Light Beer Dark Money

Chris Clements
  • 4.1 (14)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Hosts Chris Clements and Sean Noble cover politics, culture, and the intersection of faith, freedom, and free enterprise. “Agree on something.” LIGHT BEER - Christopher W. Clements (Chris) is the former Vice Chairman and CEO of Golden Eagle Distributors, Inc. For nearly 75 years, Golden Eagle served as a family-owned, Arizona-based wholesaler for several major national brewers including: Anheuser-Busch-InBev and Sierra Nevada. Golden Eagle was sold to Phoenix-based, Hensley Beverage Company. DARK MONEY - Why pay attention to what Phoenix’s Sean Noble has to say? Well, for more than 20 years, a pretty elite cast of characters has been doing just that. His observations and ideas have impacted politics and public policy across the nation, from his home state of Arizona all the way to Washington, D.C. Sean is a founding partner of DC London, Inc., which provides political, public relations, and public affairs consulting services.

  1. 3d ago

    The Biggs Blowout: Arizona Primary Results, Hobbs’ Warning Signs & Iran’s Oil Shock (Audio)

    Arizona voters sent a message Tuesday night—and Andy Biggs delivered a landslide. In this solo episode of Light Beer Dark Money, Sean breaks down the biggest winners, losers and surprises from Arizona’s 2026 primary election. Biggs captured nearly 74% of the Republican vote for governor, delivering a historic blowout and officially setting up the general-election showdown with Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs. Sean also examines Jay Feely’s victory in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, Mark Lamb’s win in CD5 and Warren Petersen’s successful campaign for the Republican nomination for attorney general. But the biggest surprise came from the No Labels primary, where Hugh Lytle—the party establishment’s handpicked candidate for governor—lost to the virtually unknown Teri Hourihan. So much for the carefully constructed three-way race everyone expected in November. On the Democratic side, Amish Shah defeated Marlene Galán-Woods in the critical CD1 primary. Woods had the backing of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and much of the party establishment, but all that Washington money and support could not drag her across the finish line. Sean then turns to new polling discussed in the episode showing Hobbs leading Biggs by four points—but sitting at only 42% after spending roughly $6 million on television advertising. With 17% of voters still undecided and Hobbs’ favorable-to-unfavorable rating at 52–48, Sean explains why an incumbent governor stuck in the low 40s may have far more reason to worry than the topline number suggests. The episode then moves overseas to the escalating conflict with Iran and what continued instability could mean for oil prices, inflation, financial markets and American consumers. Finally, Sean looks ahead to the 2028 Democratic presidential primary—and why the jockeying, campaigning and political knife-fighting will begin almost immediately after the November midterm elections. Arizona election results, the Biggs-Hobbs governor’s race, Iran, oil prices and the opening moves of the next presidential campaign—it is all here in a must-listen solo episode of Light Beer Dark Money. #ArizonaPolitics #AZPolitics #ArizonaElection #AZPrimary #AndyBiggs #KatieHobbs #Election2026 #LightBeerDarkMoney #PrattPodcasting Subscribe for weekly conversations on Faith, Freedom & Free Enterprise with Sean Noble and Chris Clements. The Battle for American History Light Beer Dark Money Website: lightbeerdarkmoney.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightBeerDarkMoney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightbeerdarkmoney/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbdmpodcast?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/light-beer-dark-money/ Blog: https://lightbeerdarkmoney.com/hypocrisy-and-the-aoc-oh-sand

  2. 5d ago

    Arizona's School Choice Fight Just Escalated (Audio)

