Plain Talk

Forum Communications Co.
  • 3.8 (85)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED DAILY

Plain Talk is a podcast hosted by Rob Port and Chad Oban focusing on political news and current events in North Dakota. Port is a columnist for the Forum News Service published in papers including the Fargo Forum, Grand Forks Herald, Jamestown Sun, and the Dickinson Press. Oban is a long-time political consultant.

  1. 2H AGO

    684: 'Being on the court is going to be isolating'

    Mark Friese, a long-time criminal defense attorney who has worked some high-profile cases, including serving as disgraced former lawmaker Ray Holmberg's attorney, has been appointed to the North Dakota Supreme Court by Gov. Kelly Armstrong. Why does he want to serve on the court? "It's a lot easier to be critical of the court when you're sitting on the opposite side of the table," he told us on this episode of Plain Talk. "I'm hopeful that I can impact some change and offer a perspective that's, quite frankly, not been held by the court previously." Friese will be the only member of the Supreme Court with a background in criminal defense. He also touted his background as a former police officer, and working in the military courts as a member of the North Dakota National Guard, as unique experiences he can bring to the bench. While expressing deep respect for the current justices, he also had some criticism.  "There are instances where the court has not been consistent in its rationale, consistent in its reasoning," he said. "I think practitioners need to be able to rely on those decisions and know how those decisions are going to come down, and we haven't seen that universally from our court." In the past the Supreme Court has pushed toward allowing more digital access to court records, but it's a project that hasn't been completed yet. Friese said he thinks public access is important, but also noted that information contained in court records can be exploited for fraud and other nefarious reasons. "There has to be a careful balance. The public has a right to know. You have a right to sit in the courtroom. You have a right to access the docket," he said. "But the danger exists when those court records are used for improper purposes." He also said that serving on the bench will be "isolating" in a way, as he will no longer be able to serve clients, and he won't be able to speak as freely publicly about issues he's passionate about. "I had a great big box full of cards and letters and thank you notes from clients and their families for helping them through difficult times. I'm really going to miss that aspect of practice," he said. "Being on the court is going to be isolating. I won't be able to speak as openly and publicly as I have in the past on issues." Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discussed the upcoming Democratic-NPL and NDGOP conventions, the NDGOP's proposed rule to fine disloyal members, the state of North Dakota's legislative races, and we responded to some listener feedback. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

    1h 4m

  2. 2H AGO · VIDEO

    684: 'Being on the court is going to be isolating' (Video)

    Mark Friese, a long-time criminal defense attorney who has worked some high-profile cases, including serving as disgraced former lawmaker Ray Holmberg's attorney, has been appointed to the North Dakota Supreme Court by Gov. Kelly Armstrong. Why does he want to serve on the court? "It's a lot easier to be critical of the court when you're sitting on the opposite side of the table," he told us on this episode of Plain Talk. "I'm hopeful that I can impact some change and offer a perspective that's, quite frankly, not been held by the court previously." Friese will be the only member of the Supreme Court with a background in criminal defense. He also touted his background as a former police officer, and working in the military courts as a member of the North Dakota National Guard, as unique experiences he can bring to the bench. While expressing deep respect for the current justices, he also had some criticism.  "There are instances where the court has not been consistent in its rationale, consistent in its reasoning," he said. "I think practitioners need to be able to rely on those decisions and know how those decisions are going to come down, and we haven't seen that universally from our court." In the past the Supreme Court has pushed toward allowing more digital access to court records, but it's a project that hasn't been completed yet. Friese said he thinks public access is important, but also noted that information contained in court records can be exploited for fraud and other nefarious reasons. "There has to be a careful balance. The public has a right to know. You have a right to sit in the courtroom. You have a right to access the docket," he said. "But the danger exists when those court records are used for improper purposes." He also said that serving on the bench will be "isolating" in a way, as he will no longer be able to serve clients, and he won't be able to speak as freely publicly about issues he's passionate about. "I had a great big box full of cards and letters and thank you notes from clients and their families for helping them through difficult times. I'm really going to miss that aspect of practice," he said. "Being on the court is going to be isolating. I won't be able to speak as openly and publicly as I have in the past on issues." Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discussed the upcoming Democratic-NPL and NDGOP conventions, the NDGOP's proposed rule to fine disloyal members, the state of North Dakota's legislative races, and we responded to some listener feedback. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

