The Politics Guys

Trey and Mike join in this holiday-sized show! The pair start with a look into the Pentagon’s investigation into Senator Kelly over his video of illegal orders. Mike outlines the contours of the military code of justice. Trey argues for the need for members of the Senate (and House) to have the ability to speak freely.

Next, they move to the ongoing feud between Candace Owens and Erica Kirk over TPUSA and the killing of Charlie Kirk. Trey argues that the future of the political right is who wins in this battle. Mike argues Owens is si...

Trey and Mike start with a focus on economic affordability, inflation rates, and the implications of Trump's economic policies. Trey outlines the historic economic conditions between Trump and Biden, noting that the economic conditions under Trump were better than under Biden. Mike argues that you can’t look at the total average under Biden because of COVID. 

Next, they discuss Trump's pardon of Tina Peters, exploring the limits of presidential power and the role of norms in governance. Mike argues that, from a textualist viewpoint, the U.S. Constitution is consistent with a unitary theory of the pre...

Mike and Joey open with a deep dive into the emerging battle over Warner Bros. Discovery, weighing Netflix’s proposed mega-merger against Paramount Skydance’s rival bid and asking whether antitrust law still has teeth in a streaming world defined by consolidation. Mike stresses market definition, consumer harm, and the risk of enshittification when dominant platforms get complacent, while Joey argues consolidation raises prices and erodes both competition and the marketplace of ideas 

Next, they turn to the idea of “objective” or traditional news, debating David Ellison’s claim that CNN and CBS could rebuild a fact-driven, ideological...

Mike and Joey open with a look at U.S. missile strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats and the seizure of an oil tanker, debating whether Article II authority is enough or whether Congress should have a say. Mike presses on limiting principles, civilian deaths, and why Coast Guard interdiction might achieve the same ends with fewer moral costs, while Joey argues the strikes fit long-standing counterterror logic and reflect the president’s duty to act decisively against narco-terror networks 

Next, they pivot to Trump v. Slaughter and the fate of Humphrey’s Executor, unpacking what presidential remov...

Trey & Justin continue their dive into contemporary political ideologies. This week they dive into Marxism. Topics covered include:

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Trey and Justin start the show discussing last week’s tragic incident involving the National Guard in Washington DC. Here, both Trey and Justin agree on the terrible nature of the attack. Trey highlights the emotionally charged nature such an episode will have on immigration conversations. Specifically, Trey discusses how media frames impact policy. Justin highlights that the White House is simply using the incident to crackdown further on immigration. The pair both agree that Afghans who assisted the U.S. were due help and that an individualized tragic incident does not change the need for a robust asylum po...

Mike, Tim, and Michael open with the “Deciding to Win” memo and the broader question of how Democrats can reconnect with working-class voters while staying true to core values. Mike argues that Democrats already face structural disadvantages and will lose even more elections if they treat politics as a mass pedagogy project instead of meeting voters where they are with authentic, non-condescending economic populism. Tim contends that Democrats are ripping themselves apart over issues like trans rights, women’s sports, and abortion limits, and that these fissures are driving away Hispanics and moderates in a way no amount of pollin...

Mike, Tim, and Michael open with Trump’s 28-point Ukraine peace plan, built on Russian terms that demand territorial concessions, a NATO ban, limits on Ukraine’s army, and sweeping amnesty. Tim focuses on trading some Ukrainian territory for ironclad security guarantees, including foreign troops on the ground as real deterrence. Mike argues the U.S. should massively ramp up weapons and capabilities for Kyiv, rejecting escalation fears and warning that half-measures only reward aggression and embolden China over Taiwan. Michael sees the plan as politically and militarily a nonstarter, doubts any near-term peace is possible, and warns that Zele...

Mike and Joey open with the spiraling Comey prosecution, where a Trump-aligned U.S. attorney faces judicial scorn for alleged grand-jury missteps that could collapse the case. Mike argues the real play is intimidation and precedent-setting revenge politics rather than a credible legal charge. Joey counters that Comey was central to what he considers the most serious political scandal in decades and sees the prosecution as predictable fallout, while defending Halligan against “rookie mistake” criticisms.

Next, they roll into the looming ACA subsidy cliff and the GOP’s strategic paralysis: extend subsidies, rebrand them throug...

Mike and Joey open with the blowback to Joey’s claim that “the hubris of the left” is the biggest obstacle to national unity . Mike frames Trump’s behavior as the more obvious example of hubris, while Joey argues that Trump’s personality is massive but incidental and that the real divide is between people focused on ideas and people hung up on identity. Joey sees Trump as a magnanimous, big-ideas president undermined by small-minded opponents, while Mike counters that Trump’s “magnanimity” looks more like dominance dressed up as charm.

