The Politics Guys

Michael Baranowski

The Politics Guys is an independent, ideologically diverse American politics and policy podcast hosted by experts: political scientists, law professors, and practicing attorneys with government experience. Our mission is to give listeners a much-needed break from conservative and liberal echo chambers through civil, rational, and evidence-based discussion of American politics and policy from multiple perspectives.

  1. 3D AGO

    The New Rules of Politics: Follow The Money

    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/adchoices

    18 min
  2. 5D AGO

    War with Iran, Illinois Primaries, and the Politics of Election Integrity

    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 policy, emphasizing skepticism of regime change and questioning whose interests are actually being served. Next, they turn to the Illinois primary elections, highlighting progressive Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton’s Senate primary win and the mixed results for progressive candidates in House races amid heavy outside spending. Mike sees the results as favoring institutionally backed “pragmatic progressives” and boosting Governor Pritzker’s national profile, while Russ views the outcomes as evidence of growing grassroots progressive momentum despite financial disadvantages and electoral losses. The guys close with a broader reflection on political incentives and public perception, with Mike emphasizing how narratives around voter fraud can be politically useful regardless of factual basis, and Russ warning that the success of such narratives points to deeper issues in political literacy and the ability of leaders to shape reality for their supporters. 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/adchoices

    1h 6m
  3. MAR 10

    The New Rules of Politics: Introduction

    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 political rules—has changed faster than the institutions governing politics can adapt. The conversation explores how structural factors such as low-turnout primaries, the nationalization of politics, changes in media business models, and the growing influence of money in campaigns shape who succeeds in politics and how they behave once in office. They also discuss declining public trust in institutions, the possibility that figures like Donald Trump are products of modern political incentives rather than unique anomalies, and the difficulty of meaningful constitutional or institutional reform in an era of deep polarization. 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

    20 min
  4. MAR 6

    Iran War, Midterm Tea Leaves, Trump Fires Noem

    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 it, while Michael contends it amounts to an illegal war that bypassed Congress and risks unintended consequences both geopolitically and domestically.  Next, the guys analyze the first major signals from the 2026 midterm cycle after primaries in Texas and North Carolina and consider whether Democrats could plausibly take back the Senate. Michael argues the expanding map and several competitive races suggest the Senate may genuinely be in play for Democrats, while Mike is more skeptical and sees something like a 50–50 Senate as the best realistic outcome for Democrats, noting the growing number of Republican retirements as a strong indicator that Democrats are very likely to capture the House. They close with a look at President Trump’s firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the surprising decision to nominate Senator Markwayne Mullin as her replacement. Michael argues Noem’s removal followed mounting scandals and leadership failures, but warns Mullin’s appointment signals an unserious approach to governing, while Mike suggests Trump prioritizes loyalty and public messaging over managerial competence in choosing high-profile cabinet figures.  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

    1h 9m
  5. MAR 3

    Glyphosate, Gabbard, and the USPS

    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 between potential health risks and the massive food price shocks that would follow an abrupt ban, especially given agricultural and national security dependencies.  Next, they examine the whistleblower complaint involving DNI Tulsi Gabbard and the White House’s executive privilege claim, with Trey skeptical of shielding information already deemed non-credible by inspectors general and questioning why even the Gang of Eight cannot review it, and Mike arguing that the privilege rationale is strained and reflects a broader pattern of prioritizing loyalty over institutional competence in key national security roles.  After that, the guys dig into the Supreme Court’s USPS immunity ruling, with Mike contending that the majority stretched ordinary meanings of “loss” and “miscarriage” to create what amounts to a blanket shield against intentional non-delivery claims, and Trey arguing the decision ignores statutory context and undermines accountability—particularly troubling given allegations of racially motivated mail withholding in the underlying case.  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

    19 min

Trailers

4.4
out of 5
749 Ratings

About

The Politics Guys is an independent, ideologically diverse American politics and policy podcast hosted by experts: political scientists, law professors, and practicing attorneys with government experience. Our mission is to give listeners a much-needed break from conservative and liberal echo chambers through civil, rational, and evidence-based discussion of American politics and policy from multiple perspectives.

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