Podcast Summary: Real America's Voice

Episode: The Road Forward – February 22, 2026
Host: Dr. Tim Clinton
Guests: David Brody, Todd Lamphere, Dr. Jerry Newcombe, Gary Bauer
Theme: “America at a Crossroads: Faith, Leadership, and the Path Forward”

Episode Overview

This episode of “The Road Forward,” hosted by Dr. Tim Clinton, dives into the pivotal issues facing America in 2026 as the country approaches its 250th birthday. Through engaging interviews with key conservative voices—David Brody, Todd Lamphere, Dr. Jerry Newcombe, and Gary Bauer—the episode explores the intersection of faith, culture, politics, and leadership.

Major focuses include the upcoming State of the Union address by President Trump, the political landscape ahead of the midterm elections, shifts in the influence of faith communities, immigration and border policy, cultural debates, and the enduring relevance of America’s founding values. The tone is urgent but hopeful, emphasizing prayer, action, and a return to spiritual and constitutional roots.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. State of the Union & Political Climate

With: David Brody (Chief Political Analyst, CBN; Host, American Sunrise)
Timestamps: 05:13–14:40

• Anticipation for President Trump's State of the Union:

  • The episode opens with predictions that Trump will deliver a headline-grabbing and confrontational speech, with both policy highlights and political theater.
  • “It’s always a spectacle with President Trump… The State of the Union is a reset—not because the president’s policies aren’t working, but he has to reset it from a PR standpoint.” (David Brody, 05:40)

• Key Issues Expected:

  • The panel lists the hot topics likely highlighted: the economy, immigration, electoral integrity, national security, Middle East geopolitics, and faith.
  • Memorable moment: “It’s the economy, stupid. As James Carville would say. I’m not calling you stupid, Tim. I just want to be very clear.” (David Brody, 06:20)

• Midterm Elections Outlook:

  • Brody points to more toss-up races on the Republican side, suggesting a challenging road ahead, but notes that economic performance closer to Q3 may shift the narrative.
  • “If I were a betting man, and I’m not, but if I were, I wouldn’t bet the House, so to speak. As a matter of fact, I’d bet against the Republicans keeping it—there’s some work to do.” (David Brody, 08:50)

2. The Rise of Faith & Cultural Influence

Timestamps: 09:21–11:56

• Religious Momentum:

  • Host and guests remark on renewed Bible sales, increased church attendance among young people, and faith-based movements like “America Prays.”
  • President Trump’s declaration of May 17 as a national day for faith rededication is spotlighted.
  • “Will the faith community rise to the occasion?...I’m not convinced of it. The problem is he’s not on the ballot.” (David Brody, 10:44)

• Skepticism about Evangelical Impact:

  • While faith is surging culturally, Brody expresses doubt that evangelical turnout will match previous levels without Trump himself on the ballot—citing disaffection with establishment Republicans.

3. Transgender Ideology Debate

Timestamps: 11:56–14:21

• Recent Controversies & Media Narratives:

  • Discussion covers recent acts of violence involving transgender individuals.
  • Critique of mainstream media’s language in covering transgender-related events:
    “The way they phrase it now...they’ll say a man or they’ll say a woman...then they’ll say a person with two different names.” (David Brody, 12:51)

• Faith-Based Framing:

  • Brody and Clinton frame transgender identification as a “mental illness,” urging compassion but stressing the need to “speak truth in love.”
  • “There’s only one truth, and it’s found in the Bible, and it means two genders only.” (David Brody, 13:15)

4. Immigration, ICE, and the Propaganda War

With: Todd Lamphere (Senior VP, City Serve; National Faith Advisory Board)
Timestamps: 19:06–28:03

• Firsthand Border Observations:

  • Lamphere describes changes across administrations, stating that Trump’s policies, especially deportations and strict enforcement, are making a visible difference.
  • “It’s the tale of two administrations as it relates to the border. Under President Trump, it came to a trickle…and now back to a trickle again.” (Todd Lamphere, 19:51)

• ICE Agents and Law Enforcement:

  • Discussion of varying local cooperation—pointing to differences between Miami (cooperation, more arrests) and Minneapolis (lack of cooperation, fewer arrests).
  • “It’s the leadership in those cities…Miami, for instance, local law enforcement are working hand in hand with ICE to deport the bad element.” (Todd Lamphere, 22:34)

• Media and Political Messaging:

  • Concern expressed about politicians demonizing ICE, claims that agents are being “doxxed” and harassed, and worries about public perception leading to real-world consequences.

