Practically Political

Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis reunite in person for a spirited discussion on the shifting dynamics of American politics. The trio analyzes Senator Tom Tillis's retirement announcement and what it means for moderate Republicans in Trump's GOP, while exploring whether there's any value left in being a "swing vote" senator. They dive deep into the shocking NYC comptroller primary upset, where 33-year-old socialist Zoram Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo, examining what this says about the anti-establishment mood gripping both parties. The hosts also tackle the recent U.S. military strikes on Iran, debating the administration's "obliteration"...

Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis break down the week's most consequential political developments. From Israel's devastating strikes on Iran's weakened regime to Trump's controversial deployment of National Guard and Marines on American soil, the hosts examine how close we are to major flashpoints both abroad and at home. Plus, they analyze whether Republicans in Congress will actually stand up to Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" or cave like they always do. Recorded live on June 18, 2025.

What You'll Hear:

Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis discuss the political chaos surrounding the massive budget bill heading to the Senate, examining the growing rift between Trump and Elon Musk over fiscal policy. The hosts explore whether this could be the beginning of the end for their relationship, discuss the Republicans' struggle with their fiscal conservative identity, and debate healthcare policy solutions. Plus, they analyze Ukraine's brilliant drone operation against Russia and what Putin's threatened retaliation might mean for future U.S. support. A no-holds-barred conversation about political lies, budget realities, and the art of war.

Relevant Links<...

Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis examine the recently passed House spending legislation, including its impact on Medicaid coverage, tax policy changes, and the political implications for Republicans who voted for it. The discussion also covers new reporting about President Biden's health timeline and prostate cancer diagnosis, analyzing the political fallout and questions of transparency. Additionally, the hosts discuss broader challenges facing the Democratic Party, including messaging strategy and voter outreach across different demographics. The conversation concludes with analysis of congressional dysfunction and historical patterns in American politics.

Further Reading

House Spending Bill & Medicaid...

In this episode, Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis dive into Trump's controversial tariff policies and their impact on international trade. They explore the implications of recent trade deals, discuss the complex relationship with China, and examine the developing situation with Iran. The conversation provides insights into how these decisions might affect the American economy and global relationships.

Join Dave Spencer, Ashley Davis, and Kurt Bardella for a passionate analysis of the political landscape that feels like it's shifting by the hour. In this episode, the trio dives deep into the Garcia immigration controversy dividing Democrats, the market-rattling impact of Trump's tariff policies, and what it means for everyday Americans watching their retirement accounts. Ashley brings her homeland security expertise to explain why Republicans see immigration as a winning issue, while Kurt questions the administration's economic strategy that has CEOs in panic mode.

The conversation shifts to the Democratic leadership void, with AOC's surprising rise...

In this farewell episode, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield engage in their final spirited debate after four years of collaboration. The duo tackles controversial topics including Trump's tariff policies, immigration enforcement tactics, democracy concerns, and the administration's government cutbacks. As Sheffield prepares to depart the show, tensions rise over fundamental disagreements about presidential power, due process, and America's global relationships. Despite their opposing viewpoints, Spencer and Sheffield reflect on years of respectful dialogue during tumultuous political times, ending their partnership with mutual respect amid deep ideological divisions.

In this episode of Practically Political, hosts Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis dive into the recent Trump administration scandal involving classified information shared on Signal messaging app. The trio examines the national security implications and whether there will be any accountability for this major breach. They also discuss Trump's puzzling obsession with making Canada the "51st state" and how this rhetoric is reshaping Canadian politics ahead of their election. The conversation shifts to Chuck Schumer's controversial budget deal, the future of Democratic Party leadership, and the challenges Democrats face connecting with working-class voters. Join our hosts for...

In this dynamic premiere of Practically Political's new trio format, host Dave Spencer is joined by permanent co-hosts Kurt Bardella (former Republican turned Democrat) and Ashley Davis (Republican strategist) for a candid analysis of the current state of politics. The panel dissects Trump's lengthy address to Congress and the Democrats' ineffective response, debates the likelihood of a government shutdown, and explores Kamala Harris's potential run for California governor.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as they evaluate who might lead both parties in 2028, with surprising mentions of ESPN's Stephen A. Smith and The Rock as potential Democratic candidates...