Next, they dig into Congress’s overwhelming vote...

Travis talks with Dr. Michael Cohen, author of Modern Political Campaigns, and Julie Sweet, author of the American Association of Political Consultants’ Deepfake Law Compliance Guide for Political Campaigns, about the role of artificial intelligence in political campaigns.

Topics Travis, Julie, and Michael cover include:

How campaigns are using AI and how they can be compliant with state laws and regulations

What the use of AI will mean for the future of the campaign workforce

The current state of and future prospects for academic research on AI in campaigns and elections

Trey & Ken begin a new supporter's series on The Federalist Papers. This week's episode includes an overview of The Federalist Papers themselves and introduces Federalist Paper No. 1. Topics covered include:

The history behind writing the original essays

The attack on the Constitution by Anti-Federalists

How Hamilton and Madison became the principal authors

The controversy over who wrote each essay

Follow along with Trey & Ken by following Trey's New Substack. Each episode has a Substack article for more detailed information on each Federalist Paper! Subscribe now!

The Politics...

In this episode, Trey and Ken discuss the recent end of the US government shutdown, including the implications for both parties, with a focus on the ACA subsidies. Trey argues that he was ultimately correct, and the shutdown did not benefit Democrats nor lasted into December. While Ken concedes that the shutdown didn’t last as long as he anticipated, it was still the longest in history, and importantly, it taught Democrats how to fight. He sees it as a net positive for Democrats moving into the midterm.

Next, they turn to the political fallout from the re...

Mike talks with David Obst, a former journalist, publisher, screenwriter, and film producer. He’s also the author of a new book on the automotive industry called Saving Ourselves from Big Car, which is the focus of their conversation.

Topics Mike & David cover include:

How “Big Car” became a self-perpetuating system

The deadly legacy of leaded gasoline

Corporate cover-ups and government complicity

Racial injustice in the building of highways

Planned obsolescence and car addiction

The invention of jaywalking

Big Car’s influence on media an...

Trey & Justin continue their dive into contemporary political ideologies. This week, they dive into conservatism. Topics covered include:

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Trey and Justin open the show by bypassing the shutdown, at least for a moment, and starting with the 2025 elections. Trey argues that the results are a victory for Democrats, but must be contextualized. His key point is that the economy is becoming an issue for Republicans. Both hosts outline what off-year elections such as this can and don’t mean more generally and how the Democratic Party still faces structural issues facing the midterms.

Next, the guys turn to the issue of the government shutdown, which is now the longest in history. Trey asks Justin where he...

Mike talks with New York Times bestselling author, historian, and journalist Colin Woodard. His latest book is Nations Apart: How Clashing Regional Cultures Shattered America, which they discuss on this episode.

Topics Mike & Colin discuss include:

America as a federation of rival regional cultures

How early settlers shaped lasting political divides

Culture’s role in red and blue state patterns

Communitarian vs. individualist visions of freedom

Why internal migration reinforces cultural divides

The roots of American ethno-nationalism

Shared civic ideals in the Declaration of...

Mike, Michael, and Tim open with a discussion of the missing economic data and what that means for understanding the current economy. Tim explains that while unemployment remains low and markets are strong, uncertainty looms because key government reports haven’t been released. Mike argues that the apparent strength is concentrated almost entirely in AI and tech stocks, raising fears of an unsustainable bubble. Michael agrees the boom feels narrow and risky, warning that layoffs and overinvestment could lead to a painful reckoning. Tim counters that disruptive innovation has always produced temporary upheaval before lasting growth, while Mike remains un...

Mike, Tim, and Michael open with the fifth week of the government shutdown, now poised to become the longest ever. Tim argues that while the disruption is real, the economic impact will be minor and short-lived, suggesting resolution will come after the elections. Michael delivers a fiery critique, calling the shutdown political theater that hurts ordinary people and decrying Republican fiscal hypocrisy. Mike underscores the tangible harm to citizens, emphasizing that the ACA subsidy fight shows how deeply broken the system is.

Next, the guys turn to President Trump’s Asia tour — a mix of spectacle and deal...

Mike talks with former Democratic activist Lisa Ekman, whose recently released book is titled Deprogramming Democrats & unEducating the Elites: How I Escaped the Progressive Cult.

Topics Mike &  Lisa discuss include:

Ekman’s background in Democratic politics

government and expert failure during COVID

the tension between public health policy and liberty

the problem with replacing equality with equity

communist thinking in classrooms

returning power to the states and the people

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This episode marks the finale in Trey and Ken’s three-year journey through the U.S. Constitution! In this final episode of the Constitution series, Trey and Ken discuss the 26th and 27th Amendments, exploring their historical significance and political implications. They also look at the journey of the Equal Rights Amendment and its “almost” status as a 28th Amendment. The hosts close by discussing the possibility of amending the U.S. Constitution in the future.