    Victor Riches, President and CEO of the Goldwater Institute, joins Sean Noble to discuss a major legal challenge that could determine the future of Arizona's nationally recognized Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. Victor explains why the Goldwater Institute believes a union-backed ballot effort to roll back school choice should be removed from the ballot, alleging widespread problems with the signature collection process, including duplicate signatures, fraudulent signatures, and significant out-of-state funding. Sean and Victor also discuss why Arizona has become the national model for school choice, how other states have followed its lead, and why the outcome of this fight could have implications far beyond Arizona. The conversation then turns to education funding, classroom spending, teacher pay, and the growing size of school district administrations. Victor outlines a new Goldwater Institute ballot measure aimed at requiring a greater share of education dollars to reach classrooms instead of bureaucracy. They also examine transparency in state government, Governor Katie Hobbs' administration, Arizona's housing and water policies, and what to expect as the 2026 governor's race begins to take shape. Victor Riches has served as President and CEO of the Goldwater Institute since 2017 after previously serving as the Institute's Vice President for Litigation. Learn more about Victor and the Goldwater Institute here: https://www.goldwaterinstitute.org/our-team/victor-riches/ #SchoolChoice #Arizona #GoldwaterInstitute #Education #ESA #PrattPodcasting Subscribe for weekly conversations on Faith, Freedom & Free Enterprise with Sean Noble and Chris Clements. The Battle for American History Light Beer Dark Money Website: lightbeerdarkmoney.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightBeerDarkMoney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightbeerdarkmoney/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbdmpodcast?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/light-beer-dark-money/ Blog: https://lightbeerdarkmoney.com/hypocrisy-and-the-aoc-oh-sandy/

  3. Jul 14

    Lindsey Graham's Final Legacy (Audio)

    The political world was stunned by the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, prompting tributes from Republicans and Democrats alike. Sean Noble and Chris Clements reflect on Graham's decades of public service, why he earned respect across the political spectrum, and what his absence means for the U.S. Senate. The conversation also covers the latest developments in Maine's Senate race following Graham Plattner's withdrawal, the future of Susan Collins' reelection campaign, and the preliminary hearing in the Charlie Kirk murder case. Sean and Chris discuss the evidence presented in court, the conspiracy theories surrounding the case, and why they believe the facts leave little room for doubt. What we cover: Lindsey Graham's legacy and impact on the Senate The politics behind filling his Senate seat Maine's Democratic Senate shakeup Charlie Kirk case updates and preliminary hearing Responding to conspiracy theories surrounding the case #LindseyGraham #CharlieKirk #USSenate #SusanCollins #TurningPointUSA #PrattPodcasting Subscribe for weekly conversations on Faith, Freedom & Free Enterprise with Sean Noble and Chris Clements. The Battle for American History Light Beer Dark Money Website: lightbeerdarkmoney.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightBeerDarkMoney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightbeerdarkmoney/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbdmpodcast?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/light-beer-dark-money/ Blog: https://lightbeerdarkmoney.com/hypocrisy-and-the-aoc-oh-sandy/

  4. Jul 13

    The Battle for American History (Audio)

    Sean Noble is back with another solo episode, this time breaking down a newly released White House report examining the Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of American History. Sean walks through the report's findings, including changes to the museum's mission, the growing role of activism inside historical institutions, and why he believes museums should educate rather than advocate. He discusses the Smithsonian's updated mission statement, leadership comments about "decolonizing" museums, exhibits centered on social justice, and internal training materials that labeled concepts such as objectivity, individualism, and perfectionism as elements of "white supremacy culture." Sean also explains why it's possible to honestly confront America's failures—including slavery and discrimination—without abandoning the nation's founding principles or treating history as a political project. This episode is a conversation about American history, civic institutions, and why preserving public trust requires historians to pursue truth rather than activism. Faith, Freedom, and Free Enterprise. #Smithsonian #AmericanHistory #HistoryEducation #Museums #Politics #PrattPodcasting Subscribe for weekly conversations on Faith, Freedom & Free Enterprise with Sean Noble and Chris Clements. The Battle for American History Light Beer Dark Money Website: lightbeerdarkmoney.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightBeerDarkMoney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightbeerdarkmoney/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbdmpodcast?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/light-beer-dark-money/ Blog: https://lightbeerdarkmoney.com/hypocrisy-and-the-aoc-oh-sandy/

  5. Jul 9

    Kill the Corn Tax: The Hidden Gas Tax Washington Won’t Touch (Audio)

