Real Debate

Greg and Jim discuss a recent article in the Intercept called "The Elephant in the Zoom" and give their takeaways on the current state of activism in the United States. They also discuss the midterms, speculating on the public's reaction to inflation and revelations from January 6th attack on the US Capitol.

Greg and Jim spend this episode discussing the leaked decision by the Supreme Court that will likely overturn Roe v. Wade and potentially cascade into further incursions on previous rulings.

Jeff, Greg, and Jim discuss the current state of social media, specifically Twitter, its impact on public discourse, and the news surrounding Elon Musk's interest in the company. 

The R D P crew talks about inflation, interest rates, and the looming bad news for the economy.  Also, we get closure on the conviction of former US Representative Jeff Fortenberry, discuss the surprising news that Elon Musk has become the largest shareholder in Twitter, and how streaming services have made the movie industry and in particular the Oscars less culturally important.   

In this episode, Greg and Jim discuss the ongoing invasion of Ukraine at the hands of Russia. They also discuss the trial of the US Representative from Nebraska, Jeff Fortenberry, who was found guilty this week in a Los Angeles court of lying to the FBI. 

In this edition of Real Debate, it's a one-on-one with Greg and Jim discussing the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. 

This week's episode is a grab bag topic. Panelists Greg, Jim, and Jeff all choose their favorite story of the week and discuss. The conversation moves from Real Estate to foreign policy in Ukraine and beyond.

Greg, Jeff, and Jim discuss the ongoing global tensions around Russia and Ukraine as well as the international attention on China amid the Winter Olympics. 

A year in review on tonight's Real Debate Podcast. The panel of Greg, Jeff, and Jim decide who wins the RDP Person of the Year Award and the Outstanding Movie or TV Program of the Year Award.

Greg, Jeff, and Jim discuss Russia's military buildup on the border with Ukraine, the fate of the Build Back Better plan in the US, and the latest developments of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

The R D P crew is down to two, with Jim and Greg discussing the startling lack of attention to the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, who was Jeffrey Epstein’s (alleged) accomplice in his underage sex-trafficking ring.  It’s amazing how quiet Big Media gets when friends and acquaintances get caught in a scandal.  The crew also discusses this week’s oral argument before the US Supreme Court on the 15-week abortion ban enacted by the state of Mississippi — signs point to a substantial weakening of the protections of the Roe v. Wade decision, and perhaps even an outright reversal.  Finally Greg and Jim stalk about the ethics of suspended CNN anchor Chris Cuomo and how helped his brother fight back against claims of sexual harassment. 

Greg, Jim, and Jeff discuss the ongoing movement in Congress on reconciliation. They also talk about the arrest of Steve Bannon after being charged with contempt of Congress and the decision by the House to censure Rep. Paul Gosar. 

Greg, Jeff, and Jim discuss the gubernatorial win by Republican Glenn Youngkin in Virginia and the outcome of the Minneapolis police reform amendment. 

Greg, Jeff, and James give their thoughts on the life and career of Colin Powell and discuss the role Joe Manchin is playing throughout negotiations on the reconciliation bill in Congress.

Greg, Jeff, and James discuss the increase in supply chain issues across the globe and the release of the "Pandora Papers" which appear to expose tax avoidance, money laundering, and dirty deeds of some of the world's richest people. 

Greg, Jim, and Jeff discuss the Facebook outage and the overall impact that Facebook's algorithms are having on society. They also address the upcoming debt limit, talks of reconciliation, and the filibuster. They close with at tribute to Dr. Peter Schotten, a professor who was influential in the lives of both Greg and Jeff. 

Greg Abbott, James Crotty, and Jeff Grell discuss the death of Gabby Petito and the decision by Australia to work with the US and the UK on a submarine deal, putting them at odds with France.

Greg and Jim discuss the results of the California gubernatorial recall election, and the implications for national politics.  They then discuss the revelations in Bob Woodward’s new book that General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, took extraordinary measures to keep Donald Trump from recklessly ordering military action during the transition period after the election.

Greg and James discuss the progress and negotiations regarding infrastructure in the US as well as President Biden's decision to leave Afghanistan. 

