Podcast
Civics on the Rocks
Hosted by Anne Trominski · EN
A history teacher and an engineer walk into a bar…ouch! Except there isn’t a bar. But there are dad jokes. And whiskey. Two guys who know a few things, have been around a few blocks, and a few cocktails, discuss politics, science, history, technology, and the planet Earth. They also warp through rabbit holes in both the Federation and the Galactic Empire, and toast the ashes of the Twelve Colonies. And did I mention dad jokes? Yeah. Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and join us for Civics on the Rocks.
Oh, and if you want some merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/CivcsRocks/shop?asc=u
30episodes
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Now What?
Dec 2, 202401:01:46Tap to summarizeMack, Steve, and Anne hold a group therapy session after the election. Seriously, we recorded this two days after getting the news and the discussion runs the gamut of emotions. Mostly angry. There’s a lot of cussing. Nobody stayed on topic very well. Also, a dog was in the room with us and that got picked up by the mic. This isn’t our finest work. Feel free to skip this one and meet us back in the new year. Happy holidays. Be excellent to one another. References Some crazy-ass people burning ballots: Boyette, Chris and Almasy, Steve. “Police are searching for a man they say set three fires at ballot drop boxes: Here’s what we know about the suspect.” Updated October 31, 2024. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/31/us/ballot-box-fires-suspect-what-we-know/index.html Russia calling in bomb threats: FBI. “FBI Statement on Bomb Threats to Polling Locations.” November 5, 2024. https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/fbi-statement-on-bomb-threats-to-polling-locations Kamala Harris’ concession speech: Time Staff. “Read Vice President Kamala Harris’ Full Concession Speech.” Updated Novemeber 7, 2024. Time. https://time.com/7173617/kamala-harris-concession-speech-full-transcript/ About the polls before the election: Croucher, Shane. “Were 2024 Election Polls Wrong? Pollsters Give Verdicts.” Updated November 8, 2024. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/were-2024-election-polls-wrong-pollsters-give-verdicts-1982170 On brand for Trump: Hubbard, Kaia. “Trump says ‘whether the women like it or not, I’m going to protect them’ at Wisconsin rally.” Updated October 31, 2024. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-protecting-women-whether-they-like-it-or-not-wisconsin/ Trump mouthpieces: Laws, Jasmine. “Fox News Host Says Wife Voting for Harris is the Same Thing as Having an Affair.” Updated November 1, 2024. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/fox-news-host-says-wife-voting-harris-same-thing-affair-1977971 Yep, one of Trump’s campaign managers was a woman: Miller, Zeke; Price, Michelle L.; and Colvin, Jill. “Trump names campaign manager Susie Wiles as next White House Chief of staff.” November 7, 2024. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-names-campaign-manager-susie-wiles-as-next-white-house-chief-of-staff Exit poll data trends: Montanaro, Domenico; Moore, Elena; McMillan, Nick; Hanzhang Jin, Connie; and Wood, Daniel. “In this election, demographics did not determine how people voted.” November 22, 2024. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2024/11/22/nx-s1-5199119/2024-election-exit-polls-demographics-black-latino-voters Perceptions of economy: Brenan, Megan. “Economy Most Important Issue to 2024 Presidential Vote.” October 9, 2024. https://news.gallup.com/poll/651719/economy-important-issue-2024-presidential-vote.aspx The economy: Bureau of Economic Analysis. “Gross Domestic Product, Third Quarter 2024 (Second Estimate) and Corporate Profits (Preliminary).” November 27, 2024. BEA.gov. https://www.bea.gov/news/2024/gross-domestic-product-third-quarter-2024-second-estimate-and-corporate-profits When Trump talks about immigrants to the United States: Vega, Cecilia. “Trump’s mass deportation plan for undocumented immigrants could cost billions a year.” October 27, 2024. 60 Minutes. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-mass-deportation-plan-cost-consequences-60-minutes-transcript/ The most up-to-date numbers of voter turnout we could find before posting this episode: Beaumont, Thomas; Sweedler, Maya; Kaufmann, Parker; and Lodhi, Humera. “Trump won about 2.5M more votes this year than he did in 2020: This is where he did it.” Updated November 26, 2024. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/trump-harris-swing-states-votes-79f4495b4a0d2039a0a92b5dbdceb7aa No, the difference in number of voters does not mean there was voter fraud, on either side: Czopeck, Madison. “Fact check: Trump’s 2024 win doesn’t prove claims that the 2020 election was stolen.” November 7, 2024. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/fact-check-trumps-2024-win-doesnt-prove-claims-that-the-2020-election-was-stolen The turnout, specifically, for younger men: Anderson, Estelle. “CIRCLE releases preliminary findings about youth voting patterns in 2024 election.” November 20, 2024. The Tufts Daily. https://www.tuftsdaily.com/article/2024/11/circle-releases-preliminary-findings-about-youth-voting-patterns-in-2024-election A story about San Antonio’s ongoing stance as a sanctuary city: Drusch, Andrea. “Scarred by ‘sanctuary city’ law, San Antonio wants local police excluded from new border bills.” November 9, 2023. San Antonio Report. https://sanantonioreport.org/san-antonio-senate-bill-4-immigration-enforcement/ Our so-called governor shipping off immigrants to other states: Strickler, Laura and Martinez, Didi. “Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vows to keep busing migrants north. One problem: Not enough migrants.” August 14, 2024. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/investigations/texas-gov-greg-abbott-vows-keep-busing-migrants-north-one-problem-not-rcna166412 A slightly more objective view than Anne’s of the Texas Republican Party’s reaction to COVID-19: Platoff, Emma. “A singular figure in Texas’ coronavirus response, Gov. Greg Abbott leads a state headed in an alarming direction.” July 11, 2020. The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2020/07/11/texas-greg-abbott-coronavirus-response/ Judge Wolff’s legacy: San Antonio Report Staff. “On the eve of his retirement, a look back at Nelson Wolff’s half century of public service.” December 29, 2022. San Antonio Report. https://sanantonioreport.org/nelson-wolff-retirement-half-century-public-service/ IN 2026, EVERY HOUSE SEAT AND ONE-THIRD OF SENATE SEATS ARE UP FOR ELECTION: USA.gov. “Congressional elections and midterm elections.” Updated August 21, 2024. https://www.usa.gov/midterm-elections Since our recording, the chair of the Texas Democratic Party has indeed stepped down: Scherer, Jasper. “Texas Democratic Party chair steps down after dismal election performance.” November 8, 2024. The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2024/11/08/texas-democrat-party-resigns-gilberto-hinojosa/ Legal groups you can support: American Civil Liberties Union: https://www.aclu.org/ Southern Poverty Law Center: https://www.splcenter.org/ NAACP: https://naacp.org/ Western Environmental Law Center: https://westernlaw.org/ A little about sheriffs working with ICE during Trump's first term: Cenziper, Debbie; Muller, Madson; Beals, Monique; Holland, Rebecca; and Ba Tran, Andrew. “Under Trump, ICE aggressively recruited sheriffs as partners to question and detain undocumented immigrants.” November 23, 2021. The Washinton Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/interactive/2021/trump-ice-sheriffs-immigrants-287g/ One hate crime the day after the election: Jimenez, Kayla; Carless, Will; Limehouse, Jonathan; Bischoff, Laura A.; and Benjamin II, Terry. “Black college students nationwide targeted in racist texts; investigations underway.” Updated November 9, 2024. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/11/07/racist-plantation-text-message/76112532007/ Learn about violence perpe...
Transcribe →Untethered Tangent on Ducks
Nov 18, 202400:03:05Tap to summarizeNo description available
Transcribe →Is Voting a Privilege or a Right?
Nov 4, 202401:19:43Tap to summarizeBecause I’m sure you want to hear what to two, old, land-owning, white guys have to say about the subject. Seriously, though, tomorrow you get to help decide which way this question gets answered. Take advantage of your moment in history. Special note to our Spotify listeners: does it feel like it’s been a while since we posted? Sorry about that! Due to a technical issue, our magic “post everywhere” button was posting everywhere but Spotify. We’ve fixed the problem and you should see new episodes going forward. If you want to listen to what you missed between March and October of 2024, all our episodes are available on our website: https://civicsontherocks.podbean.com/ Again, we apologize for the glitch! References Fourteenth Amendment: Congress.gov. “Fourteenth Amendment Equal Protection and Other Rights.” Constitution Annotated. https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/amendment-14/ What’s a fundamental right: Legal Information Institute. “Fundamental Right.” Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/fundamental_right#:~:text=Fundamental Benjamin Cardozo, a famous Supreme Court justice: Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Benjamin Nathan Cardozo.” Reviewed July 5, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Benjamin-Nathan-Cardozo Learn more about the Fourteenth Amendment, Incorporation, and Justice Cardozo’s influence on the matter: Bill of Rights Institute. “Essay: The Fourteenth Amendment and Incorporation.” https://billofrightsinstitute.org/essays/the-fourteenth-amendment-and-incorporation Palko v. Connecticut: Oyez. “Palko v. Connecticut.” https://www.oyez.org/cases/1900-1940/302us319 The due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment: Congress.gov. “Amdt14.S1.3 Due Process Generally.” Constitution Annotated. https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/amdt14-S1-3/ALDE_00013743/ Fifth Amendment: Congress.gov. “Fifth Amendment.” Constitution Annotated. https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-5/ Get fancy with the privileges or immunities clause: Congress.gov. “Amdt14.S1.2.2 Modern Doctrine on Privileges or Immunities Clause.” Constitution Annotated. https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/amdt14-S1-2-2/ALDE_00000815/ Full faith and credit clause: Congress.gov. “ArtlV.S1.1 Overview of Full Faith and Credit Clause.” Constitution Annotated. https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artIV-S1-1/ALDE_00013015/ Not familiar with the opinions of “sovereign citizens”: Southern Poverty Law Center. “Sovereign Citizens Movement.” https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/ideology/sovereign-citizens-movement First Amendment: Congress.gov. “First Amendment Fundamental Freedoms.” Constitution Annotated. https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/amendment-1/ Ninth Amendment: Congress.gov. “Ninth Amendment Unenumerated Rights.” Constitution Annotated. https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/amendment-9/ What does it take to ratify: Harry S. Truman Library and Museum. “The Amendment Process.” https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/education/three-branches/amendment-process How senators were chosen then and how they are chosen now: United States Senate. “About Electing and Appointing Senators.” https://www.senate.gov/about/origins-foundations/electing-appointing-senators.htm See a timeline of who got to start voting when in the U.S.: Al Jazeera. “Who got the right to vote when?” August 18, 2020. https://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2016/us-elections-2016-who-can-vote/index.html Steve is right, noncitizens are allowed to vote in some local elections: USA.gov. “Who Can and Cannot Vote.” Updated September 26, 2024. https://www.usa.gov/who-can-vote But Fox News remains wrong; there are not widespread instances of noncitizens voting in presidential elections: Joffe-Block, Jude. “6 Facts About False Noncitizen Voting Claims and the Election.” October 12, 2024. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2024/10/12/nx-s1-5147789/voting-election-2024-noncitizen-fact-check-trump Fifteenth Amendment: Congress.gov. “Fifteenth Amendment.” Constitution Annotated. https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-15/ Thirteenth Amendment: Congress.gov. “Thirteenth Amendment.” Constitution Annotated. https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-13/ Wesberry v. Sanders (Mack got the right case): Oyez. “Wesberry v. Sanders.” https://www.oyez.org/cases/1963/22 Who’s Antonin Scalia? Smentkowski, Brian P. and Houck, Aaron M. “Antonin Scalia.” Updated: September 13, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Antonin-Scalia A discussion of whether the hypocrisy was appreciated at the time: Ellis, Joseph J. “Founding Fathers.” Reviewed April 25, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Founding-Fathers A quick reminder about all the treaties we violated with the Native American tribes and marches to Oklahoma: Office of the Historian. “Indian Treaties and the Removal Act of 1830.” https://history.state.gov/milestones/1830-1860/indian-treaties The selective incorporation clause: Congress.gov. “Amdt14.S1.4.3 Modern Doctrine on Selective Incorporation of Bill of Rights.” Constitution Annotated. https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/amdt14-S1-4-3/ALDE_00013746/ Adamson v. California: Oyez. “Adamson v. California.” https://www.oyez.org/cases/1940-1955/332us46 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization: Oyez. “Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.” https://www.oyez.org/cases/2021/19-1392 It’s protect “every State” from invasion: Congress.gov. “Article IV Republican Form of Government.” Constitution Annotated. https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/article-4/section-4/ The second bill of rights speech: Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt. “State of the Union Message to Congress.” January 11, 1944. Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/archives/address_text A reflection on France’s restriction of religious garments: Diallo, Rokhaya. “What has 20 years of banning headscarves done for France?” April 12, 2024. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/12/ban-headscarves-france-secularism-exclusion-intolerance Freedom of speech on the Internet: Bischoff, Paul. “Internet Censorship 2024: A Map of Internet Censorship and Restrictions.” October 16, 2023. Comparitech. https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/internet-censorship-map/ Mack’s right, kids, hate speech is not a crime: American Library Association. “Hate Speech and Hate Crime.” https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/hate See how “consent of the governed” was expressed in the Declaration of Independence: Library of Congress. “Consent of the Governed.” https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/creating-the-united-states/interactives/declaration-of-independence/consent/index.html Shenanigans like voter purges: Totenberg, Nina and Dutton, Ilana. “Supreme Court Allows Virginia to Purge Individuals From Voter Rolls.” October 30, 2024. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2...
Transcribe →Untethered Tangent On the Electoral College
Oct 21, 202400:22:09Tap to summarizeNo description available
Transcribe →Does It Have To Be Two Parties?
Oct 7, 202401:17:21Tap to summarizeMack and Steve discuss why it always seems to the same two groups, how it really isn’t, and how that might inform your choices when voting. Wade on in, because sometimes it doesn’t feel like a party at all. References Take Britain as a counterpoint with a parliamentary system: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Parliament.” Updated: September 27, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Parliament/Decline-of-the-House-of-Lords The prime minister is a member of the legislature: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Prime minister.” Updated: September 25, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/prime-minister The history of the Republican societies that became the Democratic-Republican party: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Democratic-Republican Party.” Updated: September 13, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Democratic-Republican-Party A political scientist discussing whether it does indeed lend itself to two parties: Difford, Dylan. “Duvager’s Law: More guidelines than actual rules?” March 9, 2022. Electoral Reform Society. https://www.electoral-reform.org.uk/duvagers-law-more-guidelines-than-actual-rules/ Independent members of senate: Congress.gov. “Senator Angus S. King Jr.” https://www.congress.gov/member/angus-king/K000383 Congress.gov. “Senator Bernard Sanders.” https://www.congress.gov/member/bernard-sanders/S000033 Congress.gov. “Senator Krysten Sinema.” https://www.congress.gov/member/kyrsten-sinema/S001191 People were discussing what the Tea Party actually was back in the day as well: Connolly, Katie. “What is the Tea Party?” September 16, 2010. BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11317202 What constitutes an actual party: Federal Election Commission. “Qualifying as a political party committee.” https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/registering-political-party/qualifying-as-a-political-party-committee/ Despite Anne’s opinion, the political parties are technically nonprofits: IRS. “Tax Information for Political Organizations.” Updated September 9, 2024. https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/political-organizations How to get on the ballot in Texas: Ballotpedia.org. “Ballot access requirements for presidential candidates in Texas.” https://ballotpedia.org/Ballot_access_requirements_for_presidential_candidates_in_Texas All kinds of parties, or individuals, running for president you might see on the ballot in November: Ballotpedia.org. “List of registered 2024 presidential candidates.” https://ballotpedia.org/Presidential_candidates,_2024#List_of_registered_2024_presidential_candidates No, you can’t list any party you want when you run for president in Texas. You must be a member of a recognized political party or run as an independent or write-in candidate: Texas Secretary of State. “Running for President in Texas (in 2024).” https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/candidates/guide/2024/president.shtml What’s an interest group: Thomas, Clive S. “Interest group.” Updated: September 16, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/interest-group Who’s Dick Armey: Congress.gov. “Representative Richard K. Armey” https://www.congress.gov/member/dick-armey/A000217 Steve said caucus: USA.gov. “Presidential primaries and caucuses.” Updated Augus 22, 2024. https://www.usa.gov/primaries-caucuses The Populist Party and the dynamic that happened there: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Populist Movement.” Updated June 3, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/event/Populist-Movement What were they getting over: Merriam-Webster. “Rook (verb).” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rooked Not the grain movement: The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. “The Grange Movement, 1875.” https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/spotlight-primary-source/grange-movement-1875 Here’s why the Progressive Era was the Progressive Era: Library of Congress. “Progressive Era to New Era, 1900–1929.” https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/united-states-history-primary-source-timeline/progressive-era-to-new-era-1900-1929/ This is a cute video about how an amoeba subsumes its food: MocomiKids. “Nutrition in Amoeba – Feeding & Digestion Process” [YouTube video]. September 7, 2012. https://youtu.be/u7IN7HTWzLs?si=5PMMtaGpEGye2pN3 Get to know Ross Perot: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Ross Perot.” Updated September 24, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/money/Ross-Perot Want to know more about the 1992 election and who got how many votes: Levy, Michael. “United States Presidential Election of 1992.” Updated: September 17, 2924. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/United-States-presidential-election-of-1992 Who’s Phil Gramm: Congress.gov. “Senator Phil Gramm” https://www.congress.gov/member/william-gramm/G000365 In case you were wondering, there is still a Reform Party: https://reformparty.org/ Who’s Pat Buchanan: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Pat Buchanan.” Updated July 12, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Patrick-J-Buchanan The crash: Weinberg, John. “The Great Recession and Its Aftermath.” November 22, 2013. Federal Reserve History. https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/great-recession-and-its-aftermath Bailout or handout: Davis, Marc. “A History of U.S. Government Financial Bailouts.” September 23, 2024. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/economics/08/government-financial-bailout.asp Learn about the many budget battles: Bipartisan Policy Center. “Budget Battles Defining Washington: A Timeline.” Last updated February 2020. https://bipartisanpolicy.org/budget-timeline/ Who’s Ted Cruz: Congress.gov. “Senator Ted Cruz” https://www.congress.gov/member/ted-cruz/C001098 Who’s Jim DeMint: Congress.gov. “Senator Jim DeMint” https://www.congress.gov/member/james-demint/D000595 The House Freedom Caucus during the time period we were discussing in the podcast: Desilver, Drew. “What is the House Freedom Caucus, and who’s in it? October 20, 2015 Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2015/10/20/house-freedom-caucus-what-is-it-and-whos-in-it/ The House Freedom Caucus more recently: Desilver, Drew. “Freedom Caucus likely to play a bigger role in new GOP-let House. So who are they?” January 23, 2023. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/01/23/freedom-caucus-likely-to-play-a-bigger-role-in-new-gop-led-house-so-who-are-they/ Learn about the debt ceiling and what defaulting on it means: Desjardins, Lisa and Barajas, Joshua. “How a debt default could affect you.” May 24, 2023. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/how-a-debt-default-could-affect-you Some Republicans at the time saying that it wouldn’t be that bad: Reid, Tim and Johnson, Steven C. “Republican mainstream flirts with brief default.” June 7, 2011. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/world/us-politics...
Transcribe →Untethered Tangents: It’s Our Birthday!
Sep 16, 202400:10:59Tap to summarizeCelebrate one year of Civics on the Rocks! We even have a gift for you!
Transcribe →How Do You Rate Public Opinion Polls?
Sep 2, 202401:08:32Tap to summarizeMack and Steve discuss if they find election poll results highly favorable, favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable, unfavorable, or highly unfavorable. References A straw poll, or vote, according to Merriam-Webster: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straw%20vote Fox News may not have handled coverage of the 2012 election as well as they could have: Folkenflik, David. “Media Circus: Fox Struggles With Obama’s Win?” November 7, 2012. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2012/11/07/164576251/media-circus-fox-struggles-with-obamas-win How much did Obama win by? National Archives. “2021 Electoral College Results.” Last reviewed: June 26, 2024. https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/2012 Iowa likes its straw poll, even if Mack does not: Pate, Paul D. “Iowa Secretary of State Shares Final Results of Iowa State Fair Presidential Straw Poll.” August 21, 2023. Iowa.gov. https://sos.iowa.gov/news/2023_08_21.html How can you tell if a poll is scientific? Bloustein Center for Survey Research. “Assessing Poll Validity.” Rutgers.edu. https://bcsr.rutgers.edu/assessing-poll-validity/ Learn about a random sample: Hayes, Adam. “Simple Random Sampling: 6 Basic Steps With Examples.” Updated: August 14, 2024. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/simple-random-sample.asp The popular vote doesn’t decide the president because we have the electoral college: USA.gov. “Electoral College.” Updated: August 22, 2024. https://www.usa.gov/electoral-college Here are the polling groups Mack listed: Pew Research Center https://www.pewresearch.org/ Gallop https://news.gallup.com/home.aspx The Harris Poll https://theharrispoll.com/ Quinnipiac University https://poll.qu.edu/ Some context for the Defense Department paying $400 for a hammer in the 80s: Freedberg, Jr., Sydney J. “The myth of the $600 hammer.” December 7, 1998. Government Executive. https://www.govexec.com/federal-news/1998/12/the-myth-of-the-600-hammer/5271/ Learn about margin of error: Mercer, Andrew. “5 key things to know about the margin of error in election polls.” September 8, 2016. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2016/09/08/understanding-the-margin-of-error-in-election-polls/ Read about how polls incorrectly predicted that Hillary Clinton would win the 2016 election: Mercer, Andrew; Deane, Claudia; and McGeeney, Kyley. “Why 2016 election polls missed their mark.” November 9, 2016. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2016/11/09/why-2016-election-polls-missed-their-mark/ Why it’s not going to be Biden: Miller, Zeke; Long, Colleen; and Superville, Darlene. “Biden drops out of 2024 race after disastrous debate inflamed age concerns. VP Harris gets his nod.” July 21, 2024. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/biden-drops-out-2024-election-ddffde72838370032bdcff946cfc2ce6# The Bradley, or Wilder, effect describes a phenomenon where people voted differently than they said they were going to in a poll due to the race of the candidate: Ballotpedia. “Bradley Effect.” https://ballotpedia.org/Bradley_effect The Whitman effect describes a similar phenomenon with women candidates. There was a study that found that the Bradley/Wilder effect appears to no longer occur and there is no evidence the Whitman effect ever did. Here is the reference, but please note that the journal article is behind a paywall. Hopkins, D. J. (2009). No more Wilder effect, never a Whitman effect: When and why polls mislead about Black and female candidates. The Journal of Politics, 71(3), 769–781. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022381609090707 About internal polling: Askarinam, Leah. “In defense of internal polling.” February 7, 2024. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/538/defense-internal-polling/story?id=107003824 Some problems with polling, including the potential to suppress the vote: Ordway, Denise-Marie. “‘Horse race’ reporting of elections can harm voters, candidates, news outlets: What the research says.” October 23, 2023. The Journalist’s Resource. https://journalistsresource.org/politics-and-government/horse-race-reporting-election/ How third-party candidates affected the 2016 election: Jaffe, Alexandra. “By the Numbers: Third-Party Candidates Had an Outsize Impact on the Election.” November 8, 2016. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/2016-election-day/third-party-candidates-having-outsize-impact-election-n680921 If Ohio is out, what are the current swing states? Davis, Jr., Elliot. “7 States That Could Sway the 2024 Presidential Election.” August 27, 2024. U.S. News & World Report. https://www.usnews.com/news/elections/articles/7-swing-states-that-could-decide-the-2024-presidential-election What’s a protest vote? Ballotpedia. “Protest vote.” https://ballotpedia.org/Protest_vote Learn whether it’s misinformation or disinformation: Bitesize. “Misinformation v disinformation: What’s the difference?” BBC. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z3hhvj6 What’s a push poll? Ballotpedia. “Push polling.” https://ballotpedia.org/Push_polling So, why did President Biden drop out? One opinion: Bennet, Brian, and Elliott, Philip. “Why Joe Biden Dropped Out.” July 21, 2024. Time. https://time.com/7001028/why-joe-biden-stepped-down/ In case you somehow missed out on the media’s reporting of President Biden’s debate performance: Klein, Betsy; Hunt, Kasie; Lee, MJ; Fox, Lauren; and Tausche, Kayla. “Biden’s debate performance sets off alarm bells for Democrats.” June 28, 2024. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/28/politics/joe-biden-debate-performance-panic/index.html Two guys comparing betting markets against what the polls say: CNN. “Expert: 2024 betting odds more accurate than polling data.” Video. https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2024/07/13/smr-latest-betting-odds-on-2024.cnn Who do you think will win MVP in the WNBA this season? ESPN. “WNBA 2024 awards tracker: MVP, Rookie of Year favorites, more.” August 27, 2024. https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/40484035/wnba-2024-awards-tracker-mvp-rookie-year-coach-all-league-first-team Don’t take Mack’s word for it, this is what polling says about how voters feel about education in this election: Hatfield, Jenn. “Partisan divides over K–12 education in 8 charts.” June 5, 2023. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/06/05/partisan-divides-over-k-12-education-in-8-charts/ Learn about consumer confidence: The Conference Board. “U.S. Consumer Confidence Rises Slightly in August.” August 27, 2024. https://www.conference-board.org/topics/consumer-confidence Protestors at a Republican event: Tareen, Sophia; Offenhartz, Jake; Williams, Corey; and Yamat, Rio. “Protestors rally peacefully at GOP convention for abortion and immigrant rights, end to war in Gaza.” July 15, 2024. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/activists-rnc-milwaukee-police-protest-march-4a315dc5f36fc9390898301d508aee20 Protestors at a Democratic event: Tareen, Sophia; Offenhartz, Jake; Cappelletti, Joey; and Skene, Lea. “Crowds of pro-Palestinian protestors rally and march outside Democratic...
Transcribe →Can We Still Call the Court Supreme?
Aug 5, 202401:08:45Tap to summarizeIt’s the highest court in the land, but is it all that great? Steve and Mack pass judgement on the latest decisions from the Supreme Court. References Where the words “supreme court” are used in the Constitution: Constitution Annotated. “Article III.” https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/article-3/ Where the words “commander in chief” are used in the Constitution: Constitution Annotated. “ArtII.S2.C1.1.11 Presidential Power and Commander in Chief Clause.