Join Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield as they host Gabriella Hoffman, Director of the Energy and Conservation Center at Independent Women's Forum, for a spirited debate on America's energy future. The discussion covers crucial topics including climate change policy, Trump's environmental legacy, Biden's energy initiatives, critical minerals competition with China, and the potential of nuclear energy. This episode highlights the complex balance between environmental conservation and energy development, while exploring how different political perspectives approach these challenges.

In this heated discussion, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield dive into the controversial first ten days of Trump's new presidency. They debate the merits of recent presidential pardons, contentious political appointments, and the emerging relationship between Trump and tech industry leaders. Spencer raises concerns about executive competence and constitutional issues, while Sheffield defends the administration's early actions. The episode features a passionate exchange about accountability, national security, and the role of oversight in government.

In this lively pre-inauguration episode, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield debate the prospects of Trump's upcoming second term. They explore how Trump has changed since 2017, assess his first-term legislative accomplishments, and discuss key challenges ahead, including immigration policy, Ukraine relations, and economic concerns. The hosts offer contrasting perspectives on Trump's evolution as a leader, with Sheffield arguing he's more focused and disciplined, while Spencer expresses skepticism about fundamental changes in Trump's governing style. The episode concludes with Spencer's pointed criticism of outgoing President Biden's decision to run for reelection. Throughout their spirited exchange, the hosts provide insight into...

Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield share their picks for the biggest winners and losers of 2024 in this New Year's special episode. They discuss President-elect Trump's victory, the rise of tech oligarchs, the fall of DEI initiatives, and crucial economic challenges facing the nation in 2025.

Former congressional candidate Karina Lipsman joins hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield to discuss the 2024 election results, her work at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, and Trump's controversial cabinet nominees. Drawing from her personal experience growing up in Soviet Ukraine, Lipsman shares insights on the dangers of communist ideology and the foundation's efforts to educate younger generations. The hosts engage in a spirited debate about economic policy, Trump's legacy, and the qualifications of potential cabinet members, particularly focusing on Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense.

In this episode of Practically Political, Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield sit down with Republican strategist Ellen Walter to discuss the latest developments in American politics. Walter, a key figure in Glenn Youngkin's successful Virginia gubernatorial campaign and veteran of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, offers insider perspectives on the Pennsylvania Senate recount, the evolution of Republican early voting strategy, and the challenges of navigating Trump-era politics. The conversation then shifts to a lively debate about Trump's controversial cabinet nominations and what they signal for his potential second term. Walter shares valuable insights from her extensive grassroots campaign experience...

In this compelling episode, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield dive into the aftermath of a historic presidential election that saw Donald Trump defeat Kamala Harris. The co-hosts engage in a spirited debate over what led to Harris's defeat, with Spencer identifying three critical campaign mistakes and Sheffield highlighting shifts in demographic voting patterns, particularly among Latino and Black male voters. They explore controversial topics including gender policies, economic factors, and the role of early voting in the election's outcome. The discussion heats up as they examine concerns about institutional guardrails and debate the impact of various legal cases...

In this spirited episode of Practically Political, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield engage in a candid discussion with Mandy Gunasekara, former Trump EPA Chief of Staff and author of the new book "Y'all Fire: A Southern Belle's Guide to Restoring Federalism and Training the Swamp." The conversation delves into controversial topics including the 2020 election, the role of federal bureaucracy, and potential changes to government agency staffing. Gunasekara shares personal experiences from her time at the EPA while defending Trump administration policies, leading to passionate debates with Spencer about democratic institutions and the peaceful transfer of power. The episode...

In this impromptu yet riveting episode of Practically Political, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield sit down with conservative legend and nationally syndicated columnist Cal Thomas in Middleburg, Virginia. Thomas offers candid insights into evangelical support for Trump, drawing fascinating parallels between Biblical figures and modern political leadership. The conversation evolves into a spirited debate about the potential risks of a second Trump term, the state of American democracy, and the future of the Republican party.

The hosts and their distinguished guest tackle pressing issues including voter priorities, institutional guardrails, and the delicate balance between traditional conservative...

In this spirited episode of Practically Political, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield engage in a lively debate on pressing political issues. The duo discuss the current state of the US economy, media bias, and foreign policy challenges.

