12/23 Former Gov Arne Carlson says that Tim Walz needs to step out of the race

Summary

Garage Logic - December 23, 2025

Episode Theme: Former Gov. Arne Carlson Says Tim Walz Should Step Out of the Race
Host: Joe Soucheray ("The Mayor")
Guests/Regulars: Chris Reuvers, Kenny Olson, John Heidt, "Rookie" (Matthew), and special guest Gov. Arne Carlson

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Episode Overview

This episode of Garage Logic features a candid, in-depth interview with former Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson, who calls for current Governor Tim Walz not to seek re-election in the wake of widespread governmental fraud and mismanagement. The hosts and Carlson dig into the collapse of public trust, the corrosive influence of money in politics, incompetence in leadership, and the urgent need to clean house in Minnesota politics, especially following the recent fraud scandals rocking the state government. The episode's tone mixes the show's trademark sardonic humor with serious concern for the state's (and country's) future.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nostalgia vs. Present Disillusionment in Minnesota Governance

• The Show’s Opening:
  The hosts reminisce about simpler times when public trust in government was high, families squabbled about Christmas trees instead of officials' scandals, and Minnesota politics seemed mundane.
• Soucheray reflects:
  “We led our lives and we went to work and the kids went to school...We seem to have been swallowed up in this consumption of state government and how foul it is and how crooked it is and how incompetent. We never used to think about that.” (06:40)

2. The Carlson Interview: Causes and Cures for Corruption

The Citizens United Effect

• Carlson ties the decline in trust to Citizens United:
  "To government as a whole is the 2010 decision by the US Supreme Court in Citizens United that opened the floodgates to corporate monies. And from that time on, both parties have been seeking money and have literally left the American public behind." (16:09)
• He shares polling:
  “In 1958, 73% of Americans trusted their government. As of December 4th of this year, that number is down to 17.” (16:33)

Systemic Management Failures

• On feeding our future fraud:
  “Year after year after year after year, the legislative auditor warned the governors, both Dayton and Walz, your internal audit controls are weak, and bingo, fraud occurred. That is gross. Gross neglect.” (18:00)
• Humorous anecdote about a town officer hiding taxpayer funds to protect from state mismanagement:
  “He was protecting his citizens. He did exactly the right thing.” (20:11)

Carlson’s Direct Assessment of Gov. Walz

• “I think he has to step down. I think it's now over...I think it would be well for him to publicly announce that he will not be seeking office again.” (20:48)
• “All we're seeing now is incompetency. And it's just spilling out all over.” (21:53)

On the Jeremiah Ellison Double Salary Scandal

• “How can you hold two full time jobs separated by 1400 miles? ... That's another fraud. And...the city went along with it. There isn't any culture that says, we're dealing with somebody else's money. They worked hard to earn it and now we must protect it at all costs.” (22:46)

On Political Parties and Incompetence

• “Both political parties have to look at themselves and say, you know what, we are part of the problem. And we're going to put up really good candidates...We're not going to make them governor, have in Minneapolis a $30 million shortfall...yet they have enough money to give Ellison an extra, an extra salary.” (23:42)

The Corrosive Power of Incumbency and Money

• “Once you protect incumbency, you then have a schism with the voter and they no longer serve the voters. They basically are in the business of serving themselves.” (27:28)
• “When you have trust in government down to 17%, you really no longer have a democracy.” (27:59)
• “How did Ilhan Omar suddenly have a net worth of more than $30 million? ... That’s a gross conflict of interest.” (28:32, 29:01)

Carlson’s Reform Proposals

• “I would start with term limits. Eight years in the legislature, eight years in executive office, and you’re gone. Once you start to rotate, that diminishes the need for big money.” (25:54)
• “I would abolish fundraising by legislators, obviously during session, but also by caucuses...They become massive political parties and all they do is engage in war at our expense.” (26:19)
• “We need competency, we need honesty, and we need to obey the...Constitution. And I think we're slowly going to...pull out of this one.” (29:33)

Carlson on Trump and Modern GOP

• “I think I'd like to see the Republican Party go back to what it was. A conservative fiscal party...deeply committed to a conservative interpretation of the United States Constitution, very concerned about individual rights. But we've lost our way. And a large part of losing our way is because of this money in politics that buys special favors, special influence.” (30:16, 31:08)

• On the future:
  Carlson is hopeful new, honest leaders will emerge: “I'd like to see some younger people with a sense of real deep sense of honesty and respect for good performance. I'd like to see them start to run.” (31:14)

State Office Structure and Public Accountability

• “The more constitutional offices you have and the more you divide the financial pie, the better the people are represented. So I would say, yes, I think it's very harmful [to eliminate the State Treasurer].” (39:48)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Minnesota government today:
  “All we're seeing now is incompetency. And it's just spilling out all over.” – Arne Carlson (21:53)
• On the role of politicians:
  “In reality, it is over. It is, and it should be recognized early. And then we, as the public, should be talking about what we want from a governor. It's not just a bunch of political ideas. It's also, do you have any management capacity?” – Arne Carlson (20:59)
• On government vs. sports:
  “We don't accept [mediocrity] for a baseball team or a football team or a basketball team...that player would be benched. And here we are sitting, ‘oh no, no. I want to go back in because I'm so great.’” – Carlson (35:05)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |-----------|--------------| | 05:10 | Soucheray introduces Arne Carlson’s recent critique of Jeremiah Ellison and the question of illegal dual salaries. | | 15:41 | Arne Carlson joins the show. | | 16:09 | Carlson on Citizens United, the decline of public trust, and the impact of money in politics. | | 18:00 | In-depth on audit failures leading to fraud in Minnesota. | | 20:11 | Carlson’s story about a local official “protecting” town funds. | | 20:48 | Carlson directly calls for Walz not to run for re-election. | | 22:46 | Discussion of Jeremiah Ellison’s double-job controversy. | | 23:42 | On both parties' culpability and solutions through cooperation and competence. | | 25:54 | Carlson details reform: term limits, ending legislative fundraising, and structural fixes. | | 27:28 | Incumbency and self-preservation in politics. | | 29:33 | Carlson’s cautious optimism about the country’s ability to recover. | | 30:16 | Thoughts on Trump, the modern GOP, and political standards. | | 39:48 | Reflection on the loss of the State Treasurer position affecting oversight. |

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Show Crew Reaction & Additional Commentary

• The hosts are cynical and skeptical about real change happening:

  • “None of it’s going to happen.” (53:26)
  • Soucheray calls for immediate action: "This has to be fixed. This can't wait to be fixed. Walz should not run again...Somebody's got to start attacking this mess today, and it isn't Walz. He's not competent enough." (48:37)

• Frustration with political “clown show” and inaction between legislative sessions (51:04).

• Several humor breaks throughout (Seinfeld/Festivus jokes, Christmas tree bickering, banter about state fair T-shirts: “Mediocrity is our excellence”).

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Closing Reflection

• The episode’s atmosphere fuses Garage Logic’s signature blend of curmudgeonly humor with clear-eyed alarm about Minnesota’s government. Carlson embodies principled, old-school governance, and his blunt call for Walz to bow out is historic, not simply political.
• The hosts, while brimming with skepticism, share Carlson’s hope that a new, competent, honest cohort might eventually rise.
• The audience is left with both an urgent call: “Fix it now,” and the sober concession that entrenched politics and money will make reform a Herculean task—yet the conversation itself, marked by candor and seriousness, models a way forward.

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Summary Takeaways

• Arne Carlson is unequivocal: Walz should not run for reelection; public trust is at historic lows due to mismanagement and institutionalized cronyism.
• The state’s recent corruption scandals are the result of long-ignored audit warnings, a culture of incumbency self-protection, and the corrosive influence of money post-Citizens United.
• Carlson prescribes term limits, independent audits, abolishing caucus fundraising, and a return to personal competence and integrity in politics.
• Garage Logic’s crew, mixing humor and exasperation, challenges listeners not to settle for mediocrity—and to start fixing, not just waiting for elections.

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Best Quotes:

• “All we’re seeing now is incompetency. And it’s just spilling out all over.” – Arne Carlson (21:53)
• “We no longer serve the voters. They basically are in the business of serving themselves.” – Arne Carlson (27:28)
• “This has to be fixed. This can’t wait to be fixed…Somebody’s got to start attacking this mess today, and it isn’t Walz. He’s not competent enough.” – Joe Soucheray (48:37)

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Transcript

[A]

Hey, Garage Logic fans. I do a podcast on the Garage Logic Network that comes out every Wednesday and Friday. Now twice a week. But here's an important caveat. There is zero logic available in my show. In the formal definition of logic, of course, life is a yin and yang kind of thing. There's the logic side and then there's the what the hell? Side, which needs to get its exercise. So come for the what the hell and stay for the. You've got to be kidding me. Mishki. Now, Wednesdays and Fridays, twice a week, Joe. Josh Arnold, investment Consultant, brings you Garagelogic podcast number 1686. December 23rd, 2025. 58 degrees was the record high on this day. The day before Christmas eve Day in 1888. I had to write three eights. 1888, they're all legible.

[B]

You can't write eights.

[A]

I got them. And it was 27 below on this day in 1872. And damn near 9 inches of snow on this day in 2020. Do yourself a favor. Call Josh Arnold at 925-5608 for a free 48 minute consultation.

[C]

Hail the flashlight king.

[A]

Hail you. And now, from the mayor's office above the boathouse on the east shore of Spoon Lake, it's Garage Logic, with Chris Reivers manning technology corner, Kenny Olson from the Krabby Co Coffee shop, John Height in the newsroom, and of course, the rookie here is your flashlight fireworks commissioner and the keeper of common sense, your mayor, Joe Susher. What does. What does a Christmas tree say about your knack rating? It just occurs to me that making certain admissions about the tree might dramatically affect your NAC score. In other words, I would imagine that G L ERs are real tree people. Is that a safe assumption?

[B]

Yeah, for most, I would say so. They want the experience of going to the lot. Yes.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

May I ask a question before I answer?

[A]

I'm not sure.

[C]

What is the process in the Royce household with a guy laid up with a replaced knee?

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And trying to put up the. The real Christmas tree.

[A]

I don't. I. I don't.

[D]

I bet. I know.

[A]

I don't know that they're. I don't know. I might ask. I bet I'm mobile. Yeah.

[D]

I bet the D A has one of those about a foot long, shaped like a football. Ceramic Christmas trees with the little LEDs that you drop into it.

[C]

I think you're right.

[B]

Oh, that's when you go to grandparents status, when you're like, yeah.

[D]

It sits on the dining room table there.

[A]

You don't Even have to move it during the off. Right, Right.

[B]

You can just cover it with whatever.

[C]

Motif it turns into the spring tree.

[B]

But the biggest argument is the straightening. And that's where your knack value comes in when you have to straighten the tree.

[A]

I've told you, the first seven years of marriage, you tie the tree.

