minutes before a scheduled noon signing ceremony, President Trump canceled the event on Truth Social, labeling the popular bill "of minor importance" and too "Elizabeth Warren-centric". The War Powers Showdown & The Great Senate Flip-Flop: The Senate initially passed a War Powers resolution by a razor-thin 50–48 margin to rein in executive military actions. The vote came directly after Secretary Hegseth requested a massive $80 billion for military expenditures related to Iran. After Trump face-to-face berated Senate Republicans the Senate took the step of completely reversing its vote. Senator Cassidy flipped his vote, and non-interventionist Senator Rand Paul shifted to a present vote. Trump’s Double Victory at the Supreme Court: An analytical breakdown of two monumental 6–3 conservative majority rulings penned by Justice Alito handing the executive branch sweeping control over immigration policy.The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Mike talks with David Beckemeyer, fellow Democracy Group podcaster and host of Outrage Overload, about why American politics so often feels like a permanent rage machine. They dig into why people badly misread their political opponents, how outrage media works on both the left and right, why more information doesn’t necessarily make us more reasonable, and how social media creates false consensus and rewards the most extreme voices. Mike and David also discuss the deeper civic problem: Americans often misunderstand not only the “other side,” but the political system itself—checks and balances, coalition-building, compromise, and the messy realities of governing. The conversation ends with practical ways to resist outrage overload without pretending that genuinely outrageous things don’t exist.The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Mike and Jay dig into a chaotic week in politics, starting with the Trump administration’s memorandum of understanding with Iran—a deal meant to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, end the war, waive oil sanctions, and postpone the hardest nuclear questions. They debate whether the agreement was a pragmatic off-ramp, a capitulation, or a deal already collapsing under pressure from Iran, Israel, Hezbollah, and Trump’s own political incentives. Then they turn to Trump’s strange handling of Jay Clayton’s DNI nomination, Bill Pulte’s interim role, FISA Section 702 renewal, and the SAVE Act fight over documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration. They also break down major 2026 primary results in Georgia, Alabama, and Oklahoma, including Trump’s mixed endorsement record, Mike Collins vs. Jon Ossoff, and Rick Jackson’s staggering spending in the Georgia governor’s race. Finally, they discuss the legality, symbolism, and tackiness of UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn—and the alleged plot to attack it. The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Mike talks with Layla Zaidane, president and CEO of Future Caucus, the largest nonpartisan organization of young lawmakers in the United States, about why the next generation of political leaders may be running into a system that makes public service nearly impossible. They discuss whether younger lawmakers really govern differently, how Future Caucus tries to build bipartisan trust without sanding away ideological disagreement, and why under-resourced state legislatures often end up empowering governors, lobbyists, and interest groups instead of elected representatives. They also dig into Future Caucus’s Exit Interview report, including the biggest reasons young lawmakers leave office: political violence, low pay, lack of staff, weak institutional support, unpredictable schedules, and the difficulty of serving without personal wealth or family flexibility. The conversation closes with a blunt but hopeful argument: if state legislatures are the farm system for national leadership, neglecting them is a long-term democratic failure. Future Caucus on XThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

In this supporters’ exclusive midweek episode, Mike and Ken work through four fights over executive power, legal process, and institutional trust: Judge Leo Sorokin’s ruling striking down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee as an unconstitutional tax, the furor over California’s slow vote count, mail ballots, and Trump’s fraud claims, the Broadview Six grand-jury scandal and what it says about DOJ misconduct and the courts’ usual “presumption of regularity,” and the messy question of who gets tariff refunds after the Supreme Court struck down Trump’s IEEPA tariffs.The Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