    1h 4m

  3. 1D AGO · VIDEO

    683: 'Going backwards in average teacher pay, that's a problem' (Video)

    Levi Bachmeier, appointed last year as North Dakota's Superintendent of Public Schools, says that it's bogus to suggest that passing a school meals ballot measure means the state will have to reduce funding for K-12 education. "That's a totally a false choice," he said on this episode of Plain Talk. "Voters should make their decision about what they what they believe is best on the ballot." "We should continue to invest in our public schools," he continued. "Our public schools are an investment in our future, in our state's future. I don't know that this has to be an either-or conversation when we're talking about these two topics." Bachmeier also said that the state is falling behind on teacher pay, and needs to invest more in it, and he doesn't believe that would require any tax increases. "I'm a big believer in it comes down to great teachers, and going backwards in average teacher pay, that's a problem," he said. "School districts getting two applicants when they have two open teaching positions, that's a problem." "I don't believe we need to raise taxes. I want to be abundantly clear, we have the resources that we need," he continue. "It's how do we have a conversation about what are our priorities are, and again...how much would you put into K-12? How much would you put into the pockets of teachers to make sure that they are continuing to choose a really, really hard profession to support kids?" Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss dangerous medical advice being spread by a state lawmaker, and a candidate who would like to be a state lawmaker. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

    56 min

  4. 1D AGO

    683: 'Going backwards in average teacher pay, that's a problem'

    Levi Bachmeier, appointed last year as North Dakota's Superintendent of Public Schools, says that it's bogus to suggest that passing a school meals ballot measure means the state will have to reduce funding for K-12 education. "That's a totally a false choice," he said on this episode of Plain Talk. "Voters should make their decision about what they what they believe is best on the ballot." "We should continue to invest in our public schools," he continued. "Our public schools are an investment in our future, in our state's future. I don't know that this has to be an either-or conversation when we're talking about these two topics." Bachmeier also said that the state is falling behind on teacher pay, and needs to invest more in it, and he doesn't believe that would require any tax increases. "I'm a big believer in it comes down to great teachers, and going backwards in average teacher pay, that's a problem," he said. "School districts getting two applicants when they have two open teaching positions, that's a problem." "I don't believe we need to raise taxes. I want to be abundantly clear, we have the resources that we need," he continue. "It's how do we have a conversation about what are our priorities are, and again...how much would you put into K-12? How much would you put into the pockets of teachers to make sure that they are continuing to choose a really, really hard profession to support kids?" Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss dangerous medical advice being spread by a state lawmaker, and a candidate who would like to be a state lawmaker. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

    56 min

  5. 6D AGO · VIDEO

    682: Democratic-NPL candidates for U.S. House debate (Video)

    On this episode of Plain Talk, we hosted a debate between the Democratic-NPL's candidates for U.S. House. Trygve Hammer is a Marine Corps veteran with three previous campaigns under his belt. Vern Thompson is a farmer and truck driver who recorded this debate from the cab of his semi. They each made their case for why they should replace the incumbent, Rep. Julie Fedorchak. (The third candidate in the race, Helene Neville, was scheduled to participate but had to drop out at the last minute due to illness.) Thompson told us he's running to protect farmers. "Trump's tariffs have caused the largest farm crisis in 40 years," he said. "That was a self-inflicted wound. And that's one of the reasons I got into this race is because of the tariffs." "Tariffs are a tax on consumers," Hammer told us, "and it is a regressive tax." He said he'd like to focus on restoring the balance of power between Congress and the executive branch. "Congress will have to take the reigns and be a check on the Trump administration." Why should Democratic voters choose one candidate over the other? Thompson answered that question by touting his experience. He's the former mayor of Minnewauken, and a former state lawmaker who worked with Republican Gov. Ed Schafer on flooding in the Devils Lake area. For his part, Hammer pointed out his more recent track record of campaigning for office, and working over multiple election cycles to help rebuild enthusiasm for the Democratic-NPL which hasn't had a lot of electoral success over the last decade. The candidates also fielded questions on abortion, Israel's actions in Gaza, the national debt, our nation's hostilities with Iran, and passenger rail service. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