[B]

I did. Because I had a tree go over.

[A]

Yeah. You have to tie it to the first seven years because you got nothing figured out yet.

[C]

Right.

[B]

I would agree with you.

[A]

Then you reach a point where the fake trees don't look that bad. Right.

[B]

They're just sitting in the garage.

[A]

You know what? Because you just put them in the closet and see you next year. And they. You know, there's no thanks for the memories. No needles fall off.

[D]

No, I miss the water. I just.

[A]

Full of hate. Who are you kidding?

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

I missed the process of acquiring it. And I miss the smell.

[A]

You just got done telling us how much you loathed it.

[D]

Well, nothing. You missed the loathing. Yeah. Nothing makes me happier than hate. And I hated every. I hated every part of it. Therefore, I miss it.

[E]

Yeah.

[C]

He misses being angry.

[D]

Bring back the hate for Christmas.

[A]

Got to the point where sometimes I just sit in the car and point to one. Yeah, let's get that one.

[C]

Balsams.

[A]

Now it's now. Now it's one that it's paid for itself many times.

[D]

Here's what I like. And here's one.

[A]

Any tree we ever had.

[D]

One thing I truly miss doing is I'll be in the corner of the somewhere and I'll see these prices and I'll go 40 GD dollars. Really loud.

[C]

Ken, we. The one we purchased last year. Do you know how much it was? I'm not going to name the price.

[D]

Probably 70 bucks.

[C]

149.

[A]

They're all over a hundred.

[E]

Yikes.

[D]

Really?

[A]

If you find me a $40 tree, I'll go back to a real tree.

[C]

In fact, we just mentioned the balsams.

[A]

Them balsams hold their needles.

[C]

Over the weekend, I got a picture with Will. We walked beside the historic filming location of the Santa scene from A Christmas Story. I just sent it to Gabe. I couldn't believe it. It was so cool.

[D]

So did you cut that tree down?

[C]

No, no, no, no. It was the Santa scene where he says, okay, ho, ho, ho, ho.

[A]

Twice in the last two weeks, I've been emailed by Arne Carlson, our governor, throughout the 90s in Minnesota. And on this most recent email, which came in. Well, what's the date?

[B]

Well, it's the 23rd.

[A]

Well, today, yeah. And it was an email about Jeremiah Ellison and how Arnie is upset that this fellow is trying to accomplish something that's entirely illegal to draw the two salaries. And he's missed six of the 13 last meetings. And I called Arnie and he's in Florida. And I said, governor, we've been discussing Jeremiah Ellison on this show, and if nothing else, it's an extraordinary lack of character. And Arne said, it's more than a lack of character, it's completely illegal. And now we got talking about some other things. And I said, arnie, would you join us today on the show? And he said, I'd be glad to. So in about five, six minutes, we're going to have Arne come on, because I thought of something I would like to discuss with Arnie.

[C]

Did he use the word illegal?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Wow.

[E]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

So that's powerful.

[A]

What I would like to broker with Arnie, I mean, I thought back. He was the governor from 91 to 99. There's only four living governors, four ex living governors.

[B]

That shocked me when he told me that today.

[A]

Mark Dayton, Jesse Ventura, Tim Polanyi. Who am I forgetting? Arnie? There's four living ex governors. And. And it occurred to me, you know, as we approach Christmas, to take it down a notch and wonder as recently as when Arnie was governor. I would even say more recently than that. Up until Walz was governor. How's that? Up until Walls was governor, it did not seem to me that we were preoccupied with state government. We led our lives and we went to work and the kids went to school, and you went to a tree line, fought about a tree, whether it should get a fresh cut or not. And now for most people, I guess that might still be the case. But for what we do, we seem to have been swallowed up in this consumption of state government and how foul it is and how crooked it is and how incompet. We never used to think about that.

[B]

We were not preoccupied.

[A]

We trusted the government was doing its thing and things were working. And yeah, you would disagree with a.

[C]

Thing here or there, but for the most part, yeah, we're all right.

[A]

And Arnie, when you look at his credentials, he made a hell of a governor. From this sense, he preceded his governorship. He was a state auditor for years before that, one of the rare and infrequent Republican city council members in Minneapolis. Now, Arnie might be considered an extremely liberal Republican, but he's not insane, right? Today's liberals are insane.

[B]

He can still look at something and say this does work. It doesn't just have to be party lines.

[A]

Anyway, he's in Florida because he's no dummy and he's probably wearing his moth eaten gopher sweater.

[B]

No. If you remember, Arnie Jr. Has that possession of that.

[D]

Do me a favor, Joe, because I'm not going to try to make him hear or understand me. I just want you to, you know, and it's the obvious question I want you to ask him. Should the governor resign for what has happened under his watch? Make sure you get that question in.

[A]

Yeah. By the way, Arnie's 91 and he sounds. He might as well be 40.

[B]

He's as sharp as.

[A]

It's just wonderful. It just.

[C]

Do you think he's playing golf today?

[A]

I don't think Arnie doesn't strike musical.

[B]

I think he's reading.

[A]

Okay. He's a thinker. He's not.

[D]

I really want to hear. I want to hear what he has to say about all the fraud. I'm really curious about that.

[A]

That's why we're gonna give him a jingle. We're gonna give him a jingle and you have the number. And let me tell you, I'm gonna do this and then we're gonna take a.

[C]

Well, okay.

[A]

What's your problem?

[C]

Nothing. It's. Yeah, that's fine.

[A]

You got a problem?

[C]

No, not at all. You know what?

[D]

I've got a problem. I've got a lot of problems. Let's start with you.

[C]

Since Kenny suggested a question for the governor, may I also suggest a question for the governor?

[A]

Sure.

[C]

When Arne Carlson joins the program in just a few minutes, will you please ask him to wish Matthew a happy birthday?

[B]

He already knows. I texted him.

[D]

Are we going to have the traditional airing of Grievances later on in the.

[C]

Is it Festivus?

[D]

Because I've got a lot of problem with all of you people.

[E]

Yeah.

[A]

The Mink family extended U.S. holiday cheer.

[D]

Oh, nice.

[A]

Nice from the. Nice for the Mink.

[D]

When I say that Joe, do you know what I. Where I'm coming from? Do you get that reference when I say about grievances?

[A]

Yeah. No. Oh, you're missing one of the Seinfeld show.

[D]

Okay, you do understand. Okay, you do get Good. Good.

[C]

I mean, Jerry still get it.

[A]

I'm just picking up that said Festivus.

[C]

Kenny, where would you rank Jerry Stillers?

[D]

What was great about. Oh, this is a big sidetrack. He couldn't remember his lines. So those pauses that we thought were perf, you know, perfect and wonderful and the greatest comedic Timing of all. Of all time. It was an accident on his fault.

[C]

Are you serious?

[D]

Those pregnant pauses. He had a tough time remembering his lines.

[C]

Oh, my God.

[D]

But the guy used it. He was. He was a genius at comedy.

[C]

Oh, God, he was funny.

[D]

As I rained blows upon him, I came to realize there's got to be.

[C]

Oh, I got a lot of problems with you people.

[D]

And at one point during the Festivus dinner, he's on a rant and he just stops talking and he goes, I forgot where I was going. And I'll bet you anything that that was real, that he actually did forget his lines.

[C]

Yeah, it's like when Joe's ripping St. Paul, kind of the same deal.

[A]

I have new information from Precision Door. Oh, right now is a special special. $500 off the purchase of a new door, and that includes the operator, the motor, the engine, that'll raise and lower it. That's $500 off the purchase of a door, an operator combination. And don't forget that noisy door tune up special for 1 49. With these new doors, there's models for every budget. Just think what that would do. It would increase the aesthetics. It would save some energy, provide better security and not break down in the dead of winter. You don't want to go out there and have that baby not work in the dead of February. And if you do like your current door, get that noisy door tune up special. But right now, on a new door, single door, double door, 500 bucks off the purchase of a door and operator combination. That is fantastic. Book online at Precision Doormn. That's one word. Precision doormn.com or call 612-263-6985 to schedule your free on site new door estimate. Or book a noisy door tune up special with precision do.

[C]

Reivers here once again for my guy, Mr. MoneyTalk. Josh Arnold. Does thinking about retirement make you uncomfortable? Well, sometimes the anxiety from wondering if you've saved enough can be overwhelming. But what if I told you that you could ease those tensions in just 48 minutes? Well, Mr. MoneyTalk is going to be able to sit down with you and get you on the right track for your financial future. Josh has navigated it all when it comes to uncertain market and economic conditions. And he'll always provide straight talk, never sugarcoated advice on how to reach the finish line with your retirement goals. Don't let your financial worries give you an ulcer or keep you from calling Josh right now. His 48 minute, no obligation consultation could be just what you need to feel better about your future. Call Josh today at 952-925-5608 and set up your free yes, free 48 minute, no obligation consultation. That's 952-925-5608.

[A]

Investment services offered by Josh Arnold Investment Consultant, LLC.

[E]

A security investment advisor. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

[C]

All investments involve risk. All comments and opinions are Josh Arnold's.

[A]

And do not constitute investment advice. Chris Reivers is a paid endorser. Here's a man who spends hours in hardware stores sifting through the nuts and bolts of life.

[D]

Joe Sucere Seems weird to be doing something about Christmas here over this scorching riff, but Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our [e-mail] I guess it's probably too late to order for Christmas, but it's never too late otherwise to order from customroasting.net and what I'm doing having with the family on Thursday is their Christmas cookie blend which I got in last week. It's a mix of graham cracker, vanilla, hazelnut and warm cinnamon. Then I might put a little something extra extra in that just to give it a little bit of a punch. Rookie, have you ever heard of something called rumchata? Yes, I think that would be the.

[B]

God, you are inside my fantasy right now. My coffee fantasy.

[D]

And since I don't have to drive anywhere on Christmas, once I'm there, I'm there. I think I'm going to sample that all afternoon. Meanwhile, GL ers, if you want to order some coffee up, you've got to try the GL package. We've got four blends that we've put together for our GL sampling box. It's the Minnesota Morning, the Boundary Waters, the Columbia Excelso, and the French Roast. Wonderful blends of dark roast coffee. Actually, they go from dark to light, but I think you'll love all of them. And don't forget, it might be too late for Christmas, but you can still order in a custom Roasting gift box. That's two of their best selling coffees, the Minnesota Morning and the French Road, paired nicely in a nice craft box. For you, customroasting.net, the website and Merry Christmas from our friends at Custom Roasting.

[A]

May we be joined by Governor Arne Carlson. Hello Governor.

[F]

Well, good morning. How are you?

[A]

Good. And I like talking to a real governor.

[F]

Where is he?

[A]

Well, we haven't had one for a long time. Governor, what the hell happened in Minnesota? The 90s under your. The 90s under your tenure As I think back, we didn't used to be.