This episode provides an in-depth analysis of Article 1, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution, exploring the limitations it places on states and the historical context behind these provisions. Key topics covered include Limits on state powers in treaties, currency, and military Historical context of Article 1, Section 10 The Contracts Clause and property rights Case studies: Dartmouth College and Minnesota Mortgage Federalism and the role of Congress versus states ⁠⁠Read Trey's Substack for a deep dive into the Federalist Papers⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Politics Guys on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out the excellent ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sustainable Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast. Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/politicsguys⁠⁠⁠⁠ or⁠⁠⁠⁠ politicsguys.com/support⁠⁠⁠⁠. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Democracy Group⁠⁠⁠⁠, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Mike, Trey, and Terry open this supporters' exclusive midweek episode with Trump’s planned troop drawdown from Germany and what it says about America’s shifting posture toward Europe. Terry argues the 5,000-troop reduction itself is not strategically decisive, but looks more like retaliation than planning. Trey sees it as part of a broader Trump effort to demote NATO and reorder U.S. alliances, while Mike worries that America may be giving up a relatively inexpensive source of leverage, deterrence, and global reach. Next, they turn to the Senate reconciliation package, the parliamentarian’s limits on what can be included, and the huge increase in funding for immigration enforcement. Trey explains why reconciliation has become central in a Senate where ordinary legislating is increasingly blocked by the filibuster. Mike focuses on the institutional damage of Congress pre-funding executive priorities for years at a time, while Terry argues that although the congressional abdication is real, Trump is delivering the immigration crackdown he openly campaigned on. After that, the guys discuss Florida’s new congressional map and the escalating national gerrymandering war. Trey lays out how DeSantis is trying to maximize Republican seats while framing the map as race-neutral after the Callais decision. Mike argues that Florida’s Fair Districts Amendment should make this kind of map legally vulnerable, though he suspects the state supreme court may find a way to uphold it. Terry emphasizes that both parties are abandoning anti-gerrymandering principles when power is at stake, while also warning that Republicans may be overreading recent Hispanic voting trends. They close with Republican efforts to flip John Fetterman and what his alienation from Democrats means for the Senate. Terry thinks Fetterman has little reason to switch parties now and give up leverage. Trey notes that Fetterman still votes with Democrats most of the time and argues that party activists now treat even modest dissent as betrayal. Mike sees Fetterman as politically stranded: far too liberal to be a real Republican, too estranged from Democrats to be effective, and likely headed for a very difficult 2028 primary. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Mike, Trey, and guest host Terry Casey, a political scientist at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, open with the still-unresolved U.S. conflict with Iran, the closed Strait of Hormuz, and the Trump administration’s attempt to frame military pressure and uncertain negotiations as progress. Trey argues that the administration still lacks a clear win condition and may be trying to avoid admitting failure. Terry counters that a U.S. win is possible, but only at costs Trump may not be willing to pay. Mike suggests Iran may be playing for time, betting that Trump’s fear of midterm damage and rising gas prices will push him toward a face-saving retreat. Next, the guys turn to this week’s elections, including Trump-backed primary challenges in Indiana, a Democratic special-election win in Michigan, and turnout signals in Ohio. Trey sees Trump’s successful targeting of dissenting Republicans as evidence of his continuing grip on the GOP, while warning that special elections are imperfect predictors of November. Mike argues that the Indiana results may show the power of massive money in low-turnout races more than Trump’s personal power alone. Terry adds a ground-level view from Indiana, where one anti-Trump-targeted incumbent survived by emphasizing local politics against a challenger whose entire message was Trump’s endorsement. After that, the guys examine the Fifth Circuit’s order restricting access to mifepristone, Justice Alito’s temporary administrative stay, and the broader clash over abortion, FDA authority, standing, and state power. Trey thinks the Supreme Court will likely look for a procedural way to avoid a sweeping merits ruling, while worrying that post-Dobbs litigation keeps compounding the loss of individual liberty. Terry presses the harder federalism question: if states can ban abortion, why can’t they block abortion drugs from being shipped into the state? Mike argues that the standing issue is not a mere technicality, because accepting Louisiana’s theory could dramatically expand state challenges to federal regulation. Check out the Future of Our Former Democracy podcast  The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Mike, Justin, and Kirby open this supporters’ exclusive midweek episode with the fight over DHS funding, where a bipartisan deal appears to keep most of the department funded while leaving ICE and Border Patrol outside the agreement for now. Mike argues that Democrats didn’t get the statutory limits on raids, masks, and body cameras they wanted, but may still have forced some moderation in enforcement tactics after Minneapolis. Justin sees the deal as a likely temporary fix and argues that the bad optics of aggressive enforcement gave Democrats more room to hold out. Kirby thinks the shutdown exposed poor strategic thinking on both sides, with Republicans taking an issue where they had an advantage and damaging themselves through overreach. Next, the guys turn to the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey over his Instagram post showing seashells spelling out “8647.” Mike argues that the indictment is legally