The Tank

America First Policy Institute

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POLITICS
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Tank

Coming to you from our nation’s capital, this is The Tank: your voice in Washington, D.C., and around the country. Broadcasting from the America First Policy Institute’s headquarters, this is the premier think-tank podcast where we discuss the challenges facing our nation, talk policy — and advance America First solutions. Welcome to The Tank!"

04/25/2024

Engaging Culture and Security: An America First Discussion

Welcome to another empowering episode of The Tank Podcast, presented by the America First Policy Institute. Today, Chad and Hogan delve into critical discussions impacting America's heart and future, with special guests Bob Unanue, CEO of Goya Foods and Chair of the Hispanic Leadership Conference, Ashley Hayek, Executive Director of America First Works, John Ratcliffe, former Director of National Intelligence, and Drake and Jayme Franklin. Our discussions explore the pressing issue of the Hispanic community's relationship with conservative values and the growing rejection of woke ideologies by America's youth. We address America's most significant national security threats and the pressing need for robust border controls. We recognize that immigration concerns remain at the forefront of national discourse as a top security issue. The panelists provide deep insights into the urgency for conservatives to engage in cultural conversations actively and the vital role of churches in mobilizing congregations to vote, ensuring our voices are heard and values represented. This episode illuminates our challenges and reinforces our commitment to America First solutions, bringing these solutions from Washington, D.C., to every state across the nation. Join us as we stand firm in our principles, ready to shape a prosperous future for all Americans. **Key Sound Bites:** - "The Hispanic community feels abandoned; the future of the country lies in reaching out to them." - "The border and immigration issue is the number one national security concern for most Americans." Tune in to The Tank Podcast for a conversation that champions America and challenges the status quo, inspiring action and fostering a patriotic renewal.

30 min
03/01/2024

Reigniting the American Dream with America First Policies

In this episode, Hogan Gidley and Chad Wolf discuss the crisis along the Southern border, specifically the murder of a nursing student by an illegal alien. They highlight the consequences of open border policies and the need for accountability. The conversation then transitions to the topic of election integrity and the importance of transparency in the voting process. Later, Dr. Ben Carson joins the podcast to share his personal journey from humble beginnings to becoming a renowned neurosurgeon and serving as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Trump administration. Dr. Ben Carson discusses the importance of personal responsibility and education, the greatness of America and the threats it faces, his service in the Trump administration, the American Cornerstone Institute and patriotic education, and impactful moments from his time in the administration. Takeaways The crisis along the Southern border, including the murder of a nursing student by an illegal alien, highlights the consequences of open border policies. There is a need for accountability and transparency in addressing the border crisis and ensuring election integrity. Policy solutions, such as securing the border and enacting election integrity laws, are necessary to address these issues. Dr. Ben Carson's personal journey exemplifies the American dream and the opportunities available in the United States. Personal responsibility and education are key to success and breaking the cycle of poverty. America is a great nation, but it is facing threats to its core principles and values. Dr. Carson served in the Trump administration to address issues of poverty and dependency. The American Cornerstone Institute focuses on promoting the principles that made America great. Dr. Carson shares an impactful story about the challenges faced in implementing Envision Centers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Border Crisis 03:11 Public Outrage and Political Response 07:27 Media Coverage and Accountability 11:45 Policy Solutions and Legislative Actions 23:01 Introduction of Dr. Ben Carson 24:00 Dr. Carson's Background and the American Dream 26:22 The Power of Personal Responsibility and Education 31:29 The Greatness of America and the Threats It Faces 36:07 Dr. Carson's Service in the Trump Administration 45:13 American Cornerstone Institute and Patriotic Education 49:27 Impactful Moments in the Trump Administration