[F]

To government as a whole is the 2010 decision by the US Supreme Court in Citizens United that opened the floodgates to corporate monies. And from that time on, both parties have been seeking money and have literally left the American public behind. Let me just give you a quick example. Pew Research has been decades polling people's attitudes. In 1958, 73% of Americans trusted their government. As of December 4th of this year, that number is down to 17.

[A]

Isn't that something?

[F]

Yeah, I mean, that's. And nobody's talking about it.

[A]

We are every day, Governor. And it's weary.

[F]

Keep going, Keep going. And by the way, I understand you got a big birthday there.

[A]

Not. Not me, Governor. It's Rookie's birthday.

[E]

About.

[F]

Rookie. You got a guy named Rookie?

[B]

Governor, it's Rook. I appreciate you greeting me on my 57th birthday. What a kind soul you are. I your salutations.

[F]

I understand Joe's gonna give you a convertible later on.

[A]

Oh, wow.

[B]

He's saving up right now.

[A]

You bet he is.

[B]

Thank you, Governor. Thank you very much, Governor.

[A]

Governor. In the 90s, when you were governor, we didn't. We were not preoccupied with state government. We went about our lives. Our kids went to school. Did the Vikings win? How are the twins doing? Let's go buy a Christmas tree. Life went on and we seemed to. We trusted the government. That trust in Minnesot now is absolutely gone.

[F]

Absolutely, you're right.

[A]

Why the fraud? How does fraud relate to corporate financing? I don't think it does.

[F]

I think we got to start from this supposition. One is the taxpayer is entitled to the same quality management. We expect a business. And there are audit controls. Let me just take 30 seconds to quickly explain. Internal audit controls are in any management system, including government. And then you have the external auditor goes by once a year, tests the internal audits, makes comments, and presumably you improve or whatever. In this case, year after year after year after year, the legislative auditor warned the governors, both Dayton and Waltz, your internal audit controls are weak, and bingo, fraud occurred. That is gross. Gross neglect.

[A]

How many years were you state governor?

[F]

It's not state. Very bad management.

[A]

Governor, how. How many years were you the auditor of the state?

[F]

12 years.

[A]

Did you ever have to say, hey, wait a minute, what's this? And then went and confronted someone?

[F]

Certainly. Absolutely.

[A]

There was no fraud during your watch, was there?

[F]

I think they were. Yes. There were some episodes that were quickly detected and bingo, they disappeared. Okay, I can tell you a funny story if you've got the time.

[A]

We've got all the time in the world.

[F]

Oh, wonderful. I got a call from one of the audit crews about some missing money in a small town in. In Minnesota. And I told the crew, I said, just hold off for a minute, because I really got to love these finance officers of local government. I thought they were wonderful. So I drove up there and met with him and. Wonderful guy. And we had a good chat. And then I asked him, he said, well, we're noticing some money that's missing. And he said, oh, that. Well, you know, Governor Al Quie has been talking about taking the reserve funds from local government to balance the state budget. So I hit it in a Bank account in St. Paul.

[C]

What?

[A]

What? How did you handle that then?

[F]

I just laughed. And I never forgot. He was wonderful. He was protecting his citizens. He did exactly the right thing.

[A]

Oh, my God. We don't have that today, Ernie. We don't have that. What do you think of Walsh?

[F]

We have war between the parties, war between legislators. Everybody seems to be at war. They should all be working together for the betterment of the public. Democrats should have their ideas. Republicans should have their ideas. And then they can come together and work and put out something from a team.

[A]

What is your opinion of Walls?

[F]

I think he has to step down. I think it's now over.

[A]

He should resign.

[F]

I'm not suggesting resignation, but I think it would be well for him to publicly announce that he will not be seeking office again. I think that'd be better for the Democratic Party, would be better for the citizens. Because in reality, it is over. It is, and it should be recognized early. And then we, as the public should be talking about what we want from a governor. It's not just a bunch of political ideas. It's also. Do you have any management capacity? You've got 50,000 employees. You've got massive multibillion dollar budgets whose money's moving in and out. And some background in management will be very, very helpful. And you also have to have the ability to select people that are better than you, more experienced than you, and frankly, smarter than you to run our agencies. You want competency? All we're seeing now is incompetency. And it's just spilling out all over.

[A]

In your estimation, as the state auditor continued to do their job.

[F]

No, I'm very disappointed because this whole thing with Ellison in Minneapolis could be snipped in the budget.

[A]

But you're talking about Jeremiah Ellison.

[F]

Pardon me?

[A]

You're talking about Jeremiah Ellison.

[F]

Jeremiah Allison is an alderman in St. Paul in Minneapolis.

[A]

Right.

[F]

And he is elected to a full time job and that job pays 109,000 plus health and retirement. At the same time he holds a full time fellowship in Cambridge, Massachusetts that pays something like 57,500 plus room and expenses. How can you hold two full time jobs separated by 1400 miles?

[A]

You can't.

[F]

You can't. And that's another fraud. And, and this time the city went along with it. And what bothers me is there isn't any, any culture that says, my heavens, we're dealing with somebody else's money. They worked hard to earn it it and now we must protect it at all costs instead. No, let's enrich a member of the city council and wish him well with our money.

[A]

Are you still a full time resident of Minnesota?

[F]

No, I live down in Florida most of the time. I've got some arthritis problems and I frankly enjoy it down here. I, I can't take the snow anymore.

[A]

Right. Well, I envy you that you were able to leave the state. It's a place now that has a very heavy out migration.

[F]

Yeah, I think it can be restored. But I think both political parties have to look at themselves and say, you know what, we are part of the problem. And we're going to put up really good candidates, experienced candidates who deeply are committed to the well being of the taxpayers. And the Democrats come up with their good ideas, the Republicans come up with theirs. And you know what? We're going to work together and solve problems. We're not going to make them governor, have in Minneapolis a $30 million shortfall. Kids in those schools are going to be punished and part. And yet they have enough money to give Ellison an extra, an extra salary.

[A]

Governor, from the, from the federal government on down, it feels as though the people we've managed to elect don't have our concerns as their first priority.

[F]

No, I think because of Citizens United they feel they can go out and raise endless amounts of money, particularly from special interests, and then advertise to us that mediocrity is really excellence. Frankly, that's kind of what precisely is happening. It's not just the politicians, but they have a tendency to surround themselves with other people that are also incompetent.

[D]

Can I do some background here, Joe?

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

Governor, when you brought this up at the outset, you really surprised me. I didn't know anything about this and I've been studying it here and I really think you're on the key. You have a key point here. But I just want to read to Joe and The guys and the listeners here, what this is, the Citizen United decision happened in January 2010. The Supreme Court ruled that corporations and unions have the same First Amendment free speech rights as individuals, allowing them to spend unlimited amounts on independent electioneering. And that obviously has affected the outcome of these elections. My question for you, Governor, is how do we go back? None of these politicians are going to be in favor of going back to the way it used to be, are they?

[F]

No, you're right. I think we have to do is revisit initiative and referendum the right of the public, like in California, to initiate a policy, have it voted on by the people, and then have it instituted. I would start with term limits. Eight years in the legislature, eight years in executive office, and you're gone. That's it. Once you start to rotate, that diminishes the need for big money. Secondly, I would abolish fundraising by legislators, obviously during session, but also by caucuses. Right now, the caucuses raise millions of dollars. In 2020, for those legislative elections, they raised some 26 and a half million dollars, about 130,000 per incumbent. Who in the world could run against them? Not only now do they have money, they also draw the district line, so they're safe politically. And then they make the rules. Yeah, and then they have these partisan staffs of 317 partisan staffers who are hired by the caucus and work for the caucus, but we, the taxpayer, pay the bill. So they become massive political parties and all they do is engage in war at our expense.

[A]

Governor, you were a Republican city councilman in Minneapolis in the mid-60s. That's an infrequent development. What has happened to the Minneapolis city government?

[F]

I think the same thing that's been happening everywhere else. One is money. Two is protect incumbency is at all cost. And the moment you protect incumbency, you then have a schism with the voter and they no longer serve the voters. They basically are in the business of serving themselves.

[A]

Is that at the bottom of protecting incumbency they just love the position and don't want to give it up?

[F]

That's correct. That's absolutely correct. I mean, when you, when you have trust in government down to 17%, you really no longer have a democracy.

[A]

Well, you sure don't.

[F]

No. And that's kind of where we're at right now. Not kind of. That's where we are right now.

[A]

Now, before you said, I mean, how.

[F]

Many members of Congress have gone into Congress broke and walk out as multi. Multimillionaires. Well, Governor, both sides of the aisle.

[A]

What we've asked on the show is how did Ilhan Omar suddenly have a net worth of more than $30 million?

[F]

Oh, my God. Is that true?

[A]

Yes.

[F]

Oh, my heavens. I think the public is certainly entitled to know how that came about.

[A]

Apparently, she's married a fellow who was struck it rich in the. In the winery business and consulting business.

[C]

Yeah.

[F]

But if I recall right, she also had her campaign contract, $50,000 worth of services from her husband, Right?

[D]

Correct.

[A]

Right.

[F]

Well, that's a gross conflict of interest.

[A]

Of course it is. Governor, we need you back. Can you go in a time machine and become 50 years old again?

[F]

I'll tell you, I'm 91 years old.

[A]

I know. And you sound like you're about 40.

[F]

If I were 65, I would come back. I mean that sincerely. I just can't believe all these people who were elected to be watchdogs, all they're doing is protecting incumbents.

[A]

Do you have fear for the future of the United States?

[F]

No. And the reason is this. I think if you asked me that question several months ago, my answer would have been yes. I think we're going to. I think we're starting to pull out of it and to have a better understanding that we need competency, we need honesty, and we need to obey the. All the tenets of the Constitution. And I think we're slowly going to. Going to pull out of this one.

[A]

What is your view of President disappointment.

[F]

In Minnesota is that in 1973, our state was featured on the COVID of Time magazine as the state that works.

[A]

Yep.

[F]

Now we're the laughing stock of America.

[A]

What is your view of President Trump?

[F]

Very poor.

[A]

Okay. Well, I can't hold you.

[F]

And I think. I think I'd like to see the Republican Party go back to what it was. A conservative fiscal party, deeply committed to states rights, deeply committed to a conservative interpretation of the United States Constitution, very concerned about individual rights. I'd like to see them go back to that. I have tremendous respect for Robert Taft, Barry Goldwater, the conservatives of yesterday, and I have tremendous respect for a lot of the very good liberals that we've had. But we've lost our way. And a large part of losing our way is because of this money in politics that buys special favors, special influence, and nothing is done about it.

[A]

I don't know what we can do here, Governor, except almost clean house from top to bottom.

[F]

I would. Yeah, I would.

[D]

But how? That's my question.

