Raging MI Moderates: 2026 Politics

Joe
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The Middle Ground Michiga  Podcast is for people who are done being yelled at by politics. This show lives in the uncomfortable space between tribal talking points and reality — where Michigan actually exists. We call out bad ideas whether they come from Lansing, Washington, or our own side of the aisle. No party loyalty. No outrage farming. No performative nonsense. If you’re sick of being told you must be angry, must pick a team, must hate your neighbors — this is your place. We cover Michigan elections, local power, policy failures, corruption, culture wars, and the stuff that actually affects your life — without pretending one party has all the answers or that the other is pure evil. Sometimes that means criticizing Democrats. Sometimes Republicans. Usually both. This is not a “both sides are the same” podcast. It’s a both sides need to do better podcast. Expect honest conversations, uncomfortable truths, and real accountability — with a Michigan-first lens and a future-focused mindset. No Left. No Right. Michigan Forward.

Episodes

  1. Aric Nesbitt The Next Governor of Michigan?

    May 15

    Aric Nesbitt The Next Governor of Michigan?

    Send us Fan Mail Michigan Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt sits down with Joseph Steagall for an unfiltered conversation about the policies quietly driving up the cost of every new home in Michigan — to the tune of $95,000 in government-mandated costs that most buyers never see on the invoice. Learn more about his campaign: https://nesbittforgovernor.com/ In this episode: 📌 CHAPTERS 0:00 — Cold Open: The Number That Changes Everything 1:45 — Who Is Aric Nesbitt? 4:10 — Michigan's Reading Crisis: 3 Out of 5 Kids Can't Read 8:30 — The Housing Mandate Nobody Voted For 12:13 — $95,000 Added to Every New Michigan Home 16:00 — What a Nesbitt Governorship Actually Looks Like 20:30 — The Centrist Take: Where We Agree and Where We Don't 24:00 — Final Thoughts The housing mandate that added $95,000 to every new Michigan home and who is responsible for itMichigan's reading crisis: why 3 out of 5 fourth graders cannot read at grade level and what Nesbitt's plan actually isWhat a Nesbitt governorship would look like in practical terms — not talking points, actual policyWhere Joseph pushes back and where the centrist case holds upThis is the conversation mainstream media is not having. No party line. No spin. Just the receipts. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who thinks both parties have lost the plot. Please support the show for as little as $1: https://buymeacoffee.com/tmgm Subscribe for as little as $5 monthly and get insider access to all three shows from MiddleGround Productions (The MiddleGround Mic, Fractured Justice: True Crime) 🎙️ Gear used on the show (Raging Michigan Moderates) Camera • Webcam – Logitech C922x https://amzn.to/4deSoG4 • DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (For outdoor vlogging & Episodes) https://amzn.to/4rkviS0 Microphone • Lavalier Mic – NEEWER CM28 PRO Wireless https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw • Shure MV6 USB Microphone https://amzn.to/4rXhPjU Headphones      • Shure Professional Studio Headphones         https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw

    33 min
  2. This Is What Happens When Politics Goes Too Far… And Michigan Isn’t Immune