    Jared Whitley joins Light Beer Dark Money to make the case for repealing the Renewable Fuel Standard — the 2005 Washington mandate that forces refiners to blend renewable fuels into America’s fuel supply or buy compliance credits. What started as a promise to reduce foreign oil dependence and help the environment has become something much more familiar: a federal program that outlived its purpose, protected the politically connected, and quietly made life more expensive for the people who can least afford it. And, it actually hurts the environment. Jared argues the RFS is now a hidden tax at the pump, driving up fuel costs while Congress pretends it has no role in the pain Americans feel every time they fill up. Sean and Jared break down how ethanol politics, Iowa caucus mythology, Renewable Identification Numbers, and Washington’s fear of touching farm-state sacred cows have kept the RFS alive long after America became an energy powerhouse. They also talk about why repealing the RFS would be a real, immediate pro-consumer move: no new bureaucracy, no new subsidy, no gimmick — just stop forcing Americans to pay more for gas. The conversation also turns to the lost art of governing. Jared and Sean discuss how leaders like Orrin Hatch and Ted Kennedy could remain completely true to their principles while still finding ways to solve problems for the American people. That kind of serious legislating is rare today, but it should not be impossible. Sean closes with a simple call to action: call your member of Congress and tell them it is time to repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard. Subscribe for weekly conversations on Faith, Freedom & Free Enterprise with Sean Noble and Chris Clements. Light Beer Dark Money Website: lightbeerdarkmoney.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightBeerDarkMoney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightbeerdarkmoney/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbdmpodcast?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/light-beer-dark-money/ Blog: https://lightbeerdarkmoney.com/hypocrisy-and-the-aoc-oh-sandy/ #PrattPodcasting

  6. Jul 8

    The Left's Rising Star COLLAPSES + Why We Expect Too Much From Politicians (Audio)

    Sean Noble is back with a solo episode breaking down one of the biggest political stories of the week—and reflecting on a much bigger lesson about politics, leadership, and the American experiment. Sean begins with the stunning collapse of Democratic Senate candidate Graham Plattner in Maine following serious allegations that prompted Democratic leaders—including Chuck Schumer, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and even New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani—to call for him to end his campaign. What does the rapid unraveling of one of the progressive movement's rising stars reveal about the Democratic Party? Why did Politico treat Mamdani's response as national breaking news? And what does that say about who now holds influence inside today's Democratic coalition? Sean then shifts to a broader conversation inspired by America's 250th anniversary. Why do we put political leaders on pedestals? Why do we expect perfection from our founders—and from today's politicians? Using examples ranging from Thomas Jefferson and Martin Luther King Jr. to Barack Obama and Donald Trump, Sean argues that leaders can be deeply flawed while still leaving behind ideas worth preserving. Character matters, but so does recognizing the difference between imperfect people and enduring principles. This episode is a reminder that the American experiment has never depended on perfect leaders. It has depended on citizens committed to preserving timeless principles while extending grace to the imperfect people entrusted with leading them. Faith, freedom, free enterprise—and the conversations that matter. #GrahamPlattner #ZohranMamdani #SusanCollins #Politics #PrattPodcasting Subscribe for weekly conversations on Faith, Freedom & Free Enterprise with Sean Noble and Chris Clements. Light Beer Dark Money Website: lightbeerdarkmoney.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightBeerDarkMoney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightbeerdarkmoney/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbdmpodcast?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/light-beer-dark-money/ Blog: https://lightbeerdarkmoney.com/hypocrisy-and-the-aoc-oh-sandy/

  7. Jul 2

    America at 250: Supreme Court Power, Colorado Upheaval and the Socialist Surge (Audio)