[F]

Well, the University of Minnesota in 2021 put out a study citing that public policy at the state legislature was basically for sale and nothing was done about it. Yeah, I would clean house. Absolutely. And I'd like to see some. Some younger people with. With energy and with a sense of real deep sense of honesty and respect for good performance. I'd like to see them start to run. You know, Harold Stassen did that back in the late 1930s, and it worked. And I'd like to see it happen again.

[D]

But, Governor, how do we convince, even on the local level in the state of Minnesota, how do we convince these politicians on the right and left to vote for, say, for instance, term limits? We have been describing them for a few years now as being on the third rail. They would.

[F]

You're absolutely right. I would get a written. Written agreement, and I mean in writing and make it a contract and if. And go to court and enforce it if they don't. But I think also I would start going for initiative and referendum, the right of the public to come together and initiate public policy.

[D]

Yeah.

[F]

Over 80% of Americans favor term limits, and yet our elected officials turn their backs on it.

[A]

Yeah. I would love to have a vote on spending issues, Governor.

[F]

Well, I. I don't want. Let's see how I can put this and sound sane. We elect officials to make a lot of decisions for us, but some very fundamental decisions should rest with us. Forget about politics. I don't know how a state can have an $18 billion surplus and then five years later announced a $3 billion deficit.

[A]

It's shameful.

[F]

I do not understand.

[A]

It's absolutely shameful.

[F]

It's a bit.

[C]

It's stunning.

[F]

I mean, the Norwegian government sits over there and stashes away money for tomorrow. And our leaders have to spend it as fast as it comes in, sometimes even faster. Where was their thinking about tomorrow? And the worst part of it is those same leaders come back to us and say, reelect us.

[A]

Well, Walls is even running again, which is preposterous.

[F]

I don't think that's going to last very long.

[A]

I happen to agree with you.

[F]

You are absolutely right. That's why I favor term limits.

[E]

Yeah.

[F]

Rotate, rotate. We got a lot of young, excellent people. Give them a shot and then bingo, after they've been there eight years. Go.

[C]

Governor, you had mentioned previously that you think Governor Tim Walz should resign. Do you think one of the main reasons.

[F]

I don't think she resigned.

[B]

Sorry.

[F]

Announced that he's not running again.

[C]

Okay. Sorry.

[F]

I didn't mean to truly bring in some competent people. I mean it. Do you think one of them Competent people and have them try to straighten out our financial problems and our problems with. With. With audits and fraud.

[C]

Do you think that one of the main reasons he is deciding to run again is to maybe cover up some of the things that would be exposed if he were not to remain governor of the state of Minnesota?

[F]

I don't think in Minnesota cover ups work. I think we still have a fairly intrusive media and we still have sufficient competition. But what we have here is an attitude that we're accepting mediocrity as excellence. And that bothers us.

[A]

Me, we don't accept it for a.

[F]

Baseball team or a football team or a basketball team. My heavens. That player would be bench. And here we are sitting. Oh, no, no. I want to go back in because I'm so great.

[A]

Well, Governor, you're a breath of fresh air. But you were as governor, even though I gave you a lot of grief about that moth eaten gopher football sweater you wore.

[F]

I loved my days with the Gophers. I really did. It was a wonderful time and I was so pleased. I thought the people of Minnesota were just absolutely marvelous. And I like the political system. Whether I disagreed with it or agreed with it, it made no difference. There's a lot of cooperation, a lot of good memories.

[C]

Are you going to the bowl game.

[F]

To see us go back to that.

[C]

You go to the bowl game, Governor?

[F]

No, I'm not.

[A]

Oh.

[F]

But I'm gonna be glued here to it.

[B]

Governor, it's rookie. I just have two quick things. Are you sure you're not on a secret government mission to try to find Bob Matson down there? Your predecessor as state auditor?

[F]

I haven't heard that name for decades. I don't know whatever happened to him. I have no idea.

[A]

Neither is his family.

[B]

He started the Micklebob's and that's about it. Michael, Bob's is down in Naples in Fort Myers. Yeah, he hasn't been heard from.

[F]

Yeah. But also heard that name for years. Yeah.

[B]

Also looking at your record back in 1982, do you remember who your DFL opponent was for state auditor?

[F]

Was that Wellstone?

[B]

It was Paul Wellstone. I never knew that. He ran for auditor in 82. You beat him soundly, but I. Yeah.

[F]

It was, it was a good race. I can tell you an interesting story if you got the time.

[A]

We have the time.

[F]

Well, Paul at that time was. Was taking on the power industry. Remember those big electric lines that were going all over and there were stories that they were harming cows, etc.

[A]

Yes.

[F]

And he Got himself into a position of going to court and presenting himself as an expert witness. Well, Wellstone was certainly very well educated and very bright, and he had a case down in South Dakota. And the day before the debate, I got a brown envelope, and it was the testimony of the trial. And an underline was Ralstone's comments. And he had presented himself as an expert, and the attorney said, you were an expert? Oh, yes, sir. And then he went to the board and put a formula on the board, a rate formula, and ask him to explain it. And obviously he couldn't. And so that's when Paul came out and said, well, you gotta understand, I don't read charts, graphs or numbers very well.

[A]

Okay.

[F]

And that was the end of the audit race. But I'll tell you, let me end with this story. I did get to know him as the United States Senator, and he was wonderful to work with. I mean that most sincerely. He was very, very helpful. And I had good relations with all of our people in Washington. Martin Sabo, they were all excellent. They had no problem at all. Dave Durmberger. No, they were all. I'll tell you who I really liked was Rod Grams. He worked very hard. We didn't agree on everything, but he was very helpful. But the point of the story is there was teamwork. You can differ on things, but my gosh, you got to work together for the betterment of the whole. And all of them did.

[B]

Governor, Senator Wellstone would come on every year at the state fair, and Joe and Paul did not agree on anything, but they shook hands, smiled at each other and said, thanks for coming on. We'll see you next year. He was a great.

[F]

Is that wonderful?

[B]

Yes, that's how it's supposed to be.

[F]

The way it should be.

[A]

That was the same with Mark Dayton. Mark and I didn't agree on a lot, but he was an affable source.

[F]

Yeah.

[A]

And you?

[F]

Well, we always had fun. I mean, if you can't have fun, why do it?

[A]

Governor, something else occurs to me before I let you go, and I either had forgotten this or didn't even know it, and I read it in the Wall Street Journal today. We got rid of the state treasurer position in about 2003. Is that. Is that contributed to what's happening today?

[F]

Well, I think the more constitutional offices you have and the more you divide the financial pie, the better the people represented. So I would say, yes, I think it's very harmful.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah.

[F]

I like the idea of it being elected. I think there's been a move in Minnesota. This goes way back to the 1950s. And that was to consolidate agencies, empower more agencies and weaken constitutional offices. And that weakens the ability of the public to hold anybody accountable. Let me give you an example. In the fraud, we can all say, yes, the governor's wrong because he never read the artist, never paid attention to the warnings, etc. But where in the world were all the finance commissioners? Didn't they read the audit either?

[A]

Apparently not, sir.

[F]

And it wasn't one order. It was ordered after audit, after order after audit. They all ignored it. How could. That's not possible. If that happened in a corporation, I can tell you this from experience, those bodies would be right out the window instantly.

[A]

Do you think Walls is stuffing his own pocket with stolen money?

[F]

No.

[A]

Okay.

[F]

No, I don't think it has anything.

[A]

To do with that.

[F]

I just don't think it's a particularly well managed administration.

[A]

No. Well, now that we got your number, you'll regret that because we'll be touching base with you.

[F]

I think it's delightful. I probably got myself in a lot of trouble, but it's fun.

[A]

I don't think so. Have a great Christmas, sir.

[F]

You bet. Same to you. Thank you.

[A]

Thank you. Governor Arne Carlson, who was a real governor. We haven't had a real governor since. Who preceded Walls? Pawlenty. Pawlenty, Ventura, Dayton and Carlson are the surviving former governors.

[B]

I can't believe you remembered my birthday. That's so nice.

[A]

Well, what did you do? Get on the line and tell them?

[B]

Pretty much, yeah.

[C]

Wait, it's your birthday? Why didn't you let us know?

[A]

Have you run into him ever? At the airport?

[B]

Not Governor Carlson, okay? Just about everybody else.

[C]

He's no dummy. He's staying in Florida.

[B]

Haven't seen Tina Smith for a while. Let me just tell you that.

[A]

Say, if you ever need an attorney, will you consider GL's? Go to firm Bradshaw and Bryant. Personal injury attorneys, insurance companies and adjusters can be tough to deal with. You need somebody on your side. Mike Bryant from Bradshaw and Bryant and his team are there to explain your rights, represent you, help you through a tough time. Your consultation is free. Mike is recognized as one of the best personal injury lawyers in the state of Minnesota. They hope, and I hope you're never in an accident. But if you are, call Bradshaw and Bryant at 800-770-7008 or go to MinnesotaTapersonAlinjury.com for a free case evaluation. And please don't be part of the problem. Don't text, drive or drive Distracted. That's just common sense. From Bradshaw and Bryant. This is Rice. You've been hearing my friend Josh Arnold, Mr. Money Talk for years on the radio and the Garage Logic podcast with summer coming on. I strongly recommend you sit down with Josh for your no cost, no obligation, 48 minute consultation on your investments, including your IR, IRA and 401k. You can benefit from Josh's years of experience, navigate navigating different market and economic conditions, and he'll always give you straight talk, not sugar coated advice. Give Josh a call now at 952-925-5608 and book your no cost, no obligation, 48 minute consultation, 952-925-5608. You'll be glad that you did meet with Josh and tell him that Ricey sent you. What in the world?

[C]

I don't know what just happened. Here's a guy.

[B]

Here's a guy that likes Artie Carlson as governor. Here's Joe Sugeray.

[D]

Positive, Positive Thursday is falling on Christmas Day, so we're doing Positive Tuesday. And it's brought to us by Schoon Over Body Works and Auto Care right there in Shoreview, 1060 County Road E. Mike Schoonover live on the line with us. Get rid of that banner, Chris. And look at the whole crowd, because we're all gonna. We're all gonna give Scoonie some grief here. Hi, Mike.

[G]

Hey, Kenny.

[F]

Hey, boys.

[A]

Hi.

[D]

Is it true? First of all, I've heard a rumor that you're making the staff work on Christmas Day. Is there any truth to that rumor, Mike?

[G]

Absolutely.

[F]

I have no past, present or future knowledge of that.

[D]

Okay. All right, so it's not a bah humbug at Schoonover Body Works. What do you got for us today?

[F]

Well, first of all, is it. Is it a special day today?

[D]

It is. Really?

[F]

What is that, Rook? Is. Is there something going on in your world?

[B]

Imagine that.

[A]

I did.

[B]

I knew you wouldn't let me down, Mike. Thank you for these birthday greetings. We don't really do birthdays here on Garage Logic, but it's. Apparently it's been done seven times so.

[A]

Far today, so why don't you shut up?

[B]

Thank you, sir.