    Mar 19

    This Is What Happens When Politics Goes Too Far… And Michigan Isn’t Immune

    Send us Fan Mail Before we get into today’s topic, a quick shoutout to the fuel that keeps the studio running during long recording sessions. Dunkin' Original Blend Medium Roast Ground Coffee, 30 Ounce https://amzn.to/3Nk1uqI Michigan isn’t Minneapolis.  Michigan isn’t Portland. But what’s happening in those cities?  It’s closer to us than people want to admit. In this episode, I sit down with Adam Swart from Crowds On Demand to break down: – Are protests actually being funded?  – Where is the line between protest and chaos?  – Why political violence is becoming more accepted  – And how social media is driving people further apart But here’s the bigger question for Michigan: Are we heading down the same path? Because if moderates don’t speak up…  the loudest voices take over. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation 02:19 Protests and Law Enforcement Dynamics 07:15 The Role of Paid Protesters 12:34 Political Violence and Its Acceptability 15:52 The Impact of Social Media on Political Discourse 19:36 Building Movements and Finding Common Ground 20:39 Political Unity in Unlikely Places 21:53 The Dynamics of Portland and Minneapolis 25:09 The Consequences of Defunding the Police 26:31 Advocacy and Transparency in Politics 30:02 Actions vs. Opinions in Political Discourse 35:45 Finding Common Ground in Divisive Issues 37:34 Empowering Personal Advocacy 🎙️ Raging Michigan Moderates  No Left. No Right. Forward. Please support the show for as little as $1: https://buymeacoffee.com/tmgm Subscribe for as little as $5 monthly and get insider access to all three shows from MiddleGround Productions (The MiddleGround Mic, Fractured Justice: True Crime) 🎙️ Gear used on the show (Raging Michigan Moderates) Camera • Webcam – Logitech C922x https://amzn.to/4deSoG4 • DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (For outdoor vlogging & Episodes) https://amzn.to/4rkviS0 Microphone • Lavalier Mic – NEEWER CM28 PRO Wireless https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw • Shure MV6 USB Microphone https://amzn.to/4rXhPjU Headphones      • Shure Professional Studio Headphones         https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw

    41 min
  3. 100 Megawatts: Michigan’s Data Center Boom and Who Pays the Energy Bill

    Mar 5

    100 Megawatts: Michigan’s Data Center Boom and Who Pays the Energy Bill

    Send us Fan Mail Massive data centers are expanding across the United States, and Michigan could soon host facilities requiring up to 100 megawatts of electricity. That level of energy demand raises major questions about infrastructure, economic development, and who ultimately pays for the power. In this episode of Raging Michigan Moderates we explore the proposed Michigan data center developments, their potential impact on the state’s energy grid, and the broader political and economic debate surrounding digital infrastructure. As demand for AI and cloud computing grows, communities across the country are facing new challenges related to electricity demand, grid capacity, and long-term economic planning. Michigan may soon face those same questions.  Stuff That Actually Helps With Michigan Bills & Outages (Great after our electric bill & data center episodes) • Kasa Smart Plug 2-Pack (tracks energy & kills vampire power) https://amzn.to/4bz5gWi • P3 Kill A Watt Monitor (see exactly what your appliances cost) https://amzn.to/4rzNIOQ • FosPower Hand-Crank Emergency Radio (ready for outages) https://amzn.to/40XyjNa (These affiliate links help support the show at no extra cost.) Please support the show for as little as $1: https://buymeacoffee.com/tmgm Subscribe for as little as $5 monthly and get insider access to all three shows from MiddleGround Productions (The MiddleGround Mic, Fractured Justice: True Crime) 🎙️ Gear used on the show (Raging Michigan Moderates) Camera • Webcam – Logitech C922x https://amzn.to/4deSoG4 • DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (For outdoor vlogging & Episodes) https://amzn.to/4rkviS0 Microphone • Lavalier Mic – NEEWER CM28 PRO Wireless https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw • Shure MV6 USB Microphone https://amzn.to/4rXhPjU Headphones      • Shure Professional Studio Headphones         https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw

    14 min
  4. Is Iran About to Fall? The Shah, Trump & the Global Power Shift

    Mar 2

    Is Iran About to Fall? The Shah, Trump & the Global Power Shift

    Send us Fan Mail Iran’s leadership future is uncertain, and the global power balance may be shifting. Ron Bee joins The MiddleGround Mic to analyze Iran’s political structure, the Shah question, China and Russia’s positioning, and what comes next for the Iranian people. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Volatile Political Landscape in Iran   08:48 Leadership and Legitimacy   17:22 Regional and Global Dynamics   26:17 Iran’s Military Future   35:02 Middle Eastern Political Complexities   41:10 The Nuclear Question   50:56 Civility in Political Discourse   57:35 Hope for the Iranian People   This is a strategic breakdown — not partisan noise. No Left. No Right. Forward. Please support the show for as little as $1: https://buymeacoffee.com/tmgm Subscribe for as little as $5 monthly and get insider access to all three shows from MiddleGround Productions (The MiddleGround Mic, Fractured Justice: True Crime) 🎙️ Gear used on the show (Raging Michigan Moderates) Camera • Webcam – Logitech C922x https://amzn.to/4deSoG4 • DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (For outdoor vlogging & Episodes) https://amzn.to/4rkviS0 Microphone • Lavalier Mic – NEEWER CM28 PRO Wireless https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw • Shure MV6 USB Microphone https://amzn.to/4rXhPjU Headphones      • Shure Professional Studio Headphones         https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw

    56 min
  5. Is America Too Broken to Fix? Woke Culture & Media Lies | The Agitatorz

    Feb 27

    Is America Too Broken to Fix? Woke Culture & Media Lies | The Agitatorz

    Send us Fan Mail America feels like it’s splitting in half. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Joe sits down with The Agitatorz to confront the issues most people are afraid to say out loud: • Has polarization gone too far?  • Did the Obama era change everything?  • Is “woke culture” helping or hurting society?  • Are liberal cities failing their communities?  • What role does media bias play in division?  • Is there ANY middle ground left? Check their Facebook out: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586934188085 From gender identity debates to crime in Democrat-run cities… from mental health institutions to identity politics… from race as a social construct to global instability in the Middle East — nothing is off limits. This is not screaming.  This is not safe.  This is a real conversation. 👇 CHAPTERS 👇 00:00 Introduction to the Agitators  03:32 Polarization in Politics  07:44 The Impact of Woke Culture  10:38 The Breakdown of the Nuclear Family  15:07 The Role of Community in Values  19:54 Generational Differences  23:52 Gender Identity Confusion  24:55 Mental Health & Liberal Policy  28:59 Crime in Liberal Cities  33:38 Gangs & Community Power  39:36 Is There Common Ground?  49:56 Identity Politics  01:06:31 Media Bias & Brainwashing  01:35:20 Middle East Conflict  01:44:11 Iran & Global Responsibility  01:48:37 Can We Still Talk Across Divides? 🎙 No Left. No Right. Forward. Please support the show for as little as $1: https://buymeacoffee.com/tmgm Subscribe for as little as $5 monthly and get insider access to all three shows from MiddleGround Productions (The MiddleGround Mic, Fractured Justice: True Crime) 🎙️ Gear used on the show (Raging Michigan Moderates) Camera • Webcam – Logitech C922x https://amzn.to/4deSoG4 • DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (For outdoor vlogging & Episodes) https://amzn.to/4rkviS0 Microphone • Lavalier Mic – NEEWER CM28 PRO Wireless https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw • Shure MV6 USB Microphone https://amzn.to/4rXhPjU Headphones      • Shure Professional Studio Headphones         https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw

    1h 52m
  6. Michigan’s Electric Bill Scam: Paying More for Worse Power

    Feb 17

    Michigan’s Electric Bill Scam: Paying More for Worse Power

    Send us Fan Mail Michigan families are paying higher electric bills while outages last longer and accountability disappears. In this episode of Raging Michigan Moderates, we break down why rates keep rising, how billing errors are built into the system, why reliability promises never seem to materialize, and how regulators continue approving increases while families struggle. We also expose the growing role of massive AI data centers — and how they could lock Michigan residents into even higher energy costs for years to come. This isn’t left vs right. It’s about fairness, transparency, and who actually benefits. Support the show for as little as $1 (link is clickable)  Chapters 00:00 The Rising Costs of Energy in Michigan 03:07 Utility Companies and Rate Hikes 06:37 Reliability Issues and Infrastructure Failures 09:43 Renewable Energy and Incentives 12:37 Comparing Michigan to Ohio's Energy Policies 15:27 The Impact of AI Data Centers on Michigan 20:16 Conclusion: The Need for Change in Michigan's Energy Sector  Stuff That Actually Helps With Michigan Bills & Outages (Great after our electric bill & data center episodes) • Kasa Smart Plug 2-Pack (tracks energy & kills vampire power) https://amzn.to/4bz5gWi • P3 Kill A Watt Monitor (see exactly what your appliances cost) https://amzn.to/4rzNIOQ • FosPower Hand-Crank Emergency Radio (ready for outages) https://amzn.to/40XyjNa Please support the show for as little as $1: https://buymeacoffee.com/tmgm Subscribe for as little as $5 monthly and get insider access to all three shows from MiddleGround Productions (The MiddleGround Mic, Fractured Justice: True Crime) 🎙️ Gear used on the show (Raging Michigan Moderates) Camera • Webcam – Logitech C922x https://amzn.to/4deSoG4 • DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (For outdoor vlogging & Episodes) https://amzn.to/4rkviS0 Microphone • Lavalier Mic – NEEWER CM28 PRO Wireless https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw • Shure MV6 USB Microphone https://amzn.to/4rXhPjU Headphones      • Shure Professional Studio Headphones         https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw

    21 min
  7. Who Is Really Calling the Shots on Iran?

    Feb 15

    Who Is Really Calling the Shots on Iran?

    Send us Fan Mail Iran is at its weakest point in decades — but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Joe Steagall and foreign policy expert Ron Bee examine the real power dynamics behind Iran’s crisis: the brutal repression of protesters, the shift toward nuclear brinkmanship, Israel’s growing alarm, and why the next 30 days matter more than most headlines admit. This episode breaks down military strategy, diplomacy, and the human cost often ignored in the noise. If you want outrage without understanding, look elsewhere. If you want context before everything changes, press play. The MiddleGround Mic. No Left. No Right. Forward. Please support the show for as little as $1: https://buymeacoffee.com/tmgm Subscribe for as little as $5 monthly and get insider access to all three shows from MiddleGround Productions (The MiddleGround Mic, Fractured Justice: True Crime) 🎙️ Gear used on the show (Raging Michigan Moderates) Camera • Webcam – Logitech C922x https://amzn.to/4deSoG4 • DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (For outdoor vlogging & Episodes) https://amzn.to/4rkviS0 Microphone • Lavalier Mic – NEEWER CM28 PRO Wireless https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw • Shure MV6 USB Microphone https://amzn.to/4rXhPjU Headphones      • Shure Professional Studio Headphones         https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw

    45 min
  8. Burr’s Treason Setup = Trump’s Indictments? History’s Dirty Playbook Revealed

    Feb 13

    Burr’s Treason Setup = Trump’s Indictments? History’s Dirty Playbook Revealed

    Send us Fan Mail What if every “unprecedented” crisis is just history hitting replay? Dennis Brennan—former politician and attorney—connects the dots between Aaron Burr and Donald Trump. Burr: Revolutionary hero turned “traitor” through elite attacks, media hatchet jobs, and weaponized courts. Trump: Endless indictments, nonstop lawfare, and the same institutional resistance—200+ years later. We rip into media bias dating back to Hamilton, government waste, subsidy scams jacking up prices, socialism creeping in through policy, and why the outrage machine keeps Americans divided. This one hurts… but knowledge is power. Go deeper with Dennis Brennan’s book: D.C. Swamp Strikes Back → https://www.amazon.com/D-C-Swamp-Strikes-Back-separated/dp/B0FH66PHNL Patterns aren’t coincidences—they’re warnings. What’s YOUR take? Hit play and let’s talk. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chaos and Politics 02:44 Cultural Fights vs. Economic Issues 11:27 The Role of Power and Accountability 14:06 Populism and the Working Class 17:06 Healthcare and Economic Policies 19:52 Historical Patterns in Politics 22:52 The Influence of Charismatic Leaders 25:36 The Impact of Political Divisions 28:23 The Role of the Media in Politics 31:00 The Future of Political Discourse 33:57 Conclusion: Learning from History 56:24 newsPolitics-underscore-high.wav Please support the show for as little as $1: https://buymeacoffee.com/tmgm Subscribe for as little as $5 monthly and get insider access to all three shows from MiddleGround Productions (The MiddleGround Mic, Fractured Justice: True Crime) 🎙️ Gear used on the show (Raging Michigan Moderates) Camera • Webcam – Logitech C922x https://amzn.to/4deSoG4 • DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (For outdoor vlogging & Episodes) https://amzn.to/4rkviS0 Microphone • Lavalier Mic – NEEWER CM28 PRO Wireless https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw • Shure MV6 USB Microphone https://amzn.to/4rXhPjU Headphones      • Shure Professional Studio Headphones         https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw

    56 min
  9. Michigan 2026 Is a Powder Keg: Benson, Duggan, Ballot Wars & Who Really Controls Elections

    Feb 10

    Michigan 2026 Is a Powder Keg: Benson, Duggan, Ballot Wars & Who Really Controls Elections

    Send us Fan Mail Michigan isn’t just voting for a governor in 2026 — it’s replacing the people who run elections, enforce the rules, and decide disputes when things go sideways. In Episode One of Raging MI Moderates, we break down five races that decide everything: Governor, Secretary of State, U.S. Senate, a critical Michigan Senate special election, and the Michigan Supreme Court. We cover the Benson voter-roll controversy, Duggan’s independent shockwave, national money flooding Michigan, and the ballot initiative built to drive outrage and turnout. This is not partisan noise. It’s power, trust, and incentives — explained clearly, aggressively, and with receipts. Follow the show to stay ahead of Michigan’s 2026 election chaos. Chapters: Introduction to Michigan's 2026 Election LandscapeThe Stakes: Power Shifts and Trust CollapseGovernor's Race: Key Players and DynamicsUS Senate Race: National Attention and Local ImpactSecretary of State: The Real Power JobSpecial Elections: Quiet Power ShiftsMichigan Supreme Court: The Overlooked BattlegroundBallot Issues: Identity, Fear, and Moral FramingConclusion: Trust vs. Breakdown Please support the show for as little as $1: https://buymeacoffee.com/tmgm Subscribe for as little as $5 monthly and get insider access to all three shows from MiddleGround Productions (The MiddleGround Mic, Fractured Justice: True Crime) 🎙️ Gear used on the show (Raging Michigan Moderates) Camera • Webcam – Logitech C922x https://amzn.to/4deSoG4 • DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (For outdoor vlogging & Episodes) https://amzn.to/4rkviS0 Microphone • Lavalier Mic – NEEWER CM28 PRO Wireless https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw • Shure MV6 USB Microphone https://amzn.to/4rXhPjU Headphones      • Shure Professional Studio Headphones         https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw

    18 min

  10. Season 1, Episode 3 Trailer

    MiddleGround Productions Launch | No Left. No Right. Forward.

    Send us Fan Mail MiddleGround Productions officially launches —  From unredacted Epstein files reaching Congress, to Michigan families facing rising electric bills and failing infrastructure, to the collapse of public trust in media — this trailer sets the tone for what’s coming. Multiple shows. One direction. Forward. Subscribe now and follow the network across all platforms. Please support the show for as little as $1: https://buymeacoffee.com/tmgm Subscribe for as little as $5 monthly and get insider access to all three shows from MiddleGround Productions (The MiddleGround Mic, Fractured Justice: True Crime) 🎙️ Gear used on the show (Raging Michigan Moderates) Camera • Webcam – Logitech C922x https://amzn.to/4deSoG4 • DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (For outdoor vlogging & Episodes) https://amzn.to/4rkviS0 Microphone • Lavalier Mic – NEEWER CM28 PRO Wireless https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw • Shure MV6 USB Microphone https://amzn.to/4rXhPjU Headphones      • Shure Professional Studio Headphones         https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw

    1 min
  11. 2026 Michigan Governor Candidate Chris Swanson: Unfiltered on Protests, Mental Health & Leadership

