The Politics Guys

The Politics Guys - Government Democracy & News
  • 4.4 (752)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

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. 1d ago

    Minnesota v. Texas on Extradition, Druckenmiller's AI Op-Ed, and the Future of Writing

    On this midweek supporters-exclusive episode of The Politics Guys, Trey Orndorff (Oklahoma Christian University) is joined by Justin Holmes (University of Northern Iowa) in an extra-long preview for non-supporters. Listen to an entire segment this week as Trey and Justin break down a high-stakes constitutional dispute over interstate extradition between Minnesota and Texas. Then, join as Trey and Justin debate the ethical boundaries between research or search tools, such as Gemini Notebook, and generative engines. What sparks the debate? Stanley Druckenmiller’s acknowledgement that his commentary piece was published using AI and the Wall Street Journal’s Paul Gigot defending the piece. What are the edges of ethical AI use?  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.

    Minnesota v. Texas on Extradition, Druckenmiller's AI Op-Ed, and the Future of Writing

  2. 4d ago

    SCOTUS Clears the White House Ballroom, House Censures Rep. Chuck Edwards, Army Secretary Resigns, and Record High Corruption Perceptions

    On this week’s episode of The Politics Guys, Trey Orndorff (Oklahoma Christian University) is joined by Justin Holmes (University of Northern Iowa), filling in while Ken Katkin takes a few weeks away from the show. The pair start by looking at breaking down the decision of SCOTUS to allow the White House Ballroom Construction to continue. Trey and Justin discuss the mechanics of standing and why both agree that on its merits the petitioners lack standing. They dig deeper to discuss why unsigned orders draw criticism, and how congressional inaction creates systemic blind spots in checking executive power. Next, they move to the 413-2 vote to censure Rep. Chuck Edwards. Trey and Justin evaluate the rare bipartisan consensus behind the vote, contrasting it with recent disciplinary battles involving former representatives Matt Gaetz, Eric Swalwell, and Tony Gonzales. Trey posits that the bipartisan anger, including the MAGA wing of the Republican Party, over Epstein might be a contributing factor in the unanimity. After that, they move to the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. With Driscoll’s exit following the previous departures of top civilian and military officials, Trey and Justin examine how the turnover affects the ongoing military operations in the Middle East. They also discuss the potential presidential aspirations of both VD Vance and Hegseth in the dealings behind the scenes. They close the show by looking at Gallup’s tracking poll on government corruption. Gallup’s question on widespread corruption hit a new high, with 89% of American adults indicating they view government corruption as widespread. This is up significantly from 79% in 2025 and 74% in 2024. Justin dives into survey question methodology and how the question has flaws, but still has merit. Both hosts analyze how declining social capital, negative media incentives for institutions, and institutional alienation impact democratic stability. 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.

    SCOTUS Clears the White House Ballroom, House Censures Rep. Chuck Edwards, Army Secretary Resigns, and Record High Corruption Perceptions

  3. Sep 2

    America, China, and the Innovation Race

    Is America really losing its technological edge to China? Mike talks with Mehran Gul, author of The New Geography of Innovation, about why U.S. tech dominance may be stronger than it looks—and why China has nevertheless become a genuine innovation powerhouse. They explore Silicon Valley’s surprising government roots, the critical role of venture capital, Europe’s struggle to compete in AI, South Korea’s giant conglomerates, Singapore’s unusually capable state, the demographic threat facing innovative economies, and why geography may matter more—not less—in an increasingly digital world. 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.

    America, China, and the Innovation Race

  4. Sep 1

    Mail-In Voting at the Supreme Court, Meta’s $17 Billion Deal & Voting Rights by Age

    In this supporters’ exclusive midweek episode, Mike and Jay dig into three fights over elections, technology, and government power. First, the Supreme Court intervenes in the battle over President Trump’s new mail-ballot rules—raising questions about standing, last-minute election changes, presidential authority, and whether states can realistically comply before the midterms. Then they turn to Meta’s $17.1 billion settlement over alleged harms to children and teens, asking whether the enormous headline number will actually hurt Meta—or meaningfully improve kids’ mental health. Finally, they debate a federal appeals court ruling striking down South Carolina’s rule giving voters 65 and older easier access to mail voting, a decision that could put the meaning of the 26th Amendment before the Supreme Court. 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.