[A]

What are you doing?

[F]

You're wearing your favorite birthday sweater.

[A]

What are you doing? Blasphemous schooner.

[D]

What are you doing to us here?

[B]

Come on.

[A]

Come on.

[F]

Hey, I got a bit of. I got a bit of good news. There was a gentleman by the Name of Benjamin St. Paul Guy proud St. Paul Guy proud union guy who came in today and said, I'm here for an estimate. Joe sent me.

[A]

Oh.

[F]

So we visited with Ben Benjamin. He. He hit a deer and we're gonna be fixing him up here in the next couple of weeks. But just a very happy g eler, a very proud union guy. And it was just a half hour went by and it seemed like it was five minutes. We just had so much fun.

[D]

So not to nitpick here, but the deer assaulted him. And if you ask the Minnesota dnr, these deer belong to the state of Minnesota. So if you ask me further, the state of Minnesota should be paying for the damage repair on that vehicle because one of their deer hit his vehicle. No.

[F]

I don't know, Kenny. We got some other issues to deal with before that.

[D]

Well, that's nice. Any. Any last minute parting words to send us?

[A]

No.

[D]

Hey, I just want to do.

[F]

This will be.

[G]

I think this will.

[F]

This be the last time we talk before the new year. You guys working next week?

[A]

No.

[D]

No.

[B]

Kinda.

[F]

All right, well then, you know what? Thanks for a great 2025 and everything that you guys do and g lers and all the support. We just appreciate it. So we' even bigger and better. 2026.

[D]

Well, 2026, how many years in business does that make it for Schoonover Body Works? 2026.

[A]

88.

[D]

88 years. And your son Matthew would be the fourth generation Schoonover.

[A]

Copy that.

[D]

And you guys are the official shop of Garagelogic and G allers. You all know why. You've been listening to us talk to Mike for years now. Always rated as one of the top shops in the go away. Happy when you go to schoonoverbodyworks.com thank you, Mike.

[A]

Merry Christmas, Mike.

[F]

Thanks, guys. You too.

[E]

Take care, Mike.

[B]

All right, bye.

[F]

Bye.

[A]

I want to say something important before we go to John and I think Governor Carlson alluded to this. He did not say that walls should resign. He said walls should not run again. And here's what I'm taking from that. I'm getting emails from virtually all the Republican candidates almost on a daily basis. Can I be on the show? Could I be on the show? My answer is this has to be fixed. This can't wait to be fixed. Walls should not run again. And whatever competency has to be brought in right now has to be done. In other words, everyone says, well, I'll be the next governor and I'll clean this up. This needs to be attacked right now.

[C]

Get on the same page.

[A]

This has to be done now. Walls should not run again. I happen to Agree with Carlson. Selfishly, I hope he runs again because I think depending who runs against him, he wouldn't stand a chance. But also for the sake of his own party, he probably shouldn't run again because they need to have somebody that's electable. So he shouldn't run again. But beyond that, this. We can't just sit back and have fun for a year speculating who's going to be governor and then try to clean up this mess. Somebody's got to start attacking this mess today, and it isn't Walls. He's not confident enough.

[C]

What if Walls steps down tomorrow on Christmas Eve? Who do you think is the most logical candidate to run in his place?

[A]

I have no idea. That's the game I don't want to play. I don't want to play politics. I want to play fix this crap that Walz has created. Fix it now.

[D]

Who and how right now, starting January 5th.

[A]

Who and how all finance commissioners get together, get together with the auditor again and close down every nonprofit right now until you're all set on how you're going to properly vet these things in the future. Shut everything down now, Turn every spigot off that's non governmental until you figure out how you're going to vet it and see which is necessary.

[D]

Do they have the power to do that?

[A]

I would think they. I would think they. You know what? I don't know. I'm telling you what I want. I'm not telling you what I know.

[B]

They need to get all those commissioners at the roundtable with the green visors.

[A]

But here's the problem. They haven't done it, so why would they do it now?

[B]

But the small nonprofits that are legit, they should be able to sign off immediately.

[A]

They would have to be able to prove they're legit. They would have to show the numbers. They would have to show the people they're helping get rid of this BS that we're sinking in a swamp here of Walls is making. And I don't want to hear from somebody who said, hey, I'm going to run for governor now. I don't care if you're running for governor now. We got problems that exist today.

[C]

So one year from now when we're having kind of somewhat of the same discussion, and we better not be having.

[A]

The same discussion a year from now.

[C]

And Governor Mike Lindell says I'm no longer going to.

[A]

Well, he's the worst possible thing you could introduce to this. This is ridiculous. This is what I'm talking about.

[E]

I think that's why Chris did it.

[A]

I know he did, and that's untimely.

[C]

I'm sorry.

[A]

No, you're not. You're not sorry, but you're not. The point is.

[C]

Well, that's how much of a clown show it is.

[D]

Here's the problem. I agree with everything you said, Joe, but here's the problem with that. We're not in session right now and we won't be until mid February. And the person I would keep thinking about, as you're saying now, now, now, now, I keep thinking about Lisa Daymuth. She's on the inside and along with her colleagues on both sides of the aisle, they can get something done. But it's not going to happen until February 17th. And you know, as soon as they hit the gavel on that day, this is going to be put on the back burner. They're going to worry about every other little issue before they start arguing about this issue. The next thing you know, it's going to be election time.

[A]

They might be not in session, but the mechanics of the business. If we look at government as a business business, it's a failed business right now. But the mechanics are not. They're there. They're working every day. Finance commissioners are working. Auditors are working. Show us something. Earn your salary. Do something. Agency heads are working.

[D]

And I think Governor Carlson provided the perfect example. Were you as shocked as I was when he said he got in his car and drove up to the community.

[E]

Yeah.

[D]

Where that money was missing.

[A]

Wasn't that wonderful?

[D]

Does that happen now? No, of course not. And that's the kind of action you're talking about. Personal action.

[A]

And then even better, only to discover a guy who, to protect the taxpayers of his town, squirreled the money away in a bank account so it couldn't be touched by the state. That's America.

[D]

Hiding money in the toolbox. Tractor in the back of the shed.

[B]

That's George Janos hiding money under the, the carpet.

[D]

Yes.

[A]

Yes. Here is John Height in his newsroom.

[E]

Thanks, John. You know, back to that conversation. I'm sorry, for a minute, I agree with pretty much everything Governor Carlson said, but none of it's going to happen.

[D]

Yeah, that's what's so disappointing. He's, he's absolutely right. But it's, it just won't work.

[B]

Incumbency.

[E]

The other part is, I'll bet you Chris and Joe get a million emails talking about what a rhino Ernie Carlson is. I'll bet you a million that happens.

[A]

Of course, we got now, but that's.

[E]

Why nothing's ever going to get accomplished. That's my point. And you know, I. I don't want to be the naysayer. I'm usually an optimistic guy, but.

[A]

No, you're not.

[B]

Really.

[A]

You're an optimistic skeptic.

[E]

With some good sayings this week. Plot. What was the one? Plausible.

[A]

Plausible speculation.

[C]

I got to tell you though, we might have a new state fair T shirt idea from Governor Carlson.

[A]

Well, you know what? I'm not going to be at the fair, so go bleep yourself.

[C]

Mediocrity is our excellence.

[A]

Yeah. Here's John Height.

[E]

Thank you, Joe.

[A]

Our news.

[D]

Nothing makes me happier than hate.

[C]

Oh dang it.

[E]

I forgot.

[A]

That's pretty good one too.

[E]

And then underneath you have to put a couple lines and Kenny Olsen so.

[A]

That everybody knows where it came from.

[E]

This news is brought to you by North American Banking Company. Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to order the ringleader of the Feeding Our Future scandal to pay millions of dollars in restitution. 45 year old Amy Bach should pay 5.2 million for her involvement in the scheme, according to prosecutors. Most of the money prosecutors are seeking is in a three and a half million dollar bank of America account seized by the government during the investigation. Bach was convicted earlier this year for stealing federal money from the state through fraudulent meal reimbursement claims to the Min Minnesota Department of Education. The money was supposed to provide meals to children in need during the COVID 19 crisis. Bach and 77 others were accused of claiming nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in reimbursements for millions of meals they said they served, but they didn't serve.

[A]

She's in the slammer, isn't she?

[E]

Yes.

[D]

Two years.

[E]

She and her co defendant remain in custody, Bach and co defendant Saleem Said. Co owner of the the now closed Safari restaurant in Minneapolis, which was one of the main locations for fraudulent claims, were convicted in March. Bak and Said, who was 36 at the time of his conviction, have not yet been sentenced and remain in custody the remainder of the $5.2 million restitution request against Bach seeks payments for various deposits and payments made to entities tied to the scheme, as well as bribes and kickbacks. At trial this year, prosecutors said Bach had pockets about $2 million.

[C]

Rook it's, it's a shame that this all happened because I had reservations to take you up for your birthday at Safari Restaurant tonight.

[B]

She closed. They ought to meet.

[C]

They ought to meet.

[B]

They oughta cash.

[D]

John there's no chance that she has one thin penny left of that 2 million she can't make restitution, sell her.

[A]

House and sell her BMW in her lake place.

[D]

Oh, it's probably already gone, the tape. The, the state takes those assets, don't they?

[E]

Yeah, it sounds like they have the what, three and a half million total. And that's probably.

[A]

Well then take it. Why are we worried about just go get it and put it back in the general fund so Walls can give it away somewhere else.

[C]

Going to say then it can go somewhere else.

[D]

Yeah, I think like the governor said, it's spent already.

[E]

Joe Minnesota sheriffs are calling for Minnesota Corrections Commissioner Paul Chanel to step down over what they called arbitrary and capricious demands that they say have cost taxpayers millions of dollars in harmed county's ability to operate their jails. The Minnesota Department of Corrections is in charge of licensing jails and other local correctional facilities. At their annual winter meeting, the membership of the Sheriff's association approved a resolution that criticized Schnell's oversight for county jails, accusing HIM and the DOC's Inspection and Enforcement Unit of taking actions without consulting the sheriff's first. Some of those alleged actions include reducing the authorized capacity of several jail jails, thereby forcing sheriff's offices to board inmates elsewhere, reclassifying the Otter Tail County Jail from a full service detention center to a 72 hour facility, and supporting legislation and administrative rules like a law requiring jails to supply inmates with prescribed medications that the MSA says would negatively impact jail operations. The letter also accuses the DOC of taking adverse licensing action against multiple jails on the grounds of alleged rule violations when involved fact no rules had been violated and the alleged violation is in fact the personal and arbitrary interpretation of rules imposed in violations of Minnesota statutes. Msa President and Steel County Sheriff Lon Thiel said the jails in Otter Till, Ramsey and Beltrami counties have all faced similar capacity restrictions. A U.S. house committee is expanding its investigation into the fraud here in Minnesota in the social service program programs. They've made new requests for testimony and briefings from state and federal officials. Representative James Comer, the Republican chair of the U.S. house Oversight Committee, announced that the committee would be looking into widespread fraud in Minnesota and on December 22nd. Yesterday, he sent letters to seven current and former state officials, including people who led the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Department of Education and other and current and former staff in those departments. He asked them to provide testimony through in person transcribed interviews, adding in the letter that if you do not voluntary appear for the interview, you will be forced to evaluate the use of the compulsory process.