    Feb 1

    2026 Michigan Governor Candidate Chris Swanson: Unfiltered on Protests, Mental Health & Leadership

    Send us Fan Mail ☕ Support long-form conversations that actually matter: https://buymeacoffee.com/tmgm In this full, unfiltered conversation, The MiddleGround Mic host Joe sits down with Chris Swanson, Genesee County Sheriff and 2026 Michigan Governor candidate, to talk through real leadership when things break down. This episode goes beyond talking points and refuses extreme agendas from either side. Swanson walks through how he led thousands during the 2020 protests in Flint and Genesee County with zero arrests and zero injuries, why separating people in mental health crisis from weapons saves lives, how community trust is built instead of demanded, and what he believes is broken in Michigan — with practical ways forward. This isn’t a clip.  It isn’t outrage.  It’s a long-form conversation focused on solutions. If you believe progress comes from honest discussion, accountability, and rejecting political extremes, this episode is for you.  📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wxIfGa2dzN4 ☕ Support the show to keep these conversations going No Left. No Right. Forward. Please support the show for as little as $1: https://buymeacoffee.com/tmgm Subscribe for as little as $5 monthly and get insider access to all three shows from MiddleGround Productions (The MiddleGround Mic, Fractured Justice: True Crime) 🎙️ Gear used on the show (Raging Michigan Moderates) Camera • Webcam – Logitech C922x https://amzn.to/4deSoG4 • DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (For outdoor vlogging & Episodes) https://amzn.to/4rkviS0 Microphone • Lavalier Mic – NEEWER CM28 PRO Wireless https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw • Shure MV6 USB Microphone https://amzn.to/4rXhPjU Headphones      • Shure Professional Studio Headphones         https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw

    45 min
  12. Epstein in Michigan: Accountability, and the Fight for Justice

    Feb 1

    Epstein in Michigan: Accountability, and the Fight for Justice

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Middle Ground Michigan, Joe breaks down the latest revelations surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, grooming, and accountability — with a specific focus on Michigan and the responsibility communities have to protect children and support survivors. Using newly released documents and verified reporting, Joe walks through how Epstein’s first known victim was groomed at a Michigan arts camp, what the records reveal about broader patterns of elite protection, and how institutions responded once the truth surfaced. This conversation isn’t about outrage for clicks. It’s about justice, awareness, and prevention. We discuss: Grooming tactics used by predators and why they’re often hard to spotThe impact of the document releases and what they confirmHow the Michigan community responded once Epstein’s past was knownWhy many victims never come forward — and why that mattersThe need for transparency, accountability, and stronger safeguards  00:00 – The Epstein Case Unveiled  02:44 – Grooming Tactics and Victim Stories  04:42 – Community Response and Accountability No left.  No right.  Forward — for Michigan. Please support the show for as little as $1: https://buymeacoffee.com/tmgm Subscribe for as little as $5 monthly and get insider access to all three shows from MiddleGround Productions (The MiddleGround Mic, Fractured Justice: True Crime) 🎙️ Gear used on the show (Raging Michigan Moderates) Camera • Webcam – Logitech C922x https://amzn.to/4deSoG4 • DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (For outdoor vlogging & Episodes) https://amzn.to/4rkviS0 Microphone • Lavalier Mic – NEEWER CM28 PRO Wireless https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw • Shure MV6 USB Microphone https://amzn.to/4rXhPjU Headphones      • Shure Professional Studio Headphones         https://amzn.to/3OP9UXw

    8 min

Trailer

About

The Middle Ground Michiga  Podcast is for people who are done being yelled at by politics. This show lives in the uncomfortable space between tribal talking points and reality — where Michigan actually exists. We call out bad ideas whether they come from Lansing, Washington, or our own side of the aisle. No party loyalty. No outrage farming. No performative nonsense. If you’re sick of being told you must be angry, must pick a team, must hate your neighbors — this is your place. We cover Michigan elections, local power, policy failures, corruption, culture wars, and the stuff that actually affects your life — without pretending one party has all the answers or that the other is pure evil. Sometimes that means criticizing Democrats. Sometimes Republicans. Usually both. This is not a “both sides are the same” podcast. It’s a both sides need to do better podcast. Expect honest conversations, uncomfortable truths, and real accountability — with a Michigan-first lens and a future-focused mindset. No Left. No Right. Michigan Forward.

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