4D Chess

Very good podcast, highly recommended other people to listen

UPDATE: I listened to the first episode of the analysis of HR 1. This episode highlights the lack of comprehensive analysis in the podcast, and needs a more descriptive name. The first point he emphasized many times is “if you don’t want higher taxes, then vote for this bill.” I assume he means “ask your representatives to vote for it.” To oversimplify this bill to a black/white choice is very non-4D. Lol. There is far more to this bill than that. He doesn’t break down key features he considers selling points, e.g., no taxes on tips and overtime. He in fact makes an incorrect statement when he says “all your overtime” will be tax-free. The provision for tips/OT is includes a limit of $25K. There are also many analyses of how this bill will affect each quintile or decile of the population, and the earners under $50K are hit hardest, with each quintile from bottom of earners getting progressively better until you get to the top 20%. This continues more upward from there, for the top 10% or earners, etc. People under $50K income are hit hardest and experience a worse impact, even with the tip/OT coverage of only up to $25K. He also doesn’t have a strong grasp of healthcare coverage or hospital revenue cycle — which is understandable — yet he doesn’t dig in to understand the complexities of it, or really any other nuance with an issue touched by the bill. I did not hear the overtly mean-spirited and crazy labeling of the “lunatic left,” though I don’t know if he does in other episodes I haven’t listened to. He seemed to tru to show the negatives of the bill, but again he didn’t understand any of the opposition or provided one of the many strawman arguments. It doesn’t seem that he actually dug down at all to understand what is true about opposition, or what the opposition is about. His support to dismiss “Dem” opposition (forgetting that some Reps feel the same even though they ended up voting for it) was to play a soundbite of a Republican defending the Medicaid provisions without addressing concerns. If you’re looking for analysis, this isn’t it. If you’re looking for depth or actual knowledge/understanding of the complexities of the issues, this isn’t it. If, however, you want pseudo-objective commentary so you can feel “smart” about your support of Republicans, then this is the one. Don’t expect that you will be able to discuss at any truthful or intelligent level afterward though. It’s not rated lower because it’s not to the level of some of the outrageously dishonest info sources/pods out there… “Not as bad as the worst” shouldn’t be criteria, I don’t think, but that’s where we are. Lol! That said… this guy seems like he *might* be capable of actual analysis if he would do real research and not start from the assumption that the Republicans are right. It would also be good if he could understand that it’s not only taxes that affect a household’s financial well-being. **************** They call this 4D Chess, but it’s really just more of the same ol’ checkers game: rants and accusations presented as factual without making reasoned arguments or giving support for the arguments. Overflowing with straw-man arguments and no actual analysis or knowledge. It oozes snark. Disappointing.

This is the best civics podcast for anyone interested in politics! The host delivers witty and easy to understand daily content that keeps you informed without the confusion. It's perfect for both political enthusiasts and newcomers. Definitely a must listen!

I typically try to steer away from politics and headlines but this podcast presents it in a way I can understand, while giving evidence for various viewpoints. The comical aspect helps me stay interested and keeps me learning. Easy listen, great laughs. Highly recommend!