[A]

I wish Carlson would have said that. Yes, I do believe Walz is stuffing his own pockets, but he did not. And it's not likely that that would.

[C]

Have got us on cnn.

[A]

That Walls is. But what he said without literally saying the words is that no, no, Walls is just an idiot.

[D]

That's what I.

[C]

You know what? You're exactly right. No, he's just.

[A]

He didn't steal anything. He's just that stupid. Just a dunce.

[E]

A 41 year old man found guilty in the murders of Christopher Martell Washington Lewis Mitchell Lemons Jr. And Samantha Joe Moss at a homeless encampment in Minneapolis according to the Hennepin County Attorney's office. According to the complaint. You probably remember this story. Earl Bennett rode an E bike to a town in October 2024, asked to see one of the victims inside and began shooting shortly after being allowed inside. Surveillance video showed him leaving the tent and riding away on his E bike. Washington and Lemons were declared dead at the scene and Moss died later at the hospital. Bennett is scheduled to be sentenced January 16th in the case according to the attorney's office.

[A]

Kenny, in your role as traffic overseer, did you come across something last night about a bicyclist hit on the freeway way?

[D]

I don't know anything about that.

[A]

Okay. I thought I saw that on the Channel 5.

[C]

Really?

[D]

Yeah, that's a possibility. I see it every day.

[A]

But my God, at night on a freeway. Don't be on the freeway on a bicycle.

[E]

Why don't we take a quick break here and talk to Chris Reavers?

[C]

Hi everybody.

[B]

He's scratching his head.

[C]

One of the things that I really enjoy about doing this show, ladies and gentlemen is the ads and the advertisers they have with with us. And I do a lot of research when it comes to those advertisers and I was reading this article in this really cute small town community newspaper about the health benefits of having fantastic water. You know, hydration.

[B]

You got it.

[C]

Hydration is key. And that's the benefit you can have with Hoffman Water in Connecticut. It is. It's a really cute small town community newspaper. Here's the deal ladies and gentlemen. Go with the best. I made the switch years ago. I started a out as a customer of Hofferman Water and Conectico. And you know what? Hydration. Make it a point of emphasis here in the later stages of 2025 and into 2026 and go with the absolute best. Hofferman Water and Connecticut get on the schedule. Have them come out for that free water analysis today. Get on that schedule today. 612-895-2440 or you can also book your appointment [e-mail] either way, get on that schedule schedule, have them come out. They'll give you this thing that's called a water score. And then based upon that water score, they will give you recommendations on how they can upgrade the quality of your water. They have done that with me.

[B]

Is it like this? And it's a touchdown. There's your water score.

[C]

Somewhat similar.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

Very, very similar.

[A]

Got it.

[C]

Whether it's a water softener, an iron rust in order filtration system or a brand new drinking water system, it will work for you and your family. 612-895-2440 or visit hoffermanwater.com Hofferman Water has been proudly serving the state of Minnesota for over 50 years. Do me a favor and mention that you heard about him here on the garagelogic podcast.

[A]

Look at him.

[B]

You cannot stop him. He'll just make a move.

[A]

Joe Suzeray. Well, John, what are you waiting for?

[C]

Well, we're waiting for Kenny.

[D]

Oh, okay. Well do me a favor, turn off those cameras and kill their mics and.

[A]

I'm gonna turn off your mic and.

[D]

I'm gonna tell you what I'm gonna get. Now I expect you people to keep a secret here. I'm gonna tell you what I'm gonna get the roommate for Christmas this year. First of all, I'm gon shopping tomorrow and I'm gonna, I'm gonna tear the town down looking for one of those microwavable dishes that you can do an egg in in 45 seconds. So I'm gonna find her that and I'm also going to for her Christmas gift, I'm going to go out to the shop and I'm going to get a can of seafoam motor treatment, a can of deep creep. And I've been squirreling away the seafoam Bugs be gone. So I'm going to share from my private collection one bottle, a small bottle of bugs be gone for the roommate. And I don't know, I'm debating, do I put them under the tree or should I just put them in her vehicle? You know what, I'm gonna put them under the tree so she'll feel special when she opens those gifts come Christmas morning in front of her whole family. Take my advice folks, if you need a last minute gift for your loved ones, just go to a store and get some seafoam. They make wonderful Christmas gifts. And they make having cylinders and automobiles and cars fun.

[B]

There you go.

[D]

Go A trio of perfect Christmas gifts courtesy of me, your seafoam Santa.

[C]

Hey honey, nothing says I love you like an egg microwavable dish.

[A]

Here's John Height. We're returning to John Height.

[E]

Thank you. Joe. Joe, a story you brought up here. I did find it. A cyclist critically injured after being hit by a driver in St. Paul last night. Responding officers found the man suffering from life threatening injuries on Warner road near Highway 61 at about 6:30 last night. And according to the St. Paul police, the cyclist taken to a hospital or his condition right now is not known. His identity has not yet been released. As of this morning, the driver who hit the cyclist remained at the scene. She reportedly did not show any signs of impairment and was cooperating with police. And St. Paul police say the investigation is ongoing.

[D]

There were two fatals yesterday in southern Minnesota, both involving semi trucks. Yeah. Due to the icy conditions.

[C]

Can I comment on that for just a brief?

[A]

You already have over the years.

[C]

No, yesterday, because William and I were driving back from Wisconsin to get here to work. I could not believe how many Jack. They had to close. 94. Just before you got to Hudson because there were so many jackknife semis.

[D]

Is that.

[A]

Are those inexperienced drivers or just bad weather?

[C]

That was going to be my question because there were several semis that were fine. But is that just due to inexperience?

[A]

I don't know.

[B]

Speed? Are they going so fast?

[D]

They're steering wheel holders.

[C]

Chris Sandals.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Got it.

[E]

In national and international headlines, a new set of Jeffrey Epstein related documents uploaded to the Justice Department's website overnight, comprising about 11,000 files. The Washington Post reported that an earlier tranche of records was briefly posted on Monday, again before being removed without explanation. Among the new tidbits from the documents, a subpoena was served to Mar? A Lago in 2021. Prosecutors seek employment records from the club during the Ghislaine investigation. Ghislaine Maxwell investigation. Internal notes on the flight log show that President Trump took at least eight flights on Epstein's jet in the 1990s. Also, the FBI collected leads about Trump attending parties with Epstein, though the files don't indicate any follow up or corroboration. The president, asked about the previous disclosures at Mar? A Lago on Monday, dismissed the focus on Epstein as a distraction and reiterated that in his words, everybody was friendly with Epstein in Palm Beach.

[C]

Mr. Clinton, yesterday we brought up your swimming suit in that photo in the pool.

[B]

I didn't have one on at that point. You see that chick in the white bikini?

[C]

Were you just there for the photo, sir?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

She wasn't there as a towel girl, that's for sure.

[A]

How come there in the background, there was a person blacked out. We couldn't tell who was.

[E]

Well, that's the.

[C]

That's the victim.

[B]

She didn't black out till later.

[C]

Okay.

[E]

Oh, yikes.

[B]

Whoops. That's not in the report, is it?

[A]

Okay, I don't think that's redacted.

[B]

Retraction?

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

Was that a scheduled blackout?

[B]

I'm not sure.

[D]

Give it about 20 minutes to start working.

[A]

It looks like you were having trouble even floating. Are you a good swimmer?

[B]

Let me just say at that point, I was in pretty deep.

[D]

All right then.

[B]

Yes, sir.

[D]

Okay, then.

[A]

That's. It looked like one of those old pools, like at a YMCA or something. It didn't look very fashionable.

[B]

It reminded me of the old St. Paul Athletic Club.

[A]

Yeah, they had a pool.

[B]

Those guys would go on the roof and they would have wear a diaper, throw around a medicine pool.

[D]

Was there like an inch of scum floating on top? Like the Grotto with the Playboy magic.

[B]

In the corner, right over in the four corners of the pool? Yes, it was. I thought it was a Dairy Queen foam or something like that.

[D]

You could like stick a birthday candle in it.

[B]

Yes, it was rather thick.

[A]

You have any sense of decorum, sir?

[B]

Absolutely not. This was like. It didn't even get to talk to you about the plane rides.

[A]

But I've always wanted to know, Bill.

[B]

Epstein, Air goes sky high.

[D]

Clothing optional.

[A]

What I've always wanted to know, Bill, is how you broke your leg when you were down at Greg Norman's place one winter chasing.

[B]

Yeah, she was a little bit quicker than I was. I'm not as young as I used to be. An old Ark, Arkansas football injury.

[A]

Call it a Dairy Queen foam.

[B]

Yeah, you know, they get that little foam on top.

[A]

Here's John Height.

[E]

Thanks, Joe. Former Vice President Mike Pence's political group is taking top officials from the conservative Heritage foundation amid growing ideological fights within the think tank. Pence's Washington based group, started back in 2021, is called Advancing American Freedom, slated to hire about 15 of Heritage's main employees, including several of its prominent leaders. In an interview, Pence told the Wall Street Journal he had long admired the Heritage foundation, but sees the group now abandoning its principles. He said the foundation had fallen because it had embraced elements of isolationism, stopped backing Ukraine in the war with Russia, and supported some tariffs and backed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As health and Human services secretary, among other things. President Trump has said the US Navy will commission a new class of ships named after him, which the president described as 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built.

[A]

A hundred times? That's amazing.

[B]

They did the calculation because they're pretty powerful.

[A]

100 times more powerful.

[D]

John, is it true they can actually fly, too?

[E]

The new vessels will be the centerpiece of Trump's new golden fleet of advanced warships.

[C]

Oh my God, yes.

[E]

Gold.

[C]

Gold planes, gold ships, everything.

[E]

The here's what he had to say yesterday. In case you're wondering, the US Navy, he said, will lead the design of these ships along with me because I'm a very aesthetic person.

[B]

You're not. They are going to be gold. It's going to be like Trump Tower stuff.

[E]

Speaking of the Navy, a little this a little better Navy story World War II Navy veteran Ira Ike Sh, one of the dwindling number of survivors of the Japanese bombing of Pearl harbor, has died. He was 105 years old.

[F]

Wow.