    Mail-In Voting at the Supreme Court, Meta’s $17 Billion Deal & Voting Rights by Age

  5. Aug 29

    Trump’s Canada Trade War, GOP Loyalty Tests & Economic War on Iran

    Mike and Jay open with a discussion of what President Trump hopes to gain from 50% tariffs on America’s second-largest trading partner, whether Trump fundamentally misunderstands the value of allies, and how his approach could strengthen China rather than contain it. Then they turn to Republican politics after Trump-backed candidates win closely watched races in South Carolina and Oklahoma. How much does Trump’s primary endorsement record really tell us about his hold over the GOP? The discussion expands to political dynasties, inexperienced senators, the decline of the Senate’s old “apprenticeship” norm, and the tradeoff between political experience and entrenched party machines. Finally, six months into the Iran war, the Trump administration launches “Operation Economic Outcast,” threatening banks and companies that continue doing business with Tehran. Mike and Jay debate whether Trump is really prepared to impose serious costs on China, how long Iran can survive economically, and whether staying the course could eventually force Tehran to accept a deal—or simply deepen an already costly strategic mistake. 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.

    Trump’s Canada Trade War, GOP Loyalty Tests & Economic War on Iran

  6. Aug 25

    Trump’s Crypto Fortune, Data Center Backlash, America’s Crime Drop

    Mike, Justin, and Michael open this supporters’ exclusive midweek episode with a look at the Trump crypto fortune, conflict-of-interest questions surrounding World Liberty Financial, Trump’s newly approved national trust bank, and the stalled CLARITY Act. Then, they consider why data centers have suddenly become a bipartisan political liability. The guys dig into rising electricity costs, water use, local tax incentives, surprisingly few permanent jobs, NIMBYism, and the national-security argument for keeping America ahead of China in AI.Finally, they discuss some genuinely good news: U.S. violent crime is falling sharply, with homicides potentially reaching their lowest level in generations. But why? Better policing, demographics, less lead exposure, improved trauma medicine, incarceration, changing drug and alcohol use—or some combination of all of them? 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.

    Trump’s Crypto Fortune, Data Center Backlash, America’s Crime Drop

  7. Aug 21

    Florida & Alaska Primaries, Iran War Strains, and AOC on “Woke 1”

    Mike is joined by fellow political scientists Michael Levy and Justin Holmes to break down what the latest primaries say about the Democratic and Republican parties, whether the Iran war is exposing serious limits in U.S. military readiness, and what AOC means when she says “Woke 1 was crazy.” They start with Florida, where Trump-backed Byron Donalds won the Republican gubernatorial nomination and former Republican David Jolly became the Democratic nominee. The guys look at Florida’s dramatic shift toward the GOP, Democrats’ struggle to build competitive state parties, and the growing number of Democratic Socialist candidates poised to enter Congress. Then it’s Alaska, where Mary Peltola’s strong showing against Republican Senator Dan Sullivan suggests one of Democrats’ better Senate pickup opportunities. Next, they turn to the war with Iran and reports of mounting strain aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. Is this simply the inevitable cost of a long deployment—or evidence that the Trump administration badly underestimated the logistics of an extended war? They also consider what pulling naval assets from the Pacific could mean for U.S. deterrence against China. Finally, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says “Woke 1 was crazy.” Is that a substantive rethink of progressive politics, a shift in rhetoric, or simply recognition that some of the left’s post-2020 language became politically toxic? Mike, Michael, and Justin debate whether progressive politics has primarily a messaging problem—or a policy problem too. 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.

    Florida & Alaska Primaries, Iran War Strains, and AOC on “Woke 1”

  8. Aug 18

    The Economics of Energy, Fabrication in Academia

    On this midweek supporters-exclusive episode of The Politics Guys, Trey Orndorff (subbing for Mike Baranowski) is joined once again by political scientist Michael Levy to go down a pair of deep policy and academic "rabbit holes" that they couldn't fit into the main weekend show. The guys start by analyzing German energy giant RWE’s $1.22 billion settlement with the Department of the Interior to abandon three offshore wind projects off the coasts of California, New York, and Louisiana. Trey shares research on an economic deep dive, explaining why onshore wind is cheap and competitive with natural gas, even unsubsidized, while offshore wind suffers massive upfront capital costs and low returns. The hosts then debate whether the administrations’ buyouts represent a pivot away from expensive energy or a lawless executive intervention that distorts the market. Next, they discuss the resignation of Jason Arday, who after capturing headlines in 2023 as the youngest Black professor in the history of the University of Cambridge, likely engaged in unethical practices. The guys examine the substantive allegations against Arday, including over 100 passages in his 2015 doctoral thesis, and his false book publications on his CV. The pair also discuss the institutional reluctance to investigate high-profile scholars and how such high-profile misconduct is weaponized by bad-faith actors against other Black academics.  They finish with rants and recommendations. Michael’s rant takes aim at President Trump’s obsession with putting his name on public institutions and offers a hilariously satirical slate of official Trump legacy projects. Trey pushes back on lukewarm critical reviews to recommend the newest season of Ted Lasso. Trey praises the show for proving that prestige television doesn’t have to all be dark and bleak. 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.

    The Economics of Energy, Fabrication in Academia
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4.4
out of 5
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    The Politics Guys - Government Democracy & News
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Michael Baranowski
  • Show Website
    The Politics Guys