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artII-S2-C1-1-11/ALDE_00013473/ If you want to learn more about how Constitutional amendments are passed: Office of the Federal Register. “Constitutional Amendment Process.” National Archives. Reviewed August 15, 2016. https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/constitution In case you haven’t heard of the Heritage Foundation: Wiggins, Christopher. “What is the Heritage Foundation, the group behind the terrifying Republican Project 2025 agenda?” July 20, 2024. Advocate. https://www.advocate.com/politics/what-is-heritage-foundation If you want to know why the Heritage Foundation wants a constitutional convention: Malcolm, John. “Consideration of a Convention to Propose Amendments Under Article V of the U.S. Constitution.” February 19, 2016. The Heritage Foundation. https://www.heritage.org/the-constitution/report/consideration-convention-propose-amendments-under-article-v-the-us Read about how President Lincoln symbolically signed the 13th Amendment: National Museum of African American History & Culture. “13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.” https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/13th-amendment-constitution-united-states Learn about the Dred Scott case: Milestone Documents. “Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857).” National Archives. https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/dred-scott-v-sandford How many cases does the Supreme Court listen to a year: United States Court. “About the Supreme Court.” https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/about-educational-outreach/activity-resources/about The case that Steve used as an example of original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court: Schonfeld, Zack. “New York tells Supreme Court to toss Missouri’s longshot bid to block Trump’s sentence.” July 24, 2024. The Hill. https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4791625-ny-supreme-court-block-trump-sentence/ Want to know more about the Circuit Courts of Appeals? United States Courts. “About the U.S. Courts of Appeals.” https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/court-role-and-structure/about-us-courts-appeals Alas, a writ of certiorari is not a magical spell from a 1980’s fantasy movie: Lega Information Institute. “Writ of Certiorari.” Cornell Law Score. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/writ_of_certiorari Lawrence v. Texas (2003): Oyez. “Lawrence v. Texas.” https://www.oyez.org/cases/2002/02-102 Learn the long history of how Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) was eventually overturned by Brown v. Board of Education (1954): United States Courts. “History – Brown v. Board of Education Re-enactment.” https://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/history-brown-v-board-education-re-enactment Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022): Oyez. “Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.” https://www.oyez.org/cases/2021/19-1392 Once more, how impeachment works: United States Senate. “About Impeachment.” https://www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/impeachment.html Just in case you want to know the definition of treason in the Constitution: Constitution Annotated. “ArtIII.S3.C1.2 Levying War as Treason.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artIII-S3-C1-2/ALDE_00013525/ Poor marriage choices: Tucker, Eric. “Virginia Thomas, the wife of Justice Clarence Thomas, agrees to interview with Jan. 6 panel.” September 21, 2022. PBS News. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/virginia-thomas-the-wife-of-justice-clarence-thomas-agrees-to-interview-with-jan-6-panel Once more, Gerald R. Ford’s perfect explanation of impeachment: Davis, Kenneth C., “The history of American impeachment.” The Smithsonian Magazine, June 12, 2017. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/what-you-need-know-about-impeachment-180963645/ What was that about yacht trips to Russia, now? Roche, Darragh. “Clarence Thomas’ Yacht Trip to Russia Raises Questions.” July 11, 2024. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/clarence-thomas-yacht-trip-russia-raises-questions-1923668 What was that about gold bars, now? Wolf, Zachary B. “Gold bars, basement carpeting and more. Here’s what prosecutors say bought off a U.S. senator.” May 12, 2024. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/12/politics/menendez-gold-cash-what-matters/index.html What the bribery statute is: Criminal Resource Manual. “2041. Bribery of Public Officials.” U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.justice.gov/archives/jm/criminal-resource-manual-2041-bribery-public-officials Steve is correct. Two senators have requested an investigation of Supreme Court justices for bribery: Press Release. “Oscasio-Cortez Introduces Articles of Impeachment Against Justice Thomas and Justice Alito.” July 10, 2024. House.gov. https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/press-releases/ocasio-cortez-introduces-articles-impeachment-against-justice-thomas-and Once more, if you need some background to the ham sandwich quip: Levin, Josh. “The Judge Who Coined ‘Indict a Ham Sandwich’ Was Himself Indicted.” November 25, 2014. Slate. https://slate.com/human-interest/2014/11/sol-wachtler-the-judge-who-coined-indict-a-ham-sandwich-was-himself-indicted.htm The recent case about bribery heard at the Supreme Court: Oyez. “Snyder v. United States.” https://www.oyez.org/cases/2023/23-108 Learn about President Jackson and the spoils system: Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Spoils system.” March 28, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/spoils-system Another Project 2025 thing: Mascaro, Lisa. “Conservatives aim to restructure U.S. government and replace it with Trump’s vision.” August 29, 2023. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/conservatives-aim-to-restructure-u-s-government-and-replace-it-with-trumps-vision Yes, former Vice President Dick Cheney shot someone in the face: Dey, Sneha. “Harry Whittington, longtime Texas GOP supporter shot by Dick Cheney in a 2006 hunding accident, dies.” February 5, 2023. Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2023/02/05/harry-whittington-dick-cheney/ In case you didn’t get Anne’s Winnebago joke: Sherman, Mark. “Most of Justice Thomas’ $267,000” loan for an RV seems to have been forgiven, Senate Democrats say.” October 25, 2023. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-clarence-thomas-motorcoach-loan-ethics-afed2073e0d7cf4a994256ce35d5063f In case you didn’t get Steve’s private jet joke: Quinn, Melissa. “Clarence Thomas took 3 undisclosed tri...
Transcribe →Is it Jerry-Mandering or Gary-Mandering?