52 min
02/16/2024

Protecting Our Tomorrow: Insights into National Security

Summary Join Chad Wolf and Hogan Gidley as they discuss the impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas, Biden's immigration policy, changing messaging on the border, DHS funding and border security, the impact of the border crisis on crime rates, the cultural shift in immigration, funding for Ukraine and Israel, national security and America First, addressing immigration issues, and the importance of transparency in national security. A fascinating interview with Morgan Ortagus discusses the impact of the US's Iran policy on its relationships with Russia and China. It highlights how the US's failure to enforce sanctions has allowed Iran to become richer and supply advanced weaponry to various groups. The conversation also raises concerns about Iran's nuclear capability and its potential to provide sophisticated weaponry to Russia and China. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the nightmare scenario of terrorist groups obtaining advanced weaponry and the administration's inaction in addressing this threat. Takeaways The impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas highlights the accountability and responsibility of cabinet secretaries in addressing security challenges. Biden's immigration policy, particularly the lack of a plan for dealing with the influx of migrants, has contributed to the border crisis. The changing messaging from the Biden administration on the border crisis reflects the need to distance themselves from the issue. The funding deficit for ICE and the release of detainees highlight the consequences of bad policy and the need for effective budget planning. The cultural shift in immigration, with a focus on identity and tribalism, undermines the idea of assimilation and the pride in becoming an American. Negotiating with allies and partners should prioritize equitable alliances and partnerships that benefit both parties. Transparency in national security is crucial for building trust with the American people and effectively addressing threats. The US's Iran policy has undermined its relationships with Russia and China. Iran has become richer and supplied advanced weaponry to various groups due to the US's failure to enforce sanctions. There are concerns about Iran's nuclear capability and its potential to provide sophisticated weaponry to Russia and China. The administration's inaction in addressing the threat of terrorist groups obtaining advanced weaponry is a significant concern. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas 03:40 Biden's Immigration Policy 05:37 Changing Messaging on the Border 08:29 DHS Funding and Border Security 10:27 Mayorkas' Role and Accountability 12:14 Impact of Border Crisis on Crime Rates 13:34 Cultural Shift in Immigration 15:00 Funding for Ukraine and Israel 17:27 National Security and America First 20:20 Addressing Immigration Issues 22:59 Interview with Morgan Ortagus 23:55 Border Security as a National Security Issue 24:52 Root Causes of Migration 26:18 Cartels and National Security 27:40 U.S. Assistance and Loans 29:30 Negotiating with Allies and Partners 36:19 Aid Packages to Ukraine and Israel 40:59 Transparency in National Security 46:54 Declassification of National Security Threats 49:31 Undermining Russia and China Policy 50:22 Iran's Nuclear Capability 51:21 Iran's Support for Russia and China 52:20 Nightmare Post 9/11 Scenario

55 min
01/31/2024

Pervasive DEI and Antisemitism in Higher Education

In this episode, Hogan Gidley and Chad Wolf discuss the Middle East attacks and the border crisis. Dr. Jonathan Pidluzy and a panel of experts join them to delve into the issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on college campuses, the challenges of men competing in women's sports, and the rise of anti-Semitism. The conversation explores the alarming historical ignorance among college students, the influence of foreign money on higher education, and the efforts to reshape the conversation around Israel and Palestine. It highlights the refusal of university presidents to condemn anti-Semitism and the power of the DEI left on campuses. The discussion also touches on the impact of these issues on college campuses and the hope found in smaller private universities. The episode concludes with discussing potential solutions, including defunding DEI and promoting better leadership. Takeaways The Biden administration's immigration policy has led to a border crisis, with record numbers of illegal apprehensions and a lack of enforcement of immigration laws. DEI programs on college campuses promote race separation, indoctrination, and a viewpoint orthodoxy that stifles free speech and critical thinking. Allowing men to compete in women's sports undermines the integrity of the sport and compromises the safety and security of women's spaces. Anti-Semitism is on the rise on college campuses, fueled by DEI ideologies that view Jews as oppressors and Palestinians as victims. College students often lack historical knowledge and are influenced by ideological faculty. Foreign money, particularly from the Middle East, funds radical departments in elite institutions to shape the conversation on Israel and Palestine. University presidents often refuse to condemn anti-Semitism due to the influence of the DEI left. Foreign students and scholarship programs aim to reshape the conversation on campus. Smaller private universities may provide hope for preserving values and viewpoint diversity. Solutions include defunding DEI, enforcing prohibitions against anti-Semitism, and promoting better leadership. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Discussion on Middle East Attacks 06:44 The Border Crisis and Texas' Response 19:34 Challenges with the Biden Administration's Immigration Policy 24:45 Introduction to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) on College Campuses 32:15 Experiences with DEI on College Campuses 36:32 Issues with Men Competing in Women's Sports 47:00 Anti-Semitism on College Campuses 50:16 Alarming Historical Ignorance and Ideological Faculty 51:10 Foreign Influence in Higher Education 52:05 Foreign Students and Reshaping the Conversation 52:35 University Presidents' Response to Anti-Semitism 53:31 Awareness of Foreign Influence on Campus 54:54 University Presidents' Personal Stake in Protecting Jewish Students 55:19 Impact on College Campuses 56:17 University Presidents' Response to Attacks on Israel 57:15 Lack of Comfort and Cancelation of Pro-Israel Events 58:13 Hope in Smaller Private Universities 59:38 Preparing High School Students for College 01:00:36 Solving the Issue: Defunding DEI and Better Leadership