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Trey and Ken start by letting Ken weigh in on the government shutdown. Ken argues that the Democrats are winning and are doing the right thing. Trey disagrees and sees Democrats as eventually the party that will back down and let people get paid. Ken doubles down by saying the shutdown will last until December when Republicans will then back down.

Next, the guys overview the demolition of the White House’s East Wing. Trey is concerned about the larger issue of buying favor with the government for those who help fund it. Ken, meanwhile, thinks strong la...

Mike talks with John L. Campbell, the Class of 1925 Professor and Professor of Sociology Emeritus at Dartmouth College. He’s the author of the recently released book, Pay Up! Conservative Myths About Tax Cuts for the Rich, which they discuss on this episode.

Topics Mike & John cover include:

the main conservative tax cut myths

the Laffer Curve and “self-funding” tax cuts

neoliberalism - intellectual movement or marketing strategy?

when are tax rates too high?

US taxes in international perspective

government vs market inefficiency

social...

Mike and Joey open with the Supreme Court’s unusual re-argument in Louisiana v. Calais, a case that could reshape Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Joey outlines the tangled history of Louisiana’s redistricting and argues that race-based districts may themselves violate equal-protection principles. Mike predicts Justice Kavanaugh will be the key vote to end broad race-based redistricting, though he worries about dismantling long-standing anti-discrimination tools.

Next, the guys turn to what Mike calls the “weaponization” of Trump’s Department of Justice. Mike sees politically motivated prosecutions of Trump critics like John Bolton and Letitia James as evidenc...

Mike and Joey open with the continuing government shutdown and whether blame is shifting. Mike criticizes Republicans for spreading false claims about Democrats’ immigration spending demands. Joey maintains that Democrats are increasingly seen as the problem, adding that media silence signals their growing liability.

Next, the guys debate Trump’s firing of federal workers during the shutdown. Mike condemns the administration’s disregard for legal procedures, framing it as part of a broader “rule of law” problem. Joey defends the firings as legitimate executive discretion, comparing them to Clinton-era downsizing and insisting the Trump team operates within the law’s...

Mike talks with Paul Starr, a professor of sociology and public affairs at Princeton University and the author of multiple books, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Social Transformation of American Medicine. His latest book is American Contradiction: Revolution and Revenge from the 1950s to Now, which they discuss in this episode

Topics Mike & Paul cover include:

Trumpism as ‘total revenge’

why American politics is a ‘tie game Democrats have been losing’

America as a new people in an old nation

the illusion of past consensus

the rise of conse...

Trey and Justin continue their series on contemporary political ideologies by examining liberalism. They explore its historical roots, key thinkers like Hobbes and Locke, and the evolution of liberal thought through figures such as Mill and Rawls. The discussion highlights the differences between classical and social liberalism, the implications of social contract theory, and the critique of liberalism by communitarians. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of liberalism and its relevance in modern politics.

Major topics discussed include

In this episode of The Politics Guys, Trey and Justin discuss what they call an episode on the unilateral presidency and nihilism.  The show kicks off the ongoing budget standoff and government shutdown, including Trey’s overarching point that the imperial presidency comes to us one small move at a time and is not limited to President Trump.

Next, they turn to the recent Gaza ceasefire brokered by President Trump. Trey argues that the president deserves credit for pressuring Prime Minister Netanyahu, while Justin sees no good future scenarios. Neither host hazards a guess as to the fut...

Travis talks with entrepreneur and trade industry leader Dan Varroney about his new book, Rethinking Economic Growth: How Small Businesses Can Help Consistently Grow the Economy, in which he writes about some of the biggest challenges facing small business owners and how American policymakers can support these businesses.

Topics Travis and Dan cover include:

The critical role that small businesses play in the American economy

Some of the major challenges small businesses face from government

How politicians and bureaucrats can be mindful of small businesses and promote public p...

Mike, Joey, and Tim open with President Trump’s ambitious 20-point Gaza peace plan, which envisions Hamas disarming, hostages released, and rebuilding of the region. Mike sees a potential Nobel moment—if it works—but doubts it will; Tim strongly defends Israel and distrusts Hamas, while Joey is cautiously hopeful that Trump’s unconventional style and regional economic incentives could actually shift the paradigm.

Next, they turn to Trump’s Pfizer deal and the claim that drug prices will drop “1600 percent.” Mike calls that mathematically absurd but sees political upside. Tim thinks it’s clever optics wi...