They begin by examining the disconnect between positive economic indicators and public sentiment, with Dave arguing that Trump's rhetoric is damaging to national morale. Carrie counters by highlighting inflation's impact on everyday Americans.

The conversation then shifts to media credibility, focusing on recent controversies surrounding CBS News. Both hosts agree on the importance of journalistic integrity while...

In this episode, the hosts explore the strategic motivations behind calls to end the filibuster, examine the most competitive Senate races, and evaluate Speaker Mike Johnson's performance. Dave and Carrie also engage in a spirited debate about Trump's approach to NATO and Russia.

In this engaging and thought-provoking episode, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield sit down with special guest Bill Walton, host of The Bill Walton Show and a key figure in planning the Trump economic policy in 2017. Bill brings his vast experience in economics and policy to the table as they dive deep into the recent debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

The episode kicks off with a fascinating discussion about the visual dynamics of the debate and Kamala Harris's stage presence compared to Trump's. Bill Walton shares insights into how different issues were emphasized by each...

In this episode of Practically Political, Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield dive deep into the aftermath of the Democratic National Convention and its implications for the 2024 presidential race.

Key topics include:

Dave and Carrie offer contrasting viewpoints on Harris's record, Trump's legacy, and the effectiveness of both campaigns' strategies. They also explore how key issues like...

In this conversation, the hosts and guest, Keli Goff, discuss Kamala Harris and the current state of the presidential race. They explore topics such as Kamala's likability, the media's role in the election, and the challenges faced by both candidates. The conversation touches on issues like the economy, foreign policy, and the preferences of different voter demographics. Overall, they highlight the importance of the candidates' personalities and the need for a focus on policy issues in the media. The conversation explores the potential challenges and strengths of Kamala Harris as the Democratic vice presidential candidate. The discussion focuses on...

Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield dive deep into the aftermath of the Trump assassination attempt, debate the merits of JD Vance as VP pick, and explore the challenges facing Kamala Harris as she steps into the presidential race. The hosts offer contrasting views on crime statistics, immigration policy, and the controversial Project 2025, providing listeners with a balanced perspective on the evolving political landscape.

In this conversation, Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield interview Charlie Gasparino, a journalist and author, about the presidential election and his upcoming book. They discuss the performance of Joe Biden, the potential role of Kamala Harris as the first DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) potential president, and the influence of Wall Street on politics. They also delve into the impact of DEI policies on corporations and the backlash they face from the American people. Gasparino shares insights from his book, which explores the infusion of politics into corporate boardrooms and the subsequent pushback.

In this episode of Practically Political, Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield discuss the support for Donald Trump among Black men and the upcoming presidential debates. They also touch on topics such as inflation, tech regulation, and the loyalty of Republican politicians to Trump. The conversation highlights the importance of policy over personality and the need for candidates to connect with voters on issues that matter to them.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:24 Inflation and Economic Concerns
05:30 Silicon Valley's Views on Tech Regulation
08:21 The Economy and Consumer Sentiment
27:41 Loyalty to Trump and Republican Politicians
31:54...

In this special episode of Practically Political, host Carrie Sheffield is joined by guest Carla Sands, former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark and Republican Senate candidate from Pennsylvania. Together with  co-host Dave Spencer, they dive into a spirited discussion about the future of the Republican Party and the key strategies needed to win in 2024.

Ambassador Sands emphasizes the critical importance of Republicans embracing early voting, citing examples from her own Senate race and other key states where Democrats have capitalized on this voting method. The conversation also turns to President Trump's legal troubles and their potential impact o...

Chapters

00:00 FDIC Chairman's Resignation and Political Fallout

06:19 Debating the Supreme Court's Moral Standards

11:59 Nikki Haley's Support for Donald Trump and Political Strategy

27:32 Remembering Alice Stewart: A Tribute to a Friend

In this spirited episode, former Republican Congressman Dave Brat debates hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield on hot-button issues like illegal immigration, the integrity of the 2020 election, and the war in Ukraine. While the discussions are passionate and the disagreements are sharp, the conversation remains friendly and highlights the importance of open and honest dialogue across political divides.