1h 3m
01/15/2024

Two-Tiered Justice System and Weaponization of Government

AFPI Instagram was deleted?! Is Big Tech censorship ramping up? And the increasingly disastrous southern border triggers some very confusing border crossing math. It's Biden Bordernomics, folks. Join Chad Wolf and Hogan Gidley as they discuss all of these things and more, and then a fascinating interview on the weaponization of government with the former Acting Attorney General, Matt Whitaker. The main themes covered include the two-tiered justice system, the impact of weaponization on legal institutions, and the need for reforms to address these issues. Whitaker emphasizes the importance of leadership and accountability in restoring trust in the government and ensuring equal protection under the law. In this conversation, we discuss various government, leadership, and free speech topics. We touch on the importance of promoting the right leaders in the FBI, the challenges to due process and the republic, and the impact of technology on free speech. The conversation highlights the need for leaders who prioritize public service and understand the importance of local impact. It also raises concerns about the erosion of due process and the potential suppression of free speech by corporations and governments. Takeaways The weaponization of government and the politicization of the justice system are significant concerns that undermine the principles of equal protection under the law and the rule of law. The two-tiered justice system, where individuals are treated differently based on their political affiliations or beliefs, erodes trust in the legal system and undermines the principles of fairness and impartiality. Reforms are needed to address the weaponization of government, including changes in leadership, accountability, and a focus on executing solutions to pressing issues such as illegal immigration and the opioid crisis. Structural issues within institutions like the FBI and DOJ should be examined to ensure that cases are handled objectively and without political bias. Promoting leaders in the FBI who prioritize public service and have a deep understanding of local impact is crucial. Challenges to due process, such as arbitrary rulings and lack of proper procedures, can undermine the foundations of the republic. The dominance of technology and social media platforms has raised concerns about censorship and the suppression of free speech. Creating a marketplace of ideas where the best ideas rise to the top is essential for a healthy democracy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Social Media Suspension 01:18 The Weaponization of Government 10:20 Accountability and the Southern Border 21:05 The Two-Tiered Justice System 36:15 The Impact of Weaponization on Legal Institutions 43:45 Reforms to Address the Weaponization of Government 48:54 Structural Issues at the FBI and DOJ 50:17 Promoting the Right Leaders in the FBI 52:08 Challenges to Due Process and the Republic 56:25 The Impact of Technology on Free Speech

1 hr
12/13/2023

The Intersection of Faith and Culture

In this episode, Chad Wolf and Adam Schindler sit down with Pastor Jensen Franklin to discuss a range of topics, including the Christmas season, anti-Semitism on college campuses, the left's fear of people of faith, the Biblical Foundations Project at AFPI, attacks on people of faith by the federal government, concerns of Pastor's congregation, inflation, and mental health, parents' rights and school choice, and the significance of the holiday season and the birth of Jesus. Takeaways The Christmas season is a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus and the hope and peace that he brings. Anti-Semitism on college campuses is a growing concern, with Jewish students facing discrimination and threats of violence. The left is often afraid of people of faith because their biblical worldview challenges the values and agenda of the left. The Biblical Foundations Project at AFPI aims to connect the policy agenda with biblical principles and values. The federal government has been weaponized against people of faith, targeting religious institutions and individuals. Parents' rights and school choice are essential issues that must be addressed to ensure the well-being and education of children. Inflation and mental health are significant concerns affecting American families. The holiday season is a time to focus on love, reconciliation, and restoring families and communities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Christmas Season 02:23 Anti-Semitism on College Campuses 09:25 The Left's Fear of People of Faith 12:07 Biblical Foundations Project 17:19 Attacks on People of Faith by the Federal Government 21:21 Biblical Foundations Initiative at AFPI 27:30 Attacks on Speaker of the House for His Christian Faith 31:41 Weaponization of the Federal Government 36:49 Concerns of Pastor's Congregation 42:47 Inflation and Mental Health 45:59 Parents' Rights and School Choice 48:21 Holiday Season and the Birth of Jesus

52 min
11/29/2023

Special Episode: Tank Talks!