Greg Abbott and James Crotty discuss the damning revelations surrounding NYC Mayor Andrew Cuomo.

The R D P crew discusses the latest news from the Covid-19 pandemic, with Dr. Chris Colby, our resident scientist.  Topics include the new variants, how the vaccines might or might not work against the new variants; and how to respond to the threat of variants given that the remaining unvaccinated population is continuing to resist getting the shots. 

The panel of Greg Abbott, Jeff Grell, and Jim Crotty discuss Police Violence and Reform, the US Military's exit from Afghanistan, Cuba, and the European Soccer Championships.

Greg, Jeff, and James discuss the latest news, including President Joe Biden's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They also butt heads on the topic of Critical race theory. 

Greg, Jim, and Jeff discuss the ongoing conflict in Israel and Palestine and the Biden Administration's reaction to the natural gas pipeline between Germany and Russia.

Greg, Jeff, and Jim discuss the GOP removal of Rep. Liz Cheney from House Leadership, Golden Globe blowback, and Elon Musk. 

We open with a discussion of the resurgence of Covid-19 in India and how it affects US foreign relations; then we turn to this week’s very low-rated Oscar ceremony (ending with an agreement that streaming is no substitute for the real movie-going experience); and then finish with a discussion of the FBI’s raid Wednesday on the home and office of Rudy Giuliani. 

Greg, Jeff, and Jim discuss the conviction of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, Jr.  

The R D P crew looks at yet another police shooting of a black man, which happened just 3 days ago in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota (a suburb of Minneapolis).  How does this shooting affect the ongoing trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd?  Does it make sense for a trained police officer to mistake her gun for a Taser, and “accidentally” shoot a suspect?  Have we just become numb to these events?  Also, a brief update on the Chauvin trial itself; an update on the reinstatement of the officer who shot Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last summer; and finally some ominous warning clouds coming out of eastern Ukraine, reflecting the build up of Russian troops. 

The RDP panel of Greg, Jim, and Jeff (no Jerad tonight) take a casual look at some of the events in the news, such as the progress of the Derrick Chavez trial, new Senate rules, and the Georgia voting laws.

Greg, Jeff, Jim, and Jerad discuss the news of the week and give their predictions for the near-future of US governance. 

Space and Cryptocurrency are the hot technological frontier; R D P talks about the landing of the Mars rover Perseverance, and the latest developments in cryptocurrency.  Greg observes that exploring the wonders of the universe is happening while poverty and cruelty happen at home; Jeff observes the dark underbelly of cryptocurrency; and Jerad and Jim keep the conversation in bounds. 

First, the R D P crew looks at the causes and results of the Texas weather crisis, why the electrical grid collapsed in freezing weather, and what it means for energy policy as a whole.  Then we look at what has been described as Facebook’s attack on Australia, as our friends down under consider a law requiring Facebook and Google to pay some compensation to local news sources for information which Facebook shares on its network. 

With an estimated 450,000 dead Americans, R D P returns to the Covid-19 pandemic, with returning guest Dr. Chris Colby.  Will vaccination occur fast enough to outpace infections by new variants of Covid-19?  The panelists take stock of recent developments and discuss what victory against Covid-19 might look like. 

The R D P crew debates the aftermath of the January 6th attack on the US Capitol; whether conspiracy charges might apply, and who might be involved; and the impact of the second impeachment of Donald Trump adopted by the House of Representatives.

The R D P panel reacts to the storming of the Capitol by rioters and armed protestors, trying to stop the certification of the Electoral College votes in the presidential election.  Greg, Jerad, and Jeff are appalled at the threat to democracy.  Jim condemns the violence, but claims that the BLM protests last summer were worse. 

The R D P crew looks at the sudden year-end debate over an additional $2,000 stimulus check, which popped up when Donald Trump undercut his own Treasury Secretary in a deal for a smaller stimulus with Mitch McConnell and Nancy Pelosi.  Is this just political chaos, or is Trump playing 11th dimensional chess? We also talk about the Christmas Day bombing in Nashville, Tennessee.  No one is saying so, but is it domestic terrorism?  Can it be described at least as a suicide bombing? 