Mike, Tim, and Joey open with the ongoing government shutdown. Joey argues Democrats will be blamed because their messaging is fractured and influenced by the left wing of the party. Tim highlights ballooning deficits and sees rebellious Republicans forcing fiscal discipline. Mike concedes Democrats bear responsibility but stresses that Democrats have a good issue in the extension of ACA subsidies.

Next, the guys turn to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and President Trump’s speeches to assembled generals. Tim admires Hegseth’s emphasis on ending “mission creep,” higher standards, and unity over DEI. Mike agrees with the focus on...

Mike talks with Bruce Schneier, an internationally renowned security technologist, a lecturer at Harvard’s Kennedy School, and the New York Times bestselling author of 14 books. They focus on his latest book, co-authored with Nathan Sanders: Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship.

Topics Mike & Bruce discuss include:

Democracy as an information system and what that means for governance.

How AI differs from past technologies in shaping politics.

Government adoption of AI worldwide, from pilots to legislation drafting.

The risks of hallucinations, deepfakes, and overconfidence in...

In this supporter show, Trey and Justin start a new topic: ideologies. The pair dive into the definition of political ideologies, historical context, and the complexities that arise from the interplay between empirical observations and abstract ideas. They discuss the significance of understanding the distinction between 'is' and 'ought' in political science, the relationship between ideologies and political parties, and the philosophical foundations that shape ideological beliefs. The conversation also touches on how different ideologies divide within themselves. Join Trey and Justin as they help listeners understand and clarify their own political beliefs and misconceptions about contemporary ideologies!

In this episode of The Politics Guys, Trey and Justin discuss the recent indictment of James Comey by the DOJ, analyzing its unusual nature and the implications of President Trump's public statements regarding the legal proceedings. This includes questions about the motivations of the DOJ’s motives and the highly unusual nature of the indictment itself.

Next is a discussion of President Trump and RFK Jr’s press conference on Tylenol and autism. Trey outlines the most recent research on the potential connections between the two, with a focus on the nature of correlation studies, and refutes clai...

Mike talks with Jason Pack, host of the Disorder podcast, in this crossover episode. In addition to hosting the Disorder podcast, Jason is an Associate Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a Senior Analyst for Emerging Challenges at the NATO Defense College Foundation, and the author of Libya & the Global Enduring Disorder.

Topics Mike & Jason discuss include:

What “global enduring disorder” means.

Why Cold War unity faded.

Power: hard, soft, cultural & convening.

Neopopulism’s fake solutions.

U.S. blunders in Iraq & Afghanistan.

Why Ukrain...

Mike and Michael open with the turmoil inside the FBI under Director Kash Patel, highlighting Patel’s public clashes with Congress, mass agent departures, and lawsuits alleging unlawful firings. Michael argues that Patel is dangerously unqualified and politicizing the Bureau, while Mike stresses the long-term damage caused by the loss of experienced agents and the trend toward authoritarian-style loyalty tests.

Next, they turn to the U.S. military’s sinking of Venezuelan boats allegedly tied to drug trafficking, which killed over a dozen people. Michael warns that the strikes are illegal, reckless, and set a chilling precedent, whil...

Mike is joined by a new host, political scientist Michael Levy. They open with the political and constitutional fallout from Charlie Kirk’s murder, focusing on government crackdowns on speech. Michael stresses the deeper problem of weaponizing government against dissent, while Mike argues this shows the split between Trump loyalists and constitutional conservatives like Ted Cruz.

Next, they turn to Trump’s deployment of National Guard units to cities like Memphis and proposals for tougher sentencing in D.C. Michael emphasizes that these measures are often more about optics than addressing root causes of crime, while Mike worr...

Mike talks with Osita Nwanevu, a contributing editor at The New Republic, columnist at The Guardian, and the Democratic Institutions fellow at the Roosevelt Institute. He’s also the author of The Right of the People: Democracy and the Case for a New American Founding, which they discuss on this episode

Topics Mike & Osita cover include:

why democracy is the best political system

the ‘folk theory’ of democracy

if Americans actually care about democracy

democracy and demagogues

grounding principles for modern democracy

the Framers’ views of democ...

Trey and Justin cover the recent firing of UK ambassador Peter Mandelson over his connections to Jeffrey Epstein and the implications of Trump's involvement with Epstein. Next, they reflect on the 24th anniversary of 9/11, discussing its lasting impact on American politics and society, and the evolution of political responses to terrorism. The pair also make connections to the lessons of 9/11, the Oklahoma City Bombing, and the current culture of political violence in the United States.

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