Join Chad Wolf and Hogan Gidley as they discuss a broad range of issues with some of the top America First national leaders: former Congressman Doug Collins, Dr. Heidi Overton, Pastor Paula White-Cain, Secretary Robert Wilkie, and Steve Yates. The Tank podcast, hosted by AFPI, aims to address the challenges facing the nation and discuss policy solutions. The conversation covers various topics, including the state of institutions, the importance of education, the crisis of public trust in medicine, protecting religious liberty, the co-opting of religious institutions, the weakening of the military ethos, the weakness of US foreign policy, and the fentanyl crisis. The podcast seeks to reach a new and different audience and provide a platform for important discussions. Takeaways The left has co-opted many institutions, including the media, education, and healthcare, for their benefit and to push their agenda. The education system plays a crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations, and it is important to prioritize teaching over indoctrination. There is a crisis of public trust in medicine and public health, with a need for reform and a focus on evidence-based science. Protecting religious liberty is essential, as religious institutions have been under attack and face challenges in practicing their faith freely. The military is facing a crisis, with a weakening of the military ethos and a lack of strong leadership in foreign policy. The fentanyl crisis is a significant threat to the American family, and urgent action is needed to address the demand and supply of this deadly drug. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Tank Podcast 02:14 Discussing the State of Institutions 03:05 Importance of Education 04:13 The Role of Teachers in Education 05:41 Challenges in the Education System 06:31 Addressing Concerns about School Indoctrination 08:30 Protecting Religious Liberty 10:12 Crisis of Public Trust in Medicine 11:20 Creating Conservative Academic Journals 14:07 Protecting Freedom of Worship 15:07 The Co-opting of Religious Institutions 16:53 The Fight for Religious Liberty 22:17 The Crisis in the Military 23:46 The Weakening of the Military Ethos 25:39 The Weakness of US Foreign Policy 28:29 The Importance of Leadership 29:25 The Fentanyl Crisis and the Attack on the American Family

41 min
11/08/2023

An In-Depth Look at the War in Israel

In this episode of The Tank, Chad Wolf, and Hogan Gidley discuss the ongoing war in Israel with Fred Flights, the vice chair of AFPI's Center for American Security. They cover events leading to the conflict, the Biden administration's approach to Iran, anti-Semitism and the left, the influence of academia on anti-Israel sentiment, moral equivalence and media coverage, the Biden administration's stance on Israel, Israel's approach to entering Gaza, anti-Semitism and protests on college campuses, attacks on US bases in the Middle East, and the contrasting America First approach with current policies. Takeaways The conflict in Israel was sparked by Hamas launching an act of genocide against the Israeli people, and Israel is determined to destroy Hamas to protect its citizens. The Biden administration's approach to Iran, including attempts to re-enter the JCPOA and loosen sanctions, has been criticized for appeasing Iran and ignoring the threat it poses. Anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment are growing on the left, with protests, harassment of Jewish people, and a lack of recognition of Hamas as a terrorist organization. Academia plays a role in perpetuating anti-Israel sentiment, and there is a need for intellectual diversity and conservative/moderate professors to counter far-left ideologies. The media's moral equivalence in covering the conflict between Israel and Hamas is concerning, as Hamas uses civilians as shields and violates the rules of war. Attacks on US bases in the Middle East by Iranian-backed militias highlight the need for a strong US military and a prudent use of military force. The current administration's policies, including abandoning embassies, withdrawing from Afghanistan, and a porous southern border, have negatively impacted national security and global stability. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:53 Events leading to the conflict 04:45 The Biden administration's approach to Iran 08:03 Anti-Semitism and the left 10:59 The influence of academia on anti-Israel sentiment 17:22 Moral equivalence and media coverage 19:19 The Biden administration's stance on Israel 24:07 Israel's approach to entering Gaza 27:20 Anti-Semitism and protests on college campuses 30:13 Attacks on US bases in the Middle East 32:10 Contrasting America First approach with current policies 34:04 Conclusion

34 min

4.9

out of 5

8 Ratings

Awesome

08/04/2023

Ronald1776be

Keep up the good work!

Coming to you from our nation’s capital, this is The Tank: your voice in Washington, D.C., and around the country. Broadcasting from the America First Policy Institute’s headquarters, this is the premier think-tank podcast where we discuss the challenges facing our nation, talk policy — and advance America First solutions. Welcome to The Tank!"

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America First Policy Institute
Years Active

2023 - 2024
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17
Rating

Clean
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© 2023
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