Jul 8, 202401:15:32Tap to summarizeYou’ve heard the term before, but did you realize how bad the situation really is? Buckle up, kids, this is a bumpy one. References Well? Steve is archaically correct. According to Merriam-Webster gerrymandering was originally pronounced with a hard g, but it now most commonly pronounced with a soft one. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gerrymandering Who was Elbridge Gerry? Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. “Gov. Elbridge Gerry.” Original source: 1978. National Governors Association. https://www.nga.org/governor/elbridge-gerry/ Want to see the “Gerry-Mander” cartoon from 1813 that coined the term? Smithsonian. “Cartoon, ‘The Gerry-Mander’, 1813.” https://www.si.edu/object/cartoon-gerry-mander-1813%3Anmah_509530 Want to see what a salamander looks like in both medieval heraldry (or whatever) and real life? Marcec, Ruth. “Amphibian Conversation: Fired Up About Salamanders.” April 18, 2017. Detroit Zoo. https://detroitzooblog.org/2017/04/18/amphibian-conservation-fired-up-about-salamanders/ Learn about cracking, packing, and other terms involved with redistricting: Panjwani, Haya. “Cracking, Packing, Apportionment: Here’s A Glossary of Terms to Help You Understand Redistricting.” September 21, 2021. KERA News. https://www.keranews.org/politics/2021-09-21/cracking-packing-apportionment-heres-a-glossary-of-terms-to-help-you-understand-redistricting If you want to see the current map of the Texas senate district that Mack mentioned: The Texas Tribune. “Texas Senate District 25.” https://www.texastribune.org/directory/districts/tx-senate/25/ Yep, we’re pronouncing Bexar as Bear. Texas, y’all. Learn about constitutional amendments that involve voting: USA.gov. “Voting Rights Laws and Constitutional Amendments.” Updated: February 22, 2024. https://www.usa.gov/voting-rights Learn about women’s suffrage in the state of Wyoming: Wyoming Historical Society. “Women’s Suffrage and Women’s Rights.” https://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/topics/womens-suffrage-and-womens-rights What’s going on with Nebraska? Nebraska.gov. “Nebraska Unicameral.” https://designegov.nebraska.gov/government/legislative/ Alexander v. South Carolina NAACP (May 2024): Oyez. “Alexander v. South Carolina Conference of the NAACP.” https://www.oyez.org/cases/2023/22-807 Shaw v. Reno (1993): Oyez. “Shaw v. Reno.” https://www.oyez.org/cases/1992/92-357 Learn about the bunch of marches in the 60s that were about voting: United States Civil Rights Trail. “Marching for the Vote.” https://civilrightstrail.com/experience/marching-for-the-right-to-vote/ If you would like to read Justice Kagan’s dissent: Legal Information Institute. “Alexandar v. South Carolina State Conference of the NACCP.” Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/22-807 Learn about gerrymandering of incarcerated peoples: Fisher, Garret, King, Taylor, and Limón, Gariella. “Prison Gerrymandering Undermines Our Democracy.” October 22, 2021. Brennan Center for Justice. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/prison-gerrymandering-undermines-our-democracy Learn about the implications of counting persons under the age of 18 during redistricting: Stephanopoulos, Nicholas, and Chen, Jowei. “Democracy’s Denominator.” February 4, 2021. California Law Review (1011). https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3779342 Learn about the implications of gerrymandering around universities and colleges: Carrasco, Maria. “Partisan Gerrymandering Targets Campuses.” October 21, 2021. Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2021/10/22/partisan-gerrymandering-targets-college-campuses If you don’t remember the three-fifths compromise from history class: Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Three-fifths compromise.” April 19, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/three-fifths-compromise If you feel so inclined to read Kevin Williamson’s argument for “better” voters: Williamson, Kevin D. “Why Not Fewer Voters?” April 6, 2021. National Review. https://nationalreview.com/2021/04/why-not-fewer-voters/ If you didn’t get the Daft Punk joke: https://youtu.be/gAjR4_CbPpQ?si=DBrfQyt10gZYLcGW Not sure how you feel about felons voting: ProCon.org. “History of Felon Voting.” June 29, 2023. https://felonvoting.procon.org/ Learn about felons voting in Florida: Brennan Center for Justice. “Voting Rights Restoration Efforts in Florida.” Updated: August 7, 2023. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/voting-rights-restoration-efforts-florida In case you forgot, Donald Trump is a convicted felon: Becket, Stefan. “What Was Trump Convicted Of? Details on the 34 Counts and His Guilty Verdict.” June 3, 2024. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-charges-conviction-guilty-verdict/ What’s GIS? Geographic Information System Colegrove v. Green (1946): Oyez. “Colegrove v. Green.” https://www.oyez.org/cases/1940-1955/328us549 Baker v. Carr (1962): Oyez. “Baker v. Carr.” https://www.oyez.org/cases/1960/6 Reynolds v. Sims (1964): Oyez. “Reynolds v. Sims.” https://www.oyez.org/cases/1963/23 Get to know the Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929: History, Art, & Archives. “The Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929.” United States House of Representatives. https://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1901-1950/The-Permanent-Apportionment-Act-of-1929/ The Texas Monthly article that tells you how to make a Chilton: Bond, Courtney. “The Chilton.” May 2016. Texas Monthly. https://www.texasmonthly.com/recipe/the-chilton-cocktail-recipe In case you know not of Topo Chico: Castle, Sheri. “Topo Chico is the Fizzy Water With a Loyal Fan Base.” April 26, 2024. Southern Living. https://www.southernliving.com/food/drinks/topo-chico-mineral-water How to make a Gimlet: https://www.liquor.com/recipes/gimlet/ If you want to learn how Raymond Chandler said to make a Gimlet: Raymond Chandler. The Long Goodbye. (Vintage Crime/Black Lizard, Reprinted: 1988). Giant caves people take tourist trips through: Travel Texas. “Caves & Caverns.” https://www.traveltexas.com/things-to-do/outdoor-adventure/caves-caverns/ Is it stalactite or stalagmite? NOAA Ocean Exploration. “What is the Difference Between a Stalactite and a Stalagmite?” https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/stalactite.html How close are we to fusion power? Sutter, Paul. “We’ve been ‘close’ to achieving fusion power for 50 years. When will it actually happen?” January 14, 2024. Space.com. https://www.space.com/when-will-we-achieve-fusion-power In case you hadn’t heard of the term sealioning either: Merriam-Webster. “What is ‘Sealioning’?” https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/sealioning-internet-trolling And “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” is a quote from Mahatma Gandhi. But you already knew that.
Transcribe →Impeachment, What Is It Good For?
