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…
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…
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…
Mike and Russ open with a discussion of the ongoing U.S.–Israel war with Iran, focusing on rising costs, limited military capacity, and unclear strategic objectives. Mike frames the conflict as a mix of presidential preference for displays of strength and structural constraints, while Russ argues the war exposes a disconnect between public opinion and foreign…
Trey and Ken unlock John Jay’s Federalist Papers’ No 2 – 5. In this episode, the pair examine how Jay envisioned a unified nation’s path to peace, strength, and global influence. Topics include Jay’s Hobbesian vision and perspective of a war where decentralized American states invite chaos, while a united America deters foreign aggressors from…
In this episode, Trey and Ken delve into Iran’s leadership transition and the strategic impact of recent U.S. and Israeli military actions. They explore the internal dynamics of Iran’s regime and the role of Jared Kushner’s shadow diplomacy in escalating tensions, potentially sparking new conflicts with Cuba. The discussion shifts to domestic terrorism, examining links…
In this preview of the midweek supporters’ exclusive show, Mike and Michael introduce The New Rules of Politics, a new series aimed at explaining modern American politics through incentives, institutions, and systemic dynamics rather than personalities. Mike argues that many traditional ways of interpreting politics no longer work because the broader environment—especially technology, media, and…
Mike and Michael open with a discussion of the widening U.S.–Israel conflict with Iran and the debate over whether President Trump’s military action constitutes a limited campaign or the start of a broader regional war. Mike argues the strike is risky but legally permissible under the War Powers Resolution and sees multiple plausible rationales for…
Mike and Trey open this supporters’ exclusive midweek episode with President Trump’s Defense Production Act order boosting domestic glyphosate production amid lawsuits and MAHA backlash, with Mike arguing that the weight of scientific evidence does not support typical-use carcinogen claims while warning against reflexive “chemicals are toxins” thinking, and Trey emphasizing the real policy tension…
Mike and Trey open with a breakdown of President Trump’s State of the Union address, focusing on the political strategy behind the speech and what it signals about governing priorities in a divided environment. Mike argues that the address was less about persuasion and more about consolidating partisan narratives, while Trey contends that the more…