[E]

Daughter Kimberly Heinrichs told the Associated Press that Shaub died at home early Saturday in the presence of her and her husband. With his passing, there remain about a dozen survivors of the surprise attack, which killed just over 2,400 troops and propelled the United States into war. Shaub was a sailor of just 21 at the time of the attack, and for decades he rarely spoke about the experience. But in recent years, aware that the corps of survivors was dwindling, he made a point of traveling from his home in Beaverton or Oregon to the annual observance at the Hawaii military base, he said in 2023, he made the trip to pay honor to the guys that didn't make it. Despite ongoing concerns about inflation and rising costs, new data shows Americans are continuing to spend this holiday season, often by leaning on credit cards and buy now, pay later options. New data shows consumer spending remains resilient even as the nation's debt reaches record levels levels. Financial experts said more shoppers are choosing to make purchases now and worrying about paying them off later, a trend that extends well beyond the holidays, according to the experts. Meanwhile, the average price of a new car broke the $50,000 barrier this year, according to Kelly Blue Book. The average is over 50. Yep, that's up from 38 grand in 2020. As sticker prices marched higher, so did monthly pay payments. After a few years, car shoppers were undeterred, though many needed new vehicles. And if you fast forward to November of this year, the average monthly payment for a new car according to JD Power was $760.

[F]

Holy crap.

[E]

Wow.

[A]

I, I, I don't buy it.

[D]

And you wonder if the bottom will fall out and it probably won't as long as there are are as long as you can get a loan, you know, a high interest.

[A]

21. John. What is John, repeat the figure. The average price of a new car.

[E]

Is what, 50 grand?

[A]

You can get a hell of a car for a lot less than 50 grand.

[D]

We're talking new cars off the shelves.

[A]

You can get a hell of a new car for a lot less.

[D]

Right, but that's the Average price, Joe. So 30,000 up to 130,000. Average price 50,000.

[C]

That's not like averages work, Joe.

[E]

The other thing this is causing is loans to become longer like Kenny. People can get the loans, they'll take them. We've gone up to 72 month terms of becoming a regular thing and now apparently loans 85 to 96 months are also becoming common for new cars.

[C]

What would the, what would the sticker price be, Joe, of a gold plated Navy piter? Fight or flight? What am I trying to say?

[B]

Commando.

[E]

Battleship.

[C]

Battleship.

[A]

But it'll be a hundred times more powerful. Gold plate.

[B]

It was your first house payment, roughly, do you remember?

[A]

I think with taxes and insurance it was under $500.

[E]

Holy.

[B]

Was that Chef?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Oh my God.

[C]

I'm gonna need all that.

[E]

Former GOP senator Ben Sasse revealed that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and does not have long to live. In a lengthy statement on X, the 53 year old said last week, I've been diagnosed with metastasis.

[A]

I have the worst time with this word metastasized.

[E]

Thank you. Stage 4 pancreatic cancer and I'm going to die. Death is a wicked thief and the bastard pursues us all, said the former senator from Nebraska. Sasse was elected to the Senate in 2014, was reelected to a second term in 2020. Weeks later, he was one of just seven Republican senators who voted to convict Donald Trump of incitement of insurrection in his second impeachment trial after the January 6 Capitol riot. In January 2023, Sasse left the Senate to take up the post of president of the University of Florida, where his appointment was protested by students and faculty due to his opposition to same sex marriage, stances on LGBTQ issues, and lack of experience running such a large institution. Sass left the university presidency at the end of July 2024 after his wife Melissa was diagnosed with epilepsy Though he continued to teach at the school.

[D]

So in case you're wondering, as I was. Pancreatic cancer. Symptoms include jaundice, abdominal pain, unexpected weight loss, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and digestive changes.

[C]

And a sad story, but it also did cause one of the greatest reactions in the history of our time working the other. You recall this?

[E]

No.

[C]

Patrick said to you, joe, what if it happens if I come up with pancreatic cancer? And you said, what's coming up on the ride?

[B]

What's coming up?

[C]

It was pancreatic cancer.

[A]

Well, unfortunately, he. He never had that.

[B]

And you knew that instinctively already?

[A]

He knew that.

[C]

Patrick was fine.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

Let's keep going.

[A]

You know how I operate.

[B]

This is how he operates.

[E]

Other health news. One of the biggest risk factors for developing liver cancer, apparently, is a high fat diet. A new study from.

[A]

Wait a minute. You mean you can. You can drink? Drinking has nothing to do with it.

[E]

Well, I'm sure it has something.

[B]

Give me another steak.

[C]

Doesn't help.

[E]

A new study from MIT reveals how a fatty diet rewires liver cells and makes them more prone to become cancerous. The researchers found that in response to a high fat diet, mature hepatocytes in the liver revert to an immature stem cell. That helps them to survive the stressful conditions created by the high fat diet. But in the long term, it makes them more likely to become cancerous.

[A]

I'm no expert on this whole food deal.

[B]

Okay. What are you an expert on?

[A]

But I.

[B]

That's where I thought you were going. That's where I thought you were going.

[A]

I'm sorry, but I. There are some things that just when you winnow it all down after a long life and you look at all the BS that it confronts you every. Every day. Drink coffee, don't drink coffee. Drink wine, don't drink wine. Do couple things.

[B]

Here we go.

[A]

Number one, never drink pop.

[E]

Okay? Yeah.

[A]

Don't eat fast food and don't eat processed food. Other than that.

[D]

What about old Dutch Ripple chips?

[A]

I eat chips.

[B]

As many as you can.

[A]

Chips all the time.

[B]

You know what? I thought you were going to say your genetics.

[A]

Genetics.

[B]

It doesn't.

[A]

That too. That too. That's obviously the case. Yeah.

[D]

I looked up the symptoms of liver cancer and they're identical to pancreatic cancer.

[A]

Yeah, well, you know, you're looking them up because you're a hypochondriac and you think you got everything he ever mentioned.

[D]

Are you done?

[A]

Are you up to go? Give me a cold pie. See, you shouldn't have Popped here.

[C]

Right.

[D]

The only thing they would add to that is easy bruising. Oh yeah. I knew that would get your attention.

[A]

I knew. Yeah.

[D]

Hold the cart there.

[F]

What?

[B]

Yeah, easy bruising.

[C]

I had to move the operation downstairs.

[A]

I moved everything downstairs.

[C]

The operation.

[E]

The operation.

[B]

The. The act of the operation being moved downstairs and. And him gingerly relocating himself to the lower region.

[D]

How much stuff do you think he just. At the top of the stairs. He just threw because he knew he wasn't going to be able to carry.

[B]

He's Spider man in the. Going down the four steps to get down to the lower level.

[C]

And the reasoning for moving the operation was there's more space.

[D]

And isn't there a landing? Doesn't. Halfway down don't you turn.

[C]

Yes.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

Well, you get to that landing and just kick it the rest of the way.

[D]

I wonder if he puts a chair on that spot for the couch just to take a look.

[A]

All I know is I saw a documentary film. I can't remember the name of it. It was all about corn.

[B]

The corn.

[C]

Big weekend, huh?

[A]

And you don't want to. You don't want to have. You don't want to drink a lot of this corn byproduct.

[C]

Corn syrup.

[D]

Oh, corn syrup.

[A]

You don't want that.

[E]

No, you don't want that.

[B]

But it's okay to eat corn because your body doesn't.

[A]

Corn is great. Cows can't digest corn. For God's sakes.

[B]

We can't either.

[A]

So humans just get rid of it right away.

[B]

But then why do it come out whole kernel anyway?

[G]

What.

[D]

What's up?

[C]

John, I have a question. When you stumbled upon the corn syrup documentary, did you kind of give it the. Oh, wait a minute here.

[A]

What do we got here? I. I was recommended to me. I don't remember the circ. You were just clicking.

[C]

I'm thinking to hell with the Viking game.

[B]

I'm gonna.

[A]

No, I sat out to watch it.

[D]

I. Joe, I think I've seen it myself. They talk about how Coca Cola from Mexico is so much better because they use real sugar.

[C]

Oh, completely agree.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

I never really saw. I guess they don't drink enough to know a difference.

[E]

Real sugar is not good for you.

[A]

You though.

[B]

But better than corn syrup.

[E]

Better than corn syrup. On a level of good or bad.

[A]

Do you really want to drink a lot of stuff that also is in. That makes gasoline? You know, I don't know that the two are even combined.

[C]

Gotcha.

[E]

Yeah.

[A]

Is John done?

[C]

I think so.

[A]

It's up to you.

[C]

You know why he is because until.

[A]

January 5th I have to talk about.

[C]

North American Banking Company investing in your success, ladies and gentlemen, since 1998. And you get that feeling anytime that you walk into any one of their six Twin Cities locations. It's 50th in France. It's Roseville, it's Woodbury, Hastings, Shoreview and also Maple Grove. It's banking done differently, locally owned and operated. Here's why that's important. That means loan decisions are made right here in the Twin Cities. They are not sent out of state. So all of you business owners, owners. This means that you can solve problems quickly and also expand your business with confidence. You see, they deal with numbers every single day. But you, your family and your business are never going to be one of them. It doesn't matter whether you're looking to purchase a home, maybe finance a new home renovation project or get that new overpriced car that you've always been dreaming about. Their experts will make it easy. They also offer the same online updated and mobile banking options as all of those other big national banks. So see it for yourself. Nabankco.com to learn more. Once again, it's banking done differently. North American Banking company member FDIC is an equal housing lender.

[A]

And now a man who has never had a relationship with a tree.

[C]

Joe Sucere Apartments for there is nuts but weearnutsmn.com is here for you. Handmade small batch snacks right here in the great state of Minnesota. Doesn't matter. Cashews, maple bourbon, toffee almonds. I gotta tell you that 14 year old wolfed down about three jars of those cinnamon toffee peanuts on our road trip by the way. But they're wonderful snacks. The Hokey Pokey popcorn, caramel apple popcorn by the way. Really, really good. And also in the addictive. Doesn't matter though. They're all there for you. You can see their entire lineup [e-mail] and you can place your order there or go into any one of your Fratelloni's hardware and garden stores locations, Lunds and Barley's, Kowalski's Markets, Kwiktrip, Cub Foods and now available at Coburn's. Yes, they are also having we are nuts inventory there as well. It's a wonderful family run operation. Great snacks. It's the holiday season so stock up right now. Now with WeAreNuts and WeAreNutsMN.com, place your order and please do me a favor and let them know that you heard about them here on the garage Logic podcast.

[F]

Joe.

[A]

The Lymans will be spending Christmas in New Zealand.

[C]

Oh, how cool is that?

[A]

In Kaiwaka, New Zealand.

[C]

So are we off the ship?

[A]

They've been off the ship for about a week.

[C]

Oh, I thought we were still at sea.

[A]

Well, if you ever listened, you'd know that they put in to port and they've got a house.

[C]

Sorry.

[B]

Well, he. He's under duress because he needs to review the date each time you give a new item. So he's focusing on what day is it.

[A]

And Tom and I emailed today and I thanked him for being such a fun part of the show because I think we're traveling the world with the Limas.

[B]

I feel it.

[C]

We haven't left the studio, but we're traveling.