thin because true-threat doctrine requires evidence that Comey intended, or at least recklessly disregarded, that the message would be understood as a threat. Kirby sees the case as unserious on the merits but serious as a signal that the Trump DOJ is using process itself as punishment. Justin agrees that the case is unlikely to lead to conviction and argues that Republicans are trying to redefine ordinary political language while ignoring far more aggressive rhetoric from Trump and his allies. After that, the discussion broadens to whether Trump’s choices are weakening the MAGA coalition and damaging the Republican brand heading into the midterms and beyond. Mike points to Trump’s poor approval numbers, economic dissatisfaction, the Iran war, and the failure of some GOP structural advantages to materialize as signs that Republicans may be heading into serious trouble. Kirby argues that Trump still owns the party, but a major midterm loss could open the fight between MAGA and post-MAGA Republicans over the party’s future. Justin thinks Trump’s biggest problem is his habit of promising transformation and then delivering something closer to continuity, especially on the economy, while also noting that post-Trump Republican policy may not change as much as Trump’s critics hope. Listen to Kirby’s Inside Political Science podcast here. Check out the Future of Our Former Democracy podcast  Curious about what sort of POTUS you’d be? Find out in the Fantasy President presidential simulator. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Mike, Justin, and special guest Kirby Goidel, a professor of political science at Texas A&M, open with the Supreme Court’s latest Voting Rights Act decision and what it means for racial representation, partisan gerrymandering, and the future of congressional redistricting. Justin argues that the ruling effectively makes racial vote-dilution claims nearly impossible to prove, especially when courts allow states to hide behind partisan explanations. Kirby pushes past the immediate partisan implications, suggesting that while the decision may hurt descriptive representation, its long-term effects on substantive representation are harder to predict. Mike is more sympathetic to the Court’s reasoning than expected, arguing that once race and party become highly correlated, Section 2 enforcement can begin to look like court-ordered Democratic gerrymandering. Next, the guys turn to the latest alleged assassination attempt against President Trump, the security response, the immediate political spin, and the administration’s argument that it strengthens the case for a new White House ballroom. Mike argues that the security system largely worked, while calling the ballroom justification legally and politically opportunistic. Justin focuses on the rise of lone-wolf political violence and the broader collapse of trust that makes conspiracy thinking almost automatic after events like this. Kirby emphasizes how quickly both parties convert crises into talking points and argues that political violence today is serious but should not be exaggerated beyond historical context. They close with the war against Iran, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the War Powers Resolution deadline, and whether Congress still has any meaningful role in authorizing sustained military conflict. Kirby argues that Congress has effectively surrendered much of its war-making authority and is unlikely to reclaim it unless the war becomes politically unbearable. Justin sees the conflict as strategically underdefined and politically dangerous for Republicans, especially if it fractures the MAGA coalition or keeps driving up fuel prices. Mike argues that Iran may actually have the stronger position over time, because Trump’s demand for something close to unconditional surrender is not a real negotiation strategy and may collide with public anger over the war’s economic costs. You can listen to Kirby’s Inside Political Science podcast here. Check out the Future of Our Former Democracy podcast  Curious about what sort of POTUS you’d be? Find out in the Fantasy President presidential simulator. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Next, the guys turn to the latest alleged assassination attempt against President Trump, the security response, the immediate political spin, and the administration’s argument that it strengthens the case for a new White House ballroom. Mike argues that the security system largely worked, while calling the ballroom justification legally and politically opportunistic. Justin focuses on the rise of lone-wolf political violence and the broader collapse of trust that makes conspiracy thinking almost automatic after events like this. Kirby emphasizes how quickly both parties convert crises into talking points and argues that political violence today is serious but should not be exaggerated beyond historical context. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Mike is joined by special guest Corey Nathan, creator and host of the Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other podcast. They discuss why the coming midterm elections are likely to leave most Americans dissatisfied, even under optimistic partisan scenarios, arguing that while Democrats may plausibly retake the House and even have an outside shot at the Senate, structural realities—uncompetitive districts, polarized primaries, fundraising incentives, and institutional constraints like the filibuster—limit the likelihood of meaningful change; Corey emphasizes concerns about election integrity and democratic norms, along with a desire for accountability and constitutional order, while also expressing cautious optimism about independent-minded legislators and cross-partisan cooperation emerging at state and local levels, whereas Mike stresses deeper systemic forces that reward conflict, discourage reform, and make Congress resistant to change; together they explore possible but unlikely paths to less disappointing outcomes—from weakening the filibuster to institutional reforms—while ultimately converging on a modest, process-oriented hope that incremental progress, civic engagement, and good-faith dialogue may be the most realistic way forward in a system structurally biased toward frustration.  Check out Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin’ Each Other. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