    Sean goes solo for a special Independence Day episode marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He begins with a reflection on the radical ideas at the heart of the American experiment: that our rights come from God, government derives its power from the consent of the governed, and every generation has a responsibility to continue the unfinished work of forming “a more perfect union.”   America has never perfectly lived up to its founding promises. But its constitutional foundations have survived civil war, depression, political violence, corruption and generations of bitter division. The political crisis of the moment will pass. The question is whether we remain confident enough in the country—and responsible enough as citizens—to preserve what we inherited and pass it on stronger.   Sean then turns to the Supreme Court’s consequential end-of-term decisions and what they reveal about presidential power, constitutional limits, election law and the proper role of the judiciary.   Finally, he breaks down the political earthquakes coming out of Colorado’s Democratic primaries. Attorney General Phil Weiser defeated U.S. Senator Michael Bennet in the race for governor, while 29-year-old democratic socialist Melat Kiros stunned 15-term incumbent Diana DeGette in Colorado’s 1st Congressional District.   The socialist movement that first captured national attention in New York is no longer confined to New York. Is Colorado the next front in the Democratic Party’s ideological transformation—and what do these results tell us about where the party is heading before the midterms?   A solo episode about America’s enduring foundations, the power of the Supreme Court and the rapidly changing Democratic Party.   #LightBeerDarkMoney #America250 #Declaration250 #MorePerfectUnion #SCOTUS #ColoradoPolitics #Election2026 #DemocraticSocialists #PrattPodcasting   Subscribe for weekly conversations on Faith, Freedom & Free Enterprise with Sean Noble and Chris Clements. Light Beer Dark Money Website: lightbeerdarkmoney.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightBeerDarkMoney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightbeerdarkmoney/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbdmpodcast?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/light-beer-dark-money/ Blog: https://lightbeerdarkmoney.com/hypocrisy-and-the-aoc-oh-sandy/

  8. Jun 30

    America at 250, Fauci’s Reckoning & the Socialist Surge (Audio)

    Sean Noble and Chris Clements are back for a Fourth of July episode of Light Beer Dark Money, reflecting on America’s 250th anniversary and the ideas that have sustained the country for nearly two and a half centuries. They begin with Independence Day traditions, small-town celebrations, family memories, and the significance of marking the nation’s 250th birthday.   From there, Sean and Chris turn to the Supreme Court, including the debate over birthright citizenship, election laws, and presidential authority over federal agencies. The conversation then shifts overseas to renewed tensions with Iran, negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, JD Vance’s role in the talks, and the challenge of balancing diplomacy with American strength.   Sean and Chris also discuss the growing influence of the socialist wing of the Democratic Party, the pressure facing party leaders, and what that ideological shift could mean for the 2028 presidential race.   Later, they react to Steve Forbes’ criticism of a bipartisan Social Security proposal from Senators Bernie Moreno and Elizabeth Warren. Sean and Chris argue that raising payroll taxes is the wrong solution and discuss alternatives such as gradually increasing the retirement age, means testing, and restoring Social Security’s original role as a safety net. They also examine the difficult debate over ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, the failures of America’s immigration system, and how to distinguish between those who have built productive lives in the United States and those who should be returned to their home countries.   The episode closes with Rand Paul’s subpoena of Dr. Anthony Fauci, new allegations surrounding gain-of-function research and COVID’s origins, and the Reagan Foundation’s effort to teach a new generation about the dangers of communism. Faith, freedom, free enterprise — and the weekly conversation you expect from Light Beer Dark Money.   #America250 #AnthonyFauci #SocialSecurity #Socialism #SupremeCourt #FreeEnterprise   Subscribe for weekly conversations on Faith, Freedom & Free Enterprise with Sean Noble and Chris Clements. Light Beer Dark Money Website: lightbeerdarkmoney.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightBeerDarkMoney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightbeerdarkmoney/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbdmpodcast?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/light-beer-dark-money/ Blog: https://lightbeerdarkmoney.com/hypocrisy-and-the-aoc-oh-sandy/ #PrattPodcasting

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4.1
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Hosts Chris Clements and Sean Noble cover politics, culture, and the intersection of faith, freedom, and free enterprise. “Agree on something.” LIGHT BEER - Christopher W. Clements (Chris) is the former Vice Chairman and CEO of Golden Eagle Distributors, Inc. For nearly 75 years, Golden Eagle served as a family-owned, Arizona-based wholesaler for several major national brewers including: Anheuser-Busch-InBev and Sierra Nevada. Golden Eagle was sold to Phoenix-based, Hensley Beverage Company. DARK MONEY - Why pay attention to what Phoenix’s Sean Noble has to say? Well, for more than 20 years, a pretty elite cast of characters has been doing just that. His observations and ideas have impacted politics and public policy across the nation, from his home state of Arizona all the way to Washington, D.C. Sean is a founding partner of DC London, Inc., which provides political, public relations, and public affairs consulting services.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Clements
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    432
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Light Beer Dark Money
  • Show Website
    Light Beer Dark Money

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