[A]

Don't you think so, though? I mean, you have to go. You got to do a little Thurber. You got to be a little. You have to have an imagination. Was on this day, Joe, Today is.

[C]

Rookie'S birthday, December 23rd.

[A]

Well, on this day in 1832, Hans. Hans Mattson was born in Sweden. An advocate for Swedish immigration to Minnesota, he established the Vasa colony in Goodhue county in 1853. He served as the colonel of the 3rd Minnesota Regiment during the Civil War and as U.S. consul General in India from 1881 to 1883. In 1877, he founded the Swedish newspaper Minnesota Stats tightening Minnesota State times on.

[C]

This day, Joe, today is December 23rd.

[A]

Well, on this day in 1846, a bill was introduced in Congress to create a territory territory called Minnesota M I n a S o t a. The bill failed, but this was the first legislative use of the name. And on this day, December 23rd in 1926, Robert Bly was born in Madison, Minnesota. After becoming a poet, translator, editor and activist in the men's movement, he wrote numerous books, including the best selling nonfiction work on men and myth, Iron John, a book about men. On this day of Minnesota sports disappointment history.

[C]

Who'd we lose to on December 23?

[A]

In 1998, the Poll Ads announced that Twins will be slashing their payroll from 27 million in 1998-10 to 15 million for the following Christmas following season. Merry Christmas, Twins fans.

[C]

Boy, how times have changed, huh?

[B]

Remember those days?

[A]

On this day, December what?

[C]

December 23rd, question mark.

[A]

In 2001, contraction. Two days after teams gave permission to sell tickets. After two days after teams were given permission to sell tickets, the commissioner said contraction could still happen. Happened in February. So in other words, the Twins were given permission to start selling tickets. Even Though contraction might still happen, which it did not.

[C]

Boy, they tried though.

[A]

On this day, December 23rd in 2016, the Vikings plane slipped off the Runway. I don't remember any of that.

[C]

Is that in Green Bay?

[A]

I don't know. But this past Saturday day, the twins had to turn back their flight to Vikings New York. What did I say?

[C]

Twins.

[A]

The Vikings had to turn back their airplane, got into Wisconsin, suffered mechanical problems and they had to turn back to Minnesota.

[C]

Quick question about that, rook. If Joe was still covering the Vikings because they had issues with the landing gear, how would the mayor have handled issues with the landing gear on a team flight?

[B]

I don't think it would have went well. Let's just put it this way.

[C]

Get me off this.

[B]

I think you would have had an some type of thing to bang through the windshield.

[C]

The give me a parachute, I'm out of here.

[B]

We're going down. Not with me.

[A]

Or not.

[B]

The old cliff leaving.

[A]

Well, those planes are always chartered. I, I, I surprised they had a problem. They were all chartered aircraft.

[C]

Got it.

[B]

Well, they're still, you still have guys that have to load the bag and.

[D]

Have you ever flown on one of those charters?

[A]

I bet you have, many times.

[D]

It's like being it's an airborne animal house is what it is.

[A]

Well, not really.

[D]

Well, yes it is.

[A]

Well, no, no.

[C]

During Kenny's run. It sure was.

[D]

Yes, it is.

[A]

Which team did you ever fly with?

[C]

The Vikings.

[B]

It was during his stint at K Fan.

[D]

It was. Yeah. The Vikings of the early 90s.

[C]

Kenny, I gotta tell you, the day that Mike Morris filled in for Patrick and you and Mike going back and forth about that flight with one of my favorite sports talk segments ever.

[D]

He was my favorite fill in host ever. You could throw Joe, in your absence. I like to throw fastballs, you know, high and inside at the, at the, you know, the host, just to see how they react. He was the only one that would play ball with me.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

The rest of them would be reduced to tears, but this guy was fantastic at the mic.

[A]

Mike Morris. Yeah. Wasn't he the Mr. Strongman or something? Or who am I thinking thinking of.

[D]

What did they call him when he.

[A]

Was on the fan? Superstar.

[D]

Superstar.

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

Do you know who, who was not really schooled at that? That was a fill in.

[D]

I could give you a list.

[B]

Dave Thompson. If you, if you mention something about, you know, something untoward into his ear, he would completely shut down and just not be able to just the blank stare back would be.

[C]

It's a lot like Joe. It's A lot like when the. When you have a substitute teacher for the day.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

You try to see what you can get away with.

[D]

I did that every time.

[A]

Right, Mike?

[E]

Mike used to call me John Hines. I never corrected him.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. Why? You know what? Close enough.

[E]

Sure.

[B]

Greatest was Dave Harrigan saying, I wrote out this promo for you, but I typed it out. Do you want me to transfer it to crayon for you? Just such a wonderful shot.

[A]

Well, G Ellers, hope you have a wonderful Christmas. God knows what awaits us on January 5th. 5th.

[D]

No, no, don't do that. Start over. Merry Christmas, G. Send us away with good cheer.

[A]

G Ellers, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

[C]

Anything else you'd like to wish?

[D]

And a happy New Year.

[A]

Happy birthday. God almighty, I didn't know you remembered me. And Happy New Year too.

[B]

Thank you not to you got big plans. Hey, where are you going doing this.

[C]

We can't have a meeting today. It's your birthday.

[A]

Okay.

[C]

We can't have a six o' clock meeting.

[B]

I thought I was well behaved as a 57 year old.

[C]

You really were. And you know what? You should celebrate rookie's birthday by subscribing to The Garage Logic YouTube.

[A]

Does it embarrass you at all that you're now 57?

[F]

Nope.

[A]

And wearing that sweater.

[B]

And Bob said you're one step closer to 60y and it was the a. Love it. I mean, people love this. At the airport this morning.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Wait, you wore that to the airport?

[B]

Yeah, me and Randy. Me and my buddy Randy, we share the same birthday. Randy got a cake. I got a swift kick in the ass from the boss.

[C]

You Undercover boss? Yes, yes, yes.

[B]

That's what I'm saying.

[C]

Let's go. Happy birthday, bro.

[B]

Thanks, bro.

[C]

Time once again to check in with our guy, Mr. Money Talk. Josh Arnold is with us once again right here in garagelogic. And now is the time for you to do the same. So do not delay, do exactly what I did and pick up that phone and dial 952-925-5608. That number once again is 952-925-5608. When you call that number, you're going to get Josh. And he is there for you for that. Free. Yes, I use the word free. 48 minute financial consultation with Absol. Zero obligation. And he will always give you the straight talk. He will never give you the sugar coated advice. And he is on the line with us once again right here in garagelogic. And Josh, man, oh man, who would have thought that the third quarter GDP would have been up 4%.

[A]

Wow.

[G]

4.3%. Chris. The number came out today, it definitely was delayed because of the government shutdown down. But 4.3%, that's almost a full percent higher than analysts had been expecting. 4.3%. That is just a huge number. Of course, when that number number came out and the personal consumption, consumption expenditure index came out a little bit higher also than had been expected, that means that costs, even though the economy was growing, costs were also up a bit in the third quarter. So that's third quarter being.

[F]

June to.

[G]

The end of September. We're now in the fourth quarter quarter and maybe with the government back working at least until the end of January, we could get statistics coming back, back on track. But with those two, we'll say stronger than expected economic numbers. Initially the market was concerned, oh my goodness, no interest rate cuts coming up. The Fed is, is going to be on pause a lot longer than analysts had expected. And I'm saying you guys just really have not been paying that much attention to what the Fed has been been saying or at least new. Numerous Fed governors have been saying about being cautious with interest rates going forward as the economy is growing at a faster rate than they had expected. 1, 2. Inflation still remains sticky even though the price of energy, a major component is in, we'll say the CPI and the personal consumption index has come down significantly from the beginning of the year until now. The price of oil is down $20 a barrel, which to me is a significant number. It may not necessarily be reflected, collected at many, many pumps, but is still down none nonetheless. Well, in terms of the direction of interest rates, I have been of the opinion that the likelihood of the Fed continuing cutting aggressively next year I think is going to be on hold.

[F]

At.

[G]

Least until the new Fed chief comes in. We'll say next June and then depending on the state of the economy and the state of, we'll say the bond markets, you could see in the second half of 2020 interest rates starting to come down a little bit more aggressively. Another concern, of course is employment. And employment numbers have been trending, we'll say downward, not upward, meaning unemployment has been, we'll say increasing a little, little bit. And the Fed's mandate is for both stable prices, which they control with interest rates and full employment. So the Fed, so that is another concern is where unemployment is going. Meantime, my concern has been more with what companies are doing in, in this type of environment. And my focus, which we've talked about numerous times, has been on companies involved in the Internet which now includes.

[F]

We'Ll.

[G]

Say Internet point three being artificial intelligence and companies around that. And again I do not think there is a bubble in in artificial intelligence. Yes, many stocks in this area are expensive on a price to sales, price to earnings basis. Yes, there are many small companies that can look like we'll say.com bombs from the dot com era at the turn of the century but this is artificial intelligence is going to be with us. There are going to be numerous companies that will benefit from this whether they be Internet related such as Apple, Amazon Meta Alphabet or Google, Microsoft or suppliers such as as the chip companies whether it's Nvidia, amd, Seagate or Micron. And these companies have been bid up in terms of both price.

[A]

And their.

[G]

Earnings have, have followed. And then there are software companies that are beneficiaries such as Palantir and others. And there are places that I would.

[F]

Definitely.

[G]

Not be looking to invest in in this area and that would, that would be some of the going to say the data center companies. But companies such as A coreweaver and Nebias that are very expensive need a lot of capital and that makes them a little bit more on the higher risk side. Second area that I focused in has been on leisure related businesses and many have been on a tear.

[F]

Such as.

[G]

Live Nation, TKO Group or even companies like we'll say like a Netflix which is in the midst of a little battle over with, with Paramount over one Warner, Warner Brothers at this point it's, that's a battle that's going to be interesting to watch. Not one to participate in. And then of course we've got retail and retail has been up as both Visa and MasterCard have reported. Holiday fair traffic at least through them has been up 4%. So that leads or could lead to a very merry Christmas.

[C]

Excellent advice.

[G]

We will say Chris, have a merry, merry Christmas, enjoy your friends and family especially over the next few days and we'll talk to you again on Friday.

[C]

You got it Josh. That's why we come to you for the straight talk and we never get the sugar coated advice. You heard him G elers. Now is the time for you to pick up the phone and make the call for that free 48 minute financial consultation just like I did by dialing 952-925-5608. Josh, once again thank you so much for the time and the chat. Enjoy the rest of your day, enjoy the holidays and we'll talk to you again on Friday.

[F]

Okay.

[A]

Investment services offered by Josh Arnold, investment.

[E]

Consultant llc, a security investment advisor. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

[C]

All investments involve risk. All comments and opinions are Josh Arnold's.

[A]

And do not constitute investment advice. Chris Reavers is a paid endorser.