Blockades, Warsh, SPLC Bank Fraud, Battle for the Ballot

Blockades, Warsh, SPLC Bank Fraud, Battle for the Ballot

Author: Michael Baranowski April 25, 2026 Duration: 1:08:25
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/adchoices

Tired of political conversations that feel more like shouting matches? The Politics Guys offers a different space, one built on civility and genuine expertise rather than partisan performance. Host Michael Baranowski guides discussions with a rotating panel of knowledgeable voices-political scientists, law professors, and attorneys who've worked within government. These aren't just pundits; they're practitioners and scholars who bring evidence and experience to the table. Each episode digs into the nuances of American policy and the political landscape, ensuring multiple perspectives are heard not as debate points, but as integral parts of a complex whole. You'll find the analysis here is grounded and deliberate, a conscious step away from the reactive news cycle. This podcast thrives on the principle that understanding different viewpoints is the foundation of a healthier democracy, not a compromise of one's own. It’s for anyone seeking depth over drama, and substance over soundbites, in their political listening.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Politics Guys
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