In this supporter-exclusive midweek episode, Trey is joined by Justin, and begin their discussion of modern ideologies with a deep dive into Feminism. On this week’s show, Trey and Justin discuss: The different waves of Feminism  The evolution of Feminism from an early struggle for political recognition and personhood to a focus on social structures and intersectionality Fascism’s rejection of reason and its rejection of Enlightenment rationality. The radical vs. liberal divide in Feminism An examination of how contemporary feminism interacts with trans rights The expanding nature of who counts as a Feminist and its intersection with race, class, and gender The Politics Guys on ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠X⁠ Trey’s Substack on the Federalist Papers Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at⁠patreon.com/politicsguys⁠ or⁠ politicsguys.com/support⁠. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of⁠ The Democracy Group⁠, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

In a rare three-person show, Trey is joined by Justin and Mike. They start by looking at the United States’ standoff with Iran. The trio explores the strategic confusion of mission accomplished with the ongoing naval blockade. They also point to the not-well-publicized 30-day sanctions relief granted to Russia to mitigate global oil shortages. Next, they turn to Federal Reserve Chair nominee Kevin Warsh. The discussion covers the recent news of the ending of the 12-12 committee deadlock, along with a bit of disagreement over how much latitude Warsh has from President Trump. Mike and Trey agree there are positive aspects to Warsh’s positions while Justin is more hesitant, but Trey is worried Warsh was not willing to call out the winner of the 2020 election. After that, they move to the Southern Poverty Law Center and the groups’ alleged shell companies to fund informants. While those in MAGA see this as a way for SPLC to manufacture extremism, the guys agree that the bigger issue is with the way that SPLC has had mission creep and slowly expanded a more fully left-vision of hate. They close the show with a discussion on Virginia’s new voter-approved congressional map that could grant Democrats a 10-1 seat advantage in a state where roughly 46% of voters chose Donald Trump in 2024. Mike gets deep into the problematic misleading of the ballot language, and Justin discusses how redistricting plans in Texas might backfire in a wave election. Check out the ⁠Future of Our Former Democracy⁠ podcast  Curious about what sort of POTUS you’d be? Find out in the ⁠Fantasy President⁠presidential simulator. The Politics Guys on ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠X⁠ Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at⁠ patreon.com/politicsguys⁠ or⁠ politicsguys.com/support⁠. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of⁠ The Democracy Group⁠, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Trey and Ken explore Federalist Papers No. 9 and 10, focusing on the arguments for a large republic and the dangers of faction. Topics discussed include: The role of factions in democracy Montesquieu and the Anti-Federalist arguments for small republics Hamilton and Madison’s overview of the advantages of a large republic Madison's theory of interest checking interest Hamilton's deep dive into the history of Greece The Politics Guys on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠X⁠⁠ ⁠Trey’s Substack on the Federalist Papers⁠ Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at⁠⁠patreon.com/politicsguys⁠⁠ or⁠⁠ politicsguys.com/support⁠⁠. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of⁠⁠ The Democracy Group⁠⁠, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

This week, Trey & Ken begin with Representative Eric Swalwell’s resignation from Congress and his suspended gubernatorial bid. Ken and Trey find themselves at odds over the institutional response. Ken argues that if Swalwell maintains his innocence, he should have stayed to fight the charges, suggesting his presence was a net positive for the Democratic caucus. Trey, however, contends that the resignation is a necessary consequence of his actions and that the party must prioritize moral clarity over political utility. Next, the pair turn to Viktor Orbán and the Fidesz party, conceding defeat to the Tisza party. The guys analyze the ripple effects of this election, particularly the role of Vice President JD Vance’s recent stumping for Orbán. Ken offers a provocative take: that the President used Vance’s Hungarian visit as a tactical maneuver to neutralize a VP who has been quietly skeptical of the ongoing war in Iran, at least behind the scenes. Then, the guys turn to the 10-day ceasefire now in place between Israel and Lebanon and the ongoing maritime landscape shift in response. While there are hopes for reopening the Strait to international commerce, the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in full effect. Trey and Ken examine the legal and strategic friction of maintaining an active blockade during a nominal ceasefire, along with the possibility of continued peace after the ceasefire period ends. They also discuss the close war powers vote that occurred in the House. Finally, they close in a moment of agreement. Both Trey and Ken argue that FISA Section 702, despite the President’s recent calls for renewal, has become incompatible with American civil liberties. They discuss why they believe the program, plagued by a history of abuse and the potential for future overreach, belongs in the dustbin of history. Check out the ⁠Future of Our Former Democracy⁠ podcast  Curious about what sort of POTUS you’d be? Find out in the ⁠Fantasy President⁠ presidential simulator. The Politics Guys on ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠X⁠ Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at⁠ patreon.com/politicsguys⁠ or⁠ politicsguys.com/support⁠. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of⁠ The Democracy Group⁠, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