The R D P crew nominates and debates who should receive the first annual Real Debate Person of the Year Award.  We also debate the criteria for person of the year (listen to how the sausage is made!) but generally speaking we were looking for the person who had the most meaningful impact of the events of 2020, positive or negative.  After some nominations, we narrowed the list down to these finalists:  George Floyd, Mark Zuckerberg, Front-Line Covid Workers, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump.  Listen in to see who won Person of the Year!

The R D P crew re-visits US foreign policy, which has been overlooked in 2020, buried beneath the Covid crisis and election news.  Specifically we look at the more aggressive posture China has been taking against Australia and other Pacific neighbors; and check in with the news on US-Iran relations, and what options the outgoing Trump Administration may leave for the incoming Biden Administration.

2020 has been, so far, an awful year, and as consequence the R D P crew takes a step back and debates people, things, or events in 2020 for which they are thankful.  Both the Dalai Lama and Donald Trump get a mention.  However, one panelist dissents about Baby Yoda (?!!?)

The R D P panel takes a well-deserved break from politics to talk about two science issues: (1) the amazing new Covid-19 vaccines and how they represent a substantial advance in prevention of viral disease; and (2) the transformation of space travel by SpaceX, with the massive reduction in cost which flows from reusable rockets.

The transition for President-elect Biden has yet to announce major news (understandably), so the R D P panel takes a look at Donald Trump’s post-election plans now that he has lost the 2020 presidential election.  Will he create a new cable news network to compete with Fox News?  Is he planning to run again in 2024?  And will conservative plans for alternative social media platforms succeed? 

The R D P crew assesses the results of the 2020 election, who were the winners, who were the losers; and the prospects in the ongoing count in the presidential race.  

The R D P crew lays it on the line for their pre-election predictions.  Does Trump have a path to 270?  Is this election like 2016, or like 1980?  Tune in for our discussion.  The crew also discusses the rather anti-climatic reveal of the identity of the Trump Administration official who in 2018 wrote the famous “Anonymous” Op-ed in the New York Times.

Greg, Jerad, and James give their predictions on the 2nd Presidential Debate of 2020. With the new microphone limitations, will this debate take on a much different tone from the last one? 

The panel also discuss the allegations regarding Hunter Biden and how it could play into the overall dynamics of the debate. 

How do we know what is real or not?  How do we fight an addiction to social media when the only way to reach people is social media?  After a brief recap of the Supreme Court nomination hearings, the RDP takes a head trip through disinformation and the social media landscape, through the lens of today’s New York Post story about Hunter Biden’s missing laptop. WARNING - there are no happy endings in this episode. 

Should we be concerned by Trump’s refusal to commit to a peaceful transfer of power? Greg, Jeff, Jerad and Jim game out the scenarios.  The panel also discusses the politics of Trump’s pending nomination to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, this year and in the future.

Greg, Jerad, Jeff, and James give their reactions to the first Presidential Debate of 2020. Some common themes emerge from everyone's takeaway...

Greg, Jeff, James, and Jerad all bring a number of issues that have been a part of this year and discuss what, if any, impact they will have on the 2020 US Election. 

All presidents mislead or deceive the public from time to time —  the real question is when is it justified to do so?  The Real Debate panel explores the topic, debating example from recent U.S. history.  The panel concludes, in part, presidents lie because the public prefers optimistic, happy messages from their president, and punishes presidents who deliver bad news.  

BYOT - bring your own topic!  This episode is a grab bag, the panelists suggest their own.  Greg brings up breaking news, including a plethora of post-convention polling, and a new Trump executive order to designate certain cities as “anarchist jurisdictions” for the purpose of denying them federal funding.  Jim talks about his office’s work on the future of the agriculture; Jeff and Jerad go meta on what it all means.  

They were the best of conventions, they were the worst of conventions: What worked and what did not work.  A surprisingly agreeable panel analyzes the DNC and RNC, with some predictions for November. 

