Devil's Advocate

Independence Institute
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Politics
  • Weekly

Devil's Advocate with Jon Caldara is a current events show not to be missed. Each week it features lively - and sometimes heated - debates between elected officials, journalists, activists, concerned citizens, subject-matter experts, and hard-pressing host Jon Caldara, president of the Independence Institute. Jon is not afraid to express his "free-market" views, and his guests are not afraid to take on those opinions. It all makes for an informative, lively public affairs program.

  1. 3d ago

    Colorado Is Bluer Than California

    How do we make sense of this crazy election? Well, we ask Marianne Goodland from the Denver Gazettes and Colorado Politics. Colorado just experienced a political earthquake and the results have left even veteran political observers stunned. Is Colorado now bluer than California? What happened to the Colorado Republican Party? And what does an overwhelming Democratic majority mean for the state's economic and political future? On this episode of Devil's Advocate, Jon Caldara sits down with veteran political journalist Marianne Goodland of Colorado Politics and The Gazettes to break down the election results, the Republican Party's stunning losses, and the dramatic shift in Colorado's political landscape. From surprising Democratic victories in traditionally Republican strongholds like El Paso and Douglas counties to the growing power of progressives at the State Capitol, this election could reshape Colorado for years to come. **In this episode:** - How Colorado became one of the bluest states in America - Why Republicans suffered devastating losses across Colorado - Donald Trump's impact on Colorado's election results - The Democratic supermajority and what it could mean for taxpayers - Surprising results on taxes, energy, and social issues - Why voters supported conservative ballot measures while electing Democrats - The potential consequences of Colorado's progressive income tax - Growing concerns about business regulations, energy costs, and companies leaving Colorado - Colorado's $1.6 billion budget deficit and the future of Medicaid - Whether Colorado is following California's political and economic path Marianne also explains why this election was unlike anything she's witnessed in her years covering Colorado politics and why the next few years could bring even bigger changes. Is Colorado becoming the next California? Or has it already gone further? Watch the conversation and tell us what YOU think in the comments.

    Colorado Is Bluer Than California

  2. Oct 29

    Colorado's Drought Could Get Much Worse

    So just how bad is the drought situation in Colorado? Well, according to Alan Salazar, the head of Denver Water, real bad. On this episode of **Devil's Advocate**, Jon Caldara sits down with longtime Colorado political insider and Denver Water Board member **Alan Salazar** for a wide-ranging conversation about Colorado's worsening drought, the future of our water supply, government regulations, and the growing political divide within Colorado's Democratic Party. Salazar reveals that Denver's reservoirs were only about 60% full when they should have been around 91%. What happens if Colorado experiences three or four more years of severe drought? Could we face a water emergency? And are government regulations making it harder to build the infrastructure we need? They also tackle some tough questions: Why does California rely on Colorado River water when it has an entire ocean? Why did it take approximately 20 years to expand an existing reservoir? And if agriculture uses roughly 80–85% of Colorado's water, why is so much attention focused on residential lawns? Then the conversation turns to politics. Having worked with governors, mayors, U.S. senators, and presidential administrations, Salazar offers a rare insider's perspective on Colorado's changing political landscape. Are traditional, business-friendly Democrats losing influence to the progressive left? Has Colorado become too hostile toward businesses? And could a political reckoning be coming? **In this episode:** * How serious Colorado's drought really is * Why Denver's reservoir levels are concerning * What happens after several consecutive drought years * California, desalination, and the Colorado River Compact * The 20-year battle to expand Gross Reservoir * Why agriculture consumes most of Colorado's water * Government regulations and Colorado's business climate * Growing divisions within the Democratic Party * The future of bipartisan cooperation in Colorado * How artificial intelligence could reshape Colorado's economy It's a candid conversation about water, politics, government bureaucracy, and Colorado's future, with plenty of disagreement and a few laughs along the way. **Do you think Colorado's biggest water problem is drought, government regulation, or how we use the water we already have? Let us know in the comments.** 👍 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations on Devil's Advocate. 🎧 Listen to the Devil's Advocate podcast on your favorite podcast app. #Colorado #ColoradoDrought #DenverWater #ColoradoPolitics #DevilsAdvocate

    Colorado's Drought Could Get Much Worse

  3. Oct 22

    Republican Bloodbath Coming to Colorado?

    Just how bad is this election going to be for Republicans, both in Washington and in Colorado? Republican strategist Dick Wadhams handicaps it and predicts the future.

    Republican Bloodbath Coming to Colorado?

  4. Oct 15

    He Denies Bracket Creep Exists in Colorado's Amendment 87

    Journalist T.R. Reid joins us for a heated debate over Colorado's proposed income tax changes, bracket creep, millionaire flight, and the future of TABOR refunds. Who really benefits, and who ends up paying more?

    He Denies Bracket Creep Exists in Colorado's Amendment 87

  5. Oct 8

    Could Colorado Hunting Bans Backfire?

    What would Teddy Roosevelt do? Would he want a right to hunt and fish? Well, Luke Hilgemann from the International Order of Teddy Roosevelt channels the former president.

    Could Colorado Hunting Bans Backfire?

  6. Oct 1

    Worst Gun Ever?

    You know, assault weapons are new and modern. There's never been anything like them in American history. Well, at least that's what you thought until you listened to Ashley Hlebinsky, who is a historian on how guns were developed over the last 900 years. It'll surprise you

    Worst Gun Ever?

  7. Sep 24

    I Asked Ringo To Take Our Picture

    Who knew Western wear would make Denver famous? Rockmount Ranchwear has been around since the 40s and is still going strong. Not just with ranchers, but with rock stars and with Hollywood. In fact, CEO Steve Weil wrote the book on it.

    I Asked Ringo To Take Our Picture

  8. Sep 17

    Colorado Hunters Kill What They Love?

    On Colorado's crowded ballot will be a right to hunt and fish. A right. Dan Gates is a lifelong Colorado sportsman who serves as the Executive Director of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management. He tells us many states have this amendment.

    Colorado Hunters Kill What They Love?
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Devil's Advocate with Jon Caldara is a current events show not to be missed. Each week it features lively - and sometimes heated - debates between elected officials, journalists, activists, concerned citizens, subject-matter experts, and hard-pressing host Jon Caldara, president of the Independence Institute. Jon is not afraid to express his "free-market" views, and his guests are not afraid to take on those opinions. It all makes for an informative, lively public affairs program.

Information

  • Creator
    Independence Institute
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    206
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Independence Institute
  • Show Website
    Devil's Advocate

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