In this supporters’ exclusive midweek episode, Mike and Michael examine political behavior through coalition dynamics rather than broad public opinion, using Fenno’s framework of multiple constituencies to show why smaller, more engaged groups—especially base voters, donors, and close advisors—often exert disproportionate influence. The discussion explores how electoral incentives like primaries, safe seats, turnout differences, and the Electoral College push politicians toward electoral efficiency, targeting the voters and funders who matter most rather than maximizing overall support. It also analyzes complications such as misjudging coalition strength, managing internal divisions, the growing role of out-of-district money, and the tension between acting as a delegate versus a trustee, concluding with the importance of negative partisanship and offering a simple heuristic: political choices are largely driven by who politicians need to keep satisfied to win and maintain power. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Mike and Jay open with the Iran conflict, debating whether the U.S.-Israel war achieved meaningful strategic gains or left America in a weaker position. Mike argues the ceasefire looks like a premature declaration of victory that strengthened Iran’s leverage, while Jay contends degrading Iran’s military and leadership are meaningful steps toward long-term goals like regime change or limiting its regional power. Next, they turn to the Trump administration’s rollback of transgender student protections, focusing on whether Title IX legally covers gender identity. Mike emphasizes that both statutory text and legislative history point clearly to biological sex, though he’s open to updating the law legislatively, while Jay agrees the prior interpretation was legally unsound but warns that aggressive federal enforcement against local districts risks overreach beyond core issues like sports. After that, the guys discuss recent elections in Wisconsin and Georgia and the broader pattern of Democratic overperformance in special elections. Mike argues the results largely track historical midterm dynamics rather than signaling a historically large wave, while Jay cautions against overinterpreting low-turnout, high-spending special elections but agrees Republicans should view the trend as a warning sign. Finally, they close with the Justice Department’s claim that the Presidential Records Act is unconstitutional, raising deeper separation-of-powers questions. Mike suggests the law may improperly intrude on executive authority, especially given its record-creation requirements, while Jay agrees the executive can challenge such statutes but emphasizes the courts will ultimately decide, highlighting the tension between transparency norms and constitutional structure. Check out the Future of Our Former Democracy podcast  Curious about what sort of POTUS you’d be? Find out in the Fantasy President presidential simulator. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

In this supporter-exclusive midweek episode, Trey is joined by Justin, and they conclude their exploration of the classic political ideologies with a deep dive into Fascism. On this week’s show, Trey and Justin discuss: Fascism’s rejection of reason and its rejection of Enlightenment rationality. The centrality of violence and struggle as an enduring premise of fascism. How fascism holds the past as idyllic goal that that will lead to greatness in response to a degenerate modernity. Fascism’s rejection of democracy with a specific focus on Carl Schmitt’s critique parliamentary democracy in which Schmitt argues that a singular leader can be more authentic to a peoples will than a process of voting. The Politics Guys on ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠X⁠ Trey’s Substack on the Federalist Papers Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at⁠patreon.com/politicsguys⁠ or⁠ politicsguys.com/support⁠. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of⁠ The Democracy Group⁠, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

