The Politics Guys

Michael Baranowski
  • 4.4 (742)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Politics Guys

The Politics Guys is an independent, bipartisan, ideologically diverse American politics and policy podcast hosted by experts: political scientists, law professors, practicing attorneys, and former government officials. 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. In addition to our weekly news discussion, we feature regular interviews with leading figures from across the ideological spectrum. Past guests include Representatives Jim Jordan, Thomas Massie, and Rob Wittman; Jeffrey Sachs; Tyler Cowen; Bryan Caplan; Dan Carlin; Larry Sabato; and Lawrence Lessig. 

  1. 1D AGO

    Trump v China, Musk and DOGE, Ukraine Peace Deal

    Mike and Justin open with a discussion of yet another wild week for the world economy, largely due to instability caused by President Trump’s changing positions on trade and the economy. He hates the Fed Chair he appointed but won’t fire him (even though he claims he can), says the US is talking with China, which China denies, and is now dealing with multiple lawsuits challenging his authority to impose broad-based sanctions using emergency powers. Next they turn to what appears to be Elon Musk’s coming departure from DOGE. They look at how DOGE’s work has affected Musk, how much DOGE has actually saved, and whether it was ever about efficiency, as opposed to control. They close with a look at the latest Ukraine peace deal, which seems more like a demand that Ukraine surrender more than anything else. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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
  2. Introducing The World with Marco Werman

    1D AGO

    Introducing The World with Marco Werman

    Mike talks about the The World with Marco Werman. For our listeners interested in global events, join the other 2.5 million listeners who tune into The World every week. I hope you will enjoy this excellent show as much as we do.

    2 min

  3. 4D AGO

    How Political Protests Happen

    Mike talks with Adam Swart, the founder of Crowds on Demand, the original paid protesting firm, and a leading expert on protests, political optics, and narrative strategy. A lifelong liberal, Adam now finds himself increasingly "not liberal enough" for many in the modern Left. Topics Mike and Adam discuss include: - the false dichotomy between ‘real’ and ‘fake’ protests - why every significant protest is a paid protest - the left’s protest advantage over the right - throwing tantrums vs getting things done - the importance of barking up the right tree - making geeky issues exciting - if short-sellers could have been behind the Tesla protests Adam Swart on X The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

    55 min

  4. 5D AGO

    Lowering Drug Prices, Tax Day, Executive Power

    Mike and Trey open with a look at a recent Trump Executive Order intended to lower the cost of prescription drugs. Mike is generally in favor, though he doesn’t see it as having a huge impact. He also points to the absurdity of importing prescription drugs from Canada, arguing that it’s a sign of a fundamentally broken system. Trey makes the case that even if this EO results in savings, it doesn’t come close to offsetting the additional healthcare costs imposed on many Americans by Trump administration policies. Next, they turn to tax policy and IRS cutbacks. Mike points out that eviscerating IRS enforcement makes no sense if the government really cares about efficiency or enforcing the law. Mike and Trey also get into tariffs (essentially a regressive consumption tax), tax burden, tax complexity, and ways the tax code might (but probably won’t) be improved. They close by considering the historic number of executive actions taken by Donald Trump over the first three months of his second term, as well as the equally historic record of non-accomplishment when it comes to passing laws. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

  5. APR 18

    Abrego Garcia, Trump v Harvard, Iran Nuclear Talks

    Mike and Trey open by considering the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. They consider how both the left and right see Abrego Garcia, the legal battles surrounding his illegal deportation and possible return (don’t hold your breath), and if we’re near a point at which the Trump administration openly defies the courts. Next is a discussion of the Trump administration’s attempts to bring Harvard University to heel, and Harvard’s resistance. They consider both the legal questions raised as well as how all this might play out at a time when trust in higher education is at a historic low. They close with a look at the Iran nuclear talks. Trey thinks this could end up being a win for Trump, and while Mike doesn’t necessarily disagree, he argues that the first Trump administration largely created the situation he’s now trying to fix. Please consider supporting Homes of Hope The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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 5m

  6. APR 16

    Modern Political Campaigns

    Travis talks with political scientist, Johns Hopkins professor, and CEO of Cohen Research Group, Dr. Michael Cohen about his new book, Modern Political Campaigns: How Professionalism, Technology, and Speed Have Revolutionized Elections, in which he provides insight into the practical nature of managing political campaigns and an insider’s advice on breaking into careers in the field of political consulting.  Topics Travis and Michael cover include: Why professionalism, technology, and speed are the hallmark features of modern political campaigns The role of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in political campaigning and the ethical considerations campaign managers must make when using AI What the permanent campaign is and its impact on American democracy and representation  Follow Dr. Michael Cohen on LinkedIn.   The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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 5m

  7. APR 15

    Alien Enemies, Trump v Universities, Liberalism and Ideology

    Mike and Jay open with a discussion of the Trump administration’s attempts to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members by invoking the Alien Enemies Act. Mike argues that the Act doesn’t apply in this instance, while Jay points out that the Supreme Court is right to insist on due process for potential deportees, even if they can be legally removed via the Alien Enemies Act. Next, they discuss the administration’s aggressive push to get universities to stop DEI programs by suspending federal funding. Mike believes that this sort of ‘guilty until proven innocent’ approach is fundamentally wrong and violates existing regulations. Jay has less of a problem with it, contending that universities don’t have a right to federal funding and if they’re violating civil rights, it may be permissible to suspend funding even before a final determination has been made. They close by considering how historian Heather Cox Richardson defines liberalism, the left, and the right - what they think about her definition, how theirs differs, and how slippery these terms can be in real life. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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

  8. APR 12

    Tariffs, Trump and Fossil Fuels

    Mike and Jay open with a discussion of the ever-changing tariff landscape. Mike argues that President Trump’s tariffs may not even be legal – on multiple grounds, and that even if they are upheld, trade policy by presidential fiat is a horrible idea. Jay agrees, though both he and Mike are at least somewhat sympathetic toward actions taken in response to China’s massive IP theft and significant non-tariff barriers to US goods. Next is a discussion of four energy-related actions taken by President Trump, focusing mainly on coal. Jay feels that less regulation on a still important energy source is a good thing, whereas Mike argues that coal is both much dirtier and more expensive than alternatives like renewables and nuclear, which is what the administration should be promoting. They close with Jay responding to a listener question concerning why Jay isn’t a big fan of Black History or Women’s History Month. The Politics Guys on Facebook | X Mike’s Substack: What Fresh Hell is This? 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
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4.4
out of 5
742 Ratings

About

The Politics Guys is an independent, bipartisan, ideologically diverse American politics and policy podcast hosted by experts: political scientists, law professors, practicing attorneys, and former government officials. 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. In addition to our weekly news discussion, we feature regular interviews with leading figures from across the ideological spectrum. Past guests include Representatives Jim Jordan, Thomas Massie, and Rob Wittman; Jeffrey Sachs; Tyler Cowen; Bryan Caplan; Dan Carlin; Larry Sabato; and Lawrence Lessig. 

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Baranowski
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2025
  • Episodes
    956
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Politics Guys

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