    1h 4m

  6. 6D AGO

    682: Democratic-NPL candidates for U.S. House debate

    On this episode of Plain Talk, we hosted a debate between the Democratic-NPL's candidates for U.S. House. Trygve Hammer is a Marine Corps veteran with three previous campaigns under his belt. Vern Thompson is a farmer and truck driver who recorded this debate from the cab of his semi. They each made their case for why they should replace the incumbent, Rep. Julie Fedorchak. (The third candidate in the race, Helene Neville, was scheduled to participate but had to drop out at the last minute due to illness.) Thompson told us he's running to protect farmers. "Trump's tariffs have caused the largest farm crisis in 40 years," he said. "That was a self-inflicted wound. And that's one of the reasons I got into this race is because of the tariffs." "Tariffs are a tax on consumers," Hammer told us, "and it is a regressive tax." He said he'd like to focus on restoring the balance of power between Congress and the executive branch. "Congress will have to take the reigns and be a check on the Trump administration." Why should Democratic voters choose one candidate over the other? Thompson answered that question by touting his experience. He's the former mayor of Minnewauken, and a former state lawmaker who worked with Republican Gov. Ed Schafer on flooding in the Devils Lake area. For his part, Hammer pointed out his more recent track record of campaigning for office, and working over multiple election cycles to help rebuild enthusiasm for the Democratic-NPL which hasn't had a lot of electoral success over the last decade. The candidates also fielded questions on abortion, Israel's actions in Gaza, the national debt, our nation's hostilities with Iran, and passenger rail service. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

    1h 12m

  7. FEB 25 · VIDEO

    681: 'The reasonable right needs to stay involved and keep their foot on the gas' (Video)

    Reed Johson is a West Point graduate, tank commander, and law student who wants to serve in the North Dakota legislature. On this episode of Plain Talk, he told us he's not interested in getting elected to pursue trending topics from social media. "I do not want to get dragged into the water on some of these more hot button social issues, and I want to focus more on how do we ensure the state of North Dakota is postured for long-term success and growth," he said. In particular, he wants to serve as a check on far-right populists who promote an unreasoned, uncompromising approach to politics. "I do really think the reasonable right needs to stay involved, and keep their foot on the gas in the state of North Dakota," he said. "We're very blessed here, and that's because of generations of competent political leadership." "It takes a couple generations to build it, but it can also take a couple generations for it to go away," he continued. "I want to stay involved and keep up the good work that we're doing in the state of North Dakota" Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss the takeover of an NDGOP District 28 delegate convention meeting, which saw a self-proclaimed parliamentarian simply wrest control of the microphone from a district chair. Also, Sen. Jeff Magrum's bogus views on vaccines and colonoscopies, and listener feedback. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

    1h 8m

  8. FEB 25

    681: 'The reasonable right needs to stay involved and keep their foot on the gas'

    Reed Johson is a West Point graduate, tank commander, and law student who wants to serve in the North Dakota legislature. On this episode of Plain Talk, he told us he's not interested in getting elected to pursue trending topics from social media. "I do not want to get dragged into the water on some of these more hot button social issues, and I want to focus more on how do we ensure the state of North Dakota is postured for long-term success and growth," he said. In particular, he wants to serve as a check on far-right populists who promote an unreasoned, uncompromising approach to politics. "I do really think the reasonable right needs to stay involved, and keep their foot on the gas in the state of North Dakota," he said. "We're very blessed here, and that's because of generations of competent political leadership." "It takes a couple generations to build it, but it can also take a couple generations for it to go away," he continued. "I want to stay involved and keep up the good work that we're doing in the state of North Dakota" Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss the takeover of an NDGOP District 28 delegate convention meeting, which saw a self-proclaimed parliamentarian simply wrest control of the microphone from a district chair. Also, Sen. Jeff Magrum's bogus views on vaccines and colonoscopies, and listener feedback. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

    1h 8m
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3.8
out of 5
85 Ratings

About

Plain Talk is a podcast hosted by Rob Port and Chad Oban focusing on political news and current events in North Dakota. Port is a columnist for the Forum News Service published in papers including the Fargo Forum, Grand Forks Herald, Jamestown Sun, and the Dickinson Press. Oban is a long-time political consultant.

Information

  • Channel
    Forum Communications Co.
  • Creator
    Forum Communications Co.
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    842
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2026 Forum Communications Co.
  • Show Website
    Plain Talk

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