Greg, Jim, and Jerad put their stamp on the crisis facing the U.S. Postal Service, its connection to the election, and the importance of universal mail service to the nation. 

Like a wily coyote chasing a swift roadrunner, Greg, Jim, and Jerad discuss the selection of Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for Vice-President.  There are clever schemes, and interesting diversions.  Do the panelists fall off a cliff?  Listen and find out!  Veep, Veep!  

The panel discusses news of the week, including an update on the Covid-19 pandemic stats in the United States.

The panel (all together for the first time in 3 weeks) discusses the riots in Portland and the legality of the Trump Administration response.  Greg notes that federal law permits use of federal officers to defend federal property, noting that Trump’s actions (so far) are legal but are ill-advised.  Jeff decries Trump’s inflammatory deployment of “secret” police in nondescript uniforms without insignia or name badges.  Jim argues that ongoing riots threaten public safety and might well be a form of domestic terrorism, supporting the extension of these efforts into other cities.  Jerad, who has friends and family in Portland, contends that the federal response has made the situation worse, and that Trump’s action recklessly inflamed a situation that was otherwise improving.  The panel draws a distinction between undercover police surveillance, which require anonymity, and police openly suppressing riots in anonymous camouflage; and concludes with a debate about federal intervention in local police issues. 

Returning from a break over the Fourth of July holiday, Jim, Jerad, and Greg take a mid-year look at the state of the country.  Greg runs through the current situation for the coronavirus pandemic, the economy, and the presidential election; Jim gives a behind-the-scenes look at congressional appropriations on under-the-radar issues like research funding for ALS and rural broadband access; and Jerad laments that we continue to drift into the darkest of timelines with no uniting directives from the Executive Branch. The panel concludes with a debate over presidential leadership in a time of crisis, and specifically if Trump’s response to the pandemic can be compared to Obama’s response in Syria or Bush going into Iraq as a response to 9/11.

Unlike most of America, the COVID-19 pandemic did not take three weeks off to protest police violence.  Chris Colby returns to the pod as the COVID-19 expert, and gives updates on the pandemic, including new hot spots in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, and other places with medium-density population centers.  Chris and Greg discuss whether wearing masks is effective (SPOILER: They protect other people, wear them).  Jeff and Jerad describe the social pressure to avoid mask wearing, and how mask wearing has become a political football.  Jim closes out the COVID-19 discussion with a concise and efficient discussion of the politics of the pandemic.  In the final ten minutes, the panel discusses the revelations in John Bolton’s new book, concluding that even if Bolton’s allegations are true it won’t change anyone’s mind about Donald Trump. 

After last week’s intense discussion of racism, the REAL DEBATE panel (Jeff, Jerad, Jim, and Greg) focuses on the practical questions of police reform. Greg describes a reform bill authored by Democrats in the House, and Jim gives an early handicap on its prospects. Jerad and Jeff contend we should take the slogan “defund the police” seriously, arguing for a complete reset in community police relations.  Greg suggests that replacing part of the police function with a social service function will *improve* police effectiveness by taking away duties that police are ill-equipped and unmotivated to perform.  The panel concludes that a sea change of public opinion is happening, and that big changes are afoot.  

The Real Debate panel discusses the death of George Floyd and protests erupting in Minneapolis.  Greg describes the dark history of police violence in Minneapolis, and why it persists in one of America’s most progressive cities.  Jim finds parallels between the Minneapolis riots and the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles; Jerad argues the divisive and explosive rhetoric of the Trump era is a factor leading to violence; Jeff admits he himself has problems with police despite being the whitest man in America. 

The panel takes stock of America’s standing in the world on this Memorial Day weekend, with a raucous debate in which Greg is outnumbered 3-to-1.  Jim, Jeff, and Jerad recite the litany of mistakes the US has made over the last several decades, creating an opening for China. Greg erupts in response, pointing out that nearly all of America’s problems are self-created, and if it can get out of its own way, the US is still unmatched in its ability to project power, solve problems, and spread peace and prosperity around the globe. Greg concedes that the American political system is holding the US back, and Greg and Jim have a dialogue about how foreign powers exploit our political problems for their gain.