• Overload and Resilience:

  • Clinton raises concerns about news “overload” and emotional exhaustion, urging listeners to remain informed and engaged.
  • Lamphere cites Hosea 4:6 (“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”) as a call to action.

5. American Roots and the Case for Founding Values

With: Dr. Jerry Newcombe (Executive Director, Providence Forum; Senior VP of Public Policy, Dr. James Dobson Family Institute)
Timestamps: 32:59–42:20

• America 250: Foundations and Warnings

  • Deep dive into the philosophical and religious roots of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
  • “The declaration…that is our nation’s birth certificate. The Christian faith played a key role in both of these things.” (Dr. Jerry Newcombe, 33:42)
  • Notable quote: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” – Quoting John Adams (35:57)

• Perils of Forgetting God:

  • Cites Patrick Henry: “It is when a people forget God that tyrants forge their chains.” (Dr. Jerry Newcombe, 41:12)
  • Emphasizes the need for courageous, faith-rooted leadership in navigating present crises.

6. Leadership, Liberty, and the Coming Midterms

With: Gary Bauer (President, American Values; SVP, Dr. James Dobson Family Institute)
Timestamps: 44:12–51:49

• State of the Union Predictions:

  • Bauer anticipates a forceful, possibly frustrated Trump outlining accomplishments and pressing the case for unity around America’s founding ideals.
  • “This is an experiment, one of the greatest in the history of the world—of ordered liberty under God. We have differences, but we ought to unite in love of our country.” (Gary Bauer, 45:50)

• Centrality of Faith:

  • Bauer insists that a national turning back to God is “the central idea of our country.”
  • “America couldn’t be great unless it was godly. Everything that they did was aiming to have this country…recognize that our liberty comes from God.” (Gary Bauer, 49:07)

• Political Warning & Call to Action:

  • Virginia’s political shift cited as a warning of potential national realignment if voters become complacent.
  • “Anybody that stays home on this upcoming election day…you are failing your responsibility as a citizen and a free nation and a follower of Jesus to preserve liberty.” (Gary Bauer, 51:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It’s the economy, stupid.” (David Brody, 06:20)
• “Do I think folks of faith…will rise up? I’m not convinced of it…Trump is not on the ballot.” (David Brody, 10:44)
• “The words mental illness are meant with compassion for that person…They need Jesus, and then after that, they need help.” (David Brody, 13:00)
• “It is when a people forget God that tyrants forge their chains.” (Patrick Henry, cited by Dr. Jerry Newcombe, 41:12)
• “America couldn’t be great unless it was godly.” (Gary Bauer, 49:07)
• “You are failing your responsibility as a citizen and a free nation and a follower of Jesus to do what you must do to preserve liberty.” (Gary Bauer, 51:09)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• State of the Union Discussion: 05:13–09:21
• Faith & Election Impact: 09:21–11:56
• Transgender Ideology Debate: 11:56–14:21
• Immigration and Border Issues: 19:06–28:03
• Historical Foundations & Faith: 32:59–42:20
• Leadership and Liberty: 44:12–51:49

Concluding Reflections

Throughout the episode, Dr. Tim Clinton and his guests emphasize the pressing need for a return to biblical principles, engagement in civic life, and courageous, faith-informed leadership. The challenges facing America are acknowledged with solemnity and urgency, but the message is ultimately hopeful: turning to faith and active citizenship can forge a more resilient and principled future.

Dr. Clinton closes with encouragement drawn from Scripture, resources for those struggling with mental health, and a call to both spiritual renewal and practical action.