Jun 3, 202401:07:43Tap to summarizeNot to oversell it, but this type of episode is why we created this podcast. Do you really know how impeachment works? Are you sure of your dusty memories of high school civics class? Come, find out! References What is impeachment? USA.Gov. “How federal impeachment works.” Last updated February 2, 2024. https://www.usa.gov/impeachment Learn about the impeachment of King Charles I: Paradis, Michel. “Three Lessons From the First Time a Head of State Was Impeached.” October 3, 2019. Lawfare. https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/three-lessons-first-time-head-state-was-impeached How impeachment works between the House and Senate: United States Senate. “About Impeachment.” https://www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/impeachment.htm About the impeachment of Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas: Mascaro, Lisa. “House votes to impeach Mayorkas in a historic rebuke of a sitting Cabinet member.” February 13, 2024. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/house-votes-to-impeach-mayorkas-in-a-historic-rebuke-of-a-sitting-cabinet-member What’s a writ of mandamus? Legal Information Institute. “Mandamus.” Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/mandamus The only other time a cabinet member was impeached: United States Senate. “Impeachment Trial of Secretary of War William Belknap, 1876.” https://www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/impeachment/impeachment-belknap.htm The bit on “60 Minutes” with the Clinton’s: 60 Minutes. “Hilary Clinton’s first 60 minutes interview.” 1992. https://youtu.be/-UqKNgrwK8E?si=FM8Fw4Yz6MQMvft6 Not familiar with Senator Gary Hart? Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Gary Hart.” May 1, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gary-Hart How did Gerald R. Ford define impeachment? Davis, Kenneth C., “The history of American impeachment.” The Smithsonian Magazine, June 12, 2017. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/what-you-need-know-about-impeachment-180963645/ Want to learn more about immigration issues in the U.S.? Kobucista, Claire, Cheatham, Amelia, and Roy, Diana. “The U.S. Immigration Debate.” Last updated June 6, 2023. Council on Foreign Relations. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/us-immigration-debate-0 Senator Chuck Schumer’s formal response to the Mayorkas impeachment: Senate Democrats. “Majority Leader Schumer Floor Remarks on the Impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas.” April 17, 2024. https://www.democrats.senate.gov/news/press-releases/majority-leader-schumer-floor-remarks-on-the-impeachment-trial-of-secretary-mayorkas Read about how the impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas was deemed unconstitutional: Pecorin, Allison and Hutzler, Alexandra. “Senate kills Mayorkas impeachment trial, votes both articles ‘unconstitutional’.” April 17, 2024. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/senators-sworn-jurors-impeachment-trial-dhs-secretary-mayorkas/story?id=109349278 What’s malfeasance? Legal Information Institute. “Malfeasance.” Cornell Law School. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/malfeasance The impeachment book that Steve referenced: Charles R. Black. Impeachment: A Handbook. (Yale University Press, 2018). Learn about President Nixon’s near impeachment: Constitution Annotated. “ArtII.S4.4.7 President Richard Nixon and Impeachable Offenses.” https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artII-S4-4-7/ALDE_00000695/ The Watergate trials that happened prior to that: United States Senate. “Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities.” https://www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/investigations/watergate.htm Which senators voted which way in Trump impeachment trial: Booker, Brakkton. “Trump Impeachment Trial Verdict: How Senators Voted.” February 13, 2021. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/trump-impeachment-trial-live-updates/2021/02/13/967539051/trump-impeachment-trial-verdict-how-senators-voted When we recorded this podcast, the New York trial was still in process. In case you were unaware of the results: Scannell, Kara, Del Valle, Lauren, and Herb, Jeremy. “Donald Trump found guilty of all 34 charges in hush money trial.” May 31, 2024. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-hush-money-trial-05-30-24/index.html If you need some help keeping track of all the trials that Trump is involved in: Lawfare. “The Trump Trials.” https://www.lawfaremedia.org/current-projects/the-trump-trials In case you want to read about Trump cheating charities: New York State Attorney Journal. “Donald J. Trump Pays Court-Ordered $2 Million For Illegally Using Trump Foundation Funds.” December 10, 2019. https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2019/donald-j-trump-pays-court-ordered-2-million-illegally-using-trump-foundation Don’t remember Eugene V. Debs as well as Mack and Steve? Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Eugene V. Debs.” May 31, 2024. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eugene-V-Debs In case you don’t remember, Trump bragged he could shoot someone without consequence: Dwyer, Colin. “Donald Trump: 'I Could ... Shoot Somebody, And I Wouldn't Lose Any Voters'” January 23, 2016. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/01/23/464129029/donald-trump-i-could-shoot-somebody-and-i-wouldnt-lose-any-voters The podcast (with a PowerPoint presentation!) that Steve referenced: Wittes, Benjamin and Anderson, Scott R. “A Criminal in the White House: How It Might Work and What It Might Mean.” November 2, 2024. Lawfare Podcast. https://youtu.be/e_9Tsoxs-UA?si=L7_FWfL6Ki2Qfijq Recipe for a gin martini: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/martini-cocktails-2009 Recipe for a Manhattan: https://www.liquor.com/recipes/manhattan-2/ Recipe for a boulevardier without Scotch because you don’t like to drink bad ideas: https://www.liquor.com/recipes/boulevardier/ More about that town in Alabama that refuses to have a mayor that Steve told us about: Walker, Adria R. “Alabama town that hasn’t held elections in decades sued to allow voting.” March 29, 2024. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/29/newbern-alabama-election-lawsuit-mayor If you want to be a geek like Steve and get to know cybersecurity guy, Bruce Schneier: https://www.schneier.com/ Yet another book that Steve referenced: Jared Diamond. The World Until Yesterday: What Can We Learn from Traditional Societies? (Penguin Books, 2013.) The article about Kennedy and Nixon that Mack referenced: Bender, Bryan. “The Night Kennedy and Nixon Were Bunkmates.” April 29, 2022. Politico. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/04/29/jfk-nixon-bunkmates-00028388 Unfamiliar with the Taft-Hartley Act? Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Taft-Hartley Act.” June 17, 2015. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/money/Taft-Hartley-Act A little history on the friendship of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia: Cox, Chelsey. “Fact Check: It’s true, Ginsburg and Scalia were close friends despite ideological differences.” September 27, 2020. USA Today. <a href='https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/09/27/fact-check-ruth-bader-ginsburg-antonin-scalia-...
Transcribe →