Can the Center Hold in the age of Cable News and Social Media?  This week's panel (Jeff, Jerad, Jim, and Greg) bemoans the state of political debate in the age of cable news and social media. Greg describes the forces that pull the new media to the extremes at the expense of the middle.  Jim and Jerad discuss the philosophical implications of the modern media world - can argument produce synthesis or does it just push people away?  Jeff argues that the ambiguity of language is a powerful tool that most people use without knowing it, and that they trap themselves into artificially rigid positions.  Greg concludes by going (or trying to go) positive, arguing that Americans will get practical when they need to, Jim predicts we will muddle through, and Jerad thinks it needs to get worse before it gets better. 

The Real Debate panel discusses the oncoming Coronavirus crisis; Chris Colby joins the podcast to offer some expertise about how the virus operates, and why the numbers are potentially so bleak. The panel grapples with the ramifications.  

The Real Debate panel discusses Joe Biden's huge win on Super Tuesday. Jeff confesses to a last minute vote for Biden; Greg points out Bernie Sanders' lost opportunity to close the deal with Democratic voters; Phil discusses the youth vote (or lack thereof); Jared closes with a reminder of the ongoing illegality of Bill Barr's Justice Department. Greg also notes that the future primary calendar looks very grim for Bernie Sanders' prospects.

The Real Debate panel is down to two tonight, with Greg Abbott and Jeff Grell, who discuss the latest news about the Coronavirus, and how Trump's narcisscism is affecting the government's response. 

Greg and Jeff also discuss the latest in the Democratic presidential race, including Mike Bloomberg's ritual political suicide in Nevada, Joe Biden's prospects in South Carolina, and whether Biden can carry momentum into Super Tuesday.

Topic 1: Pardons. The panel discusses Trump’s Pardon-Palooza, debating if it’s strategy, a perfomative display of masculinity for his base, or a distraction for another Trump scandal (or all three). Topic 2: Coronavirus. Greg lists some reasons why the coronavirus threat could be far worse than you believe (noting that 10% of the total global population is *already* under quarantine in China. Phil, recently back from Asia, is more optimistic. Topic 3: the panel discusses the Democratic presidential primary, causing Jeff intense anxiety when he is forced to choose between Bernie Sanders and Michael Bloomberg.

Jerad and Greg talk about the Iowa caucus disaster; Trump’s State of the Union address; and the sizeable anti-establishment majority in American politics and it’s ramifications for the rule of law. Jerad and Greg finish with a brief discussion of Trump’s acquittal in the impeachment trial.

Jeff, Jerad, and Greg react to the first day of Trump’s impeachment trial; hail Adam Schiff’s excellence and note the lack of candor and preparation from Trump’s team; and finish with some predictions about the Democratic presidential race.

Greg, Jeff, and Jerad discuss the abrupt departure of Republican Dan Cohen from the podcast, and what that means for communicating with friends and family who support Trump. They then discuss the U.S. strike that killed Iranian General Soleimani and finish with The Song That Will Never End, that is, the latest on impeachment.  

The Real Debate panel argues two propositions: (1) Should the Democrats delay voting on impeachment of Donald Trump?; and (2) Should Michael Bloomberg be running for President? Along the way, Greg, Jeff, Dan and Jerad ask if Pete Buttigieg is too conservative, if Michael Bloomberg is too short, and whether Joe Biden is too old. Dan defends the Electoral College, Jerad points out that Lev Parnas and Don McGahn are critical witnesses, Jeff is in despair over the Democratic field of candidates, and Greg is curiously optimistic about Joe Biden’s chances.

The Real Debate panel (Greg Abbott, Jeff Grell, and Dan Cohen) argues whether Donald Trump has the right to confront the whistleblower; whether the mainstream media, e.g., the New York Times, is as dishonest as Donald Trump; and then discusses the best argument for the other side. During the discussion, Dan complains that Democratic candidates lack substance but also criticizes Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren for proposing big, expensive health care plans; Greg draws parallels between Ronald Reagan and Elizabeth Warren; and Jeff’s proposed defense of Trump raises the specter of an elected dictatorship.