On this Good Friday edition of the Politics Guys, Trey is joined by Justin, and the duo dives into a chaotic week of personnel changes at the Justice Department and Pentagon, significant Supreme Court rulings, and the President's personal appearance at the high court. First, the guys open with the sudden firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi after a 14-month tenure. Despite her loyalty, Trey argues that President Trump is trying to create a far more unitary executive branch. The pair also includes a discussion of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recent firings, which include Army Chief of Staff General Randy George and General David Honder. Justin argues that the strategy is clear: bomb things. They both also laugh about Hegseth getting involved in a flyby of Kid Rock’s house. Next, they move to the Supreme Court’s 8-1 ruling in Chile v. Solars, which challenged Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for licensed counselors. While the law wasn't fully struck down, Trey outlines how the Court directed lower courts to apply the strict scrutiny standard. Justin and Trey debate the boundary between regulating medical practice and protecting professional speech. After that, they move to a historic first: a president personally attending oral arguments at the Supreme Court. In this case, it was President Trump personally attending regarding his executive order to end birthright citizenship. Trey highlights the President's post-hearing comments where he labeled the justices "stupid people" for insisting on their independence from the man who appointed them. The pair discuss the tension between this action and the constitutional separation of powers. Then it is a move to the executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security and the Postal Service to create a master list of confirmed citizens. The order threatens election workers with prosecution if they issue ballots to those deemed ineligible by the federal government. Justin explores the federalism concerns of the executive branch intervening in state-run elections. They close the show by reviewing President Trump’s Wednesday night address on the conflict in Iran. Trump claimed military success and suggested operations could conclude in two to three weeks, despite the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a proposed trillion-dollar defense budget. Trey ends the show discussing the challenges of modern warfare, asymmetric warfare, where drones and missiles often bypass traditional air superiority. The Politics Guys on ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠X⁠ Trey’s Substack on the Federalist Papers Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at⁠patreon.com/politicsguys⁠ or⁠ politicsguys.com/support⁠. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of⁠ The Democracy Group⁠, a network of podcasts that examines what’s broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

Trey and Ken transition from the writings of John Jay to Alexander Hamilton in this week’s midweek Federalist Papers show. Topics discussed include: Hamilton’s deeply pessimistic view of human conduct and his response to the idea that democracies or commercial republics are inherently peaceful.  A deep dive into the four specific triggers Hamilton believed would afflict a disunited America, including the massive Revolutionary War debt. Hamilton’s warning that disunion would force states to adopt the fortified borders and standing armies of Europe.  The Politics Guys on ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠X⁠ Trey’s Substack on the Federalist Papers Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at⁠patreon.com/politicsguys⁠ or⁠ politicsguys.com/support⁠. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of⁠ The Democracy Group⁠, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

On this week’s show, Trey and Ken discuss why the Senate funded the TSA while excluding ICE, along with the legality of President Trump’s plan to pay workers using a slush fund from last year’s tax bill.  Next, they move to Iran’s rejection of the U.S.’s 15-point peace plan and the administration's controversial preventative self-defense justification filed with the UN. After that, they turn to the allegations of insider trading, including a $580 million spike in oil bets placed minutes before President Trump’s social media posts and the rise of the prediction markets as a feature of modern warfare.  The pair then moves to the Mar-a-Lago upset, which saw Democrat Emily Gregory’s 19-point flip of Florida House District 87, and how the shift in suburban voters may stall Florida’s gerrymandering efforts.  Trey and Ken close the show looking at how the FBI has potentially used a loophole in the Fourth Amendment to bypass warrants by purchasing bulk location data from commercial brokers. The Politics Guys on ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠X⁠ Trey’s Substack on the Federalist Papers Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at⁠patreon.com/politicsguys⁠ or⁠ politicsguys.com/support⁠. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of⁠ The Democracy Group⁠, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.

In this supporters’ exclusive midweek episode, Mike and Michael discuss the first New Rule of Politics (which is also an old rule of politics): follow the money. Mike contends that money is the most visible and measurable driver of political incentives, arguing that while it rarely buys votes outright, it is essential for viability and influence. Mike emphasizes how campaign finance evolved into a system where legal, structural incentives prioritize access and donor influence over outright corruption, while Michael highlights how massive spending, small-donor dynamics, and technological targeting reinforce polarization and keep the system escalating. The guys close with the practical implications: money signals who is viable, shapes which issues get attention, and determines who gets access to policymakers. Mike argues that donors—especially large ones—buy influence rather than outcomes, while Michael underscores that even well-intentioned politicians are constrained by these incentives, leaving ordinary citizens with limited direct influence. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys. The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesThe Politics Guys on Facebook | XListener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. You can support us or change your level of support at patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support. On Venmo, we’re @PoliticsGuys.The Politics Guys is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it.