In this conversation, Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield discuss various topics including Nikki Haley's refusal to endorse Trump, Trump's outreach to voters, college demonstrations, spirituality and mental health, and the impact of the trial on Trump's candidacy. They also touch on the reputation of the Trump administration, the importance of logistics in elections, and the economic challenges faced by the Biden administration. Overall, they highlight the need for effective communication, community building, and a focus on policy and the economy in order to win over voters.

In this episode of Practically Political, special guest Charlie Sykes joins hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield to discuss the current political climate and key issues heading into the 2024 election. The conversation covers the challenges Biden faces with inflation and border security, the recent developments in Republican support for Ukraine aid, the looming US debt crisis, and the potential impact of Donald Trump's legal troubles on the upcoming election. Sykes, a prominent conservative voice, shares his insights on these topics and the overall state of American politics as the nation looks ahead to what promises to be a contentious...

In this episode of Practically Political, hosts Carrie Sheffield and Dave Spencer engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the challenges faced in today's polarized political climate. They delve into the public's dwindling trust in media, examining potential biases in reporting and the impact on shaping public opinion. The conversation also touches upon the complex issues surrounding illegal immigration, its perceived impact on the civil rights of U.S. citizens, and the need for a more merit-based immigration system. Additionally, the hosts address the controversy surrounding the Transgender Day of Visibility coinciding with Easter and the broader implications for respecting religious...

In this episode of Practically Political, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield are joined by Ryan Clancy, chief strategist for No Labels, to discuss the organization's strategy for the 2024 presidential election. No Labels aims to provide an alternative choice to the American public by potentially fielding a unity ticket.

Clancy shares updates on No Labels' progress in securing ballot access across the country and their plans to select a ticket that embraces their governing values and has a chance of winning the White House. The hosts question the viability of a third-party candidate in the current political...

In this episode of Practically Political, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield engage in a lively discussion on several pressing political issues. They start by examining Alabama's decision to grant personhood to embryos and its potential impact on IVF treatments, debating the ethics and political implications.

Next, they delve into the topic of school choice, addressing the mixed record of charter schools and the perceived hypocrisy of politicians who oppose school choice while sending their own children to private schools.

The conversation then shifts to foreign policy, as they discuss Donald Trump's stance on NATO...

In this episode, Maria Snegovaya, an expert on Russian affairs, discusses the situation surrounding Alexei Navalny and the actions of Vladimir Putin. She highlights the boldness of Putin's actions and the impact of Russia's relationship with China. Snegovaya also discusses the incentives for Putin's actions, including the perceived weakness of the Biden administration. She explores the support for Putin among certain groups and the rise of populism. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the cost of Putin's success and the importance of addressing inequality.

Takeaways

Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield discuss the latest debates around border security and immigration policy, including Republican calls to impeach Secretary Mayorkas and bipartisan negotiations around a border security bill. They also cover disagreements over aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia. Additionally, they debate a proposal to financially require fathers to support a child even before birth.

Welcome to another riveting episode of "Practically Political" with your hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield. In this episode, we dive deep into the dynamic world of American politics, dissecting the latest developments and speculating on the future landscape.

Join us as we unravel the intriguing journey of Nikki Haley and explore the twists and turns of her path to the Republican nomination. From her political roots to the challenges she faces, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the rising star within the GOP.

But the political landscape is ever-changing, and in this episode, we...

Carrie and Dave wrap up 2023 with all the news headlines they were watching this year and look ahead to 2024 that will surely be a year for the record books.

In this conversation, Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield discuss various political topics. They start by discussing the refusal of Hunter Biden to testify publicly and the motives behind the Republican party's focus on him. They then move on to the debate between Gavin Newsom and Ron DeSantis, comparing the policies and performance of California and Florida. The conversation also touches on funding for Ukraine and Israel, as well as the border security issue. They discuss the Israel-Palestine conflict and the role of Benjamin Netanyahu. Finally, they talk about Kevin McCarthy's retirement and the state of the Republican party.

Hosts Carrie Sheffield and Dave Spencer are joined by author Lexi Hudson to discuss her new book "The Soul of Civility" and how we can promote respect and human dignity even amidst political and cultural divides. They cover topics like social segregation, mutual harm from incivility, reclaiming civic responsibility, the timeless challenge of "othering", and more. Lexi offers insights from historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Socrates as well as anecdotes from her own efforts to build community across differences.