The Politics Guys
The Politics Guys is an independent, ideologically diverse American politics and policy podcast hosted by experts: political scientists, law professors, and practicing attorneys with government experience. Our mission is to give listeners a much-needed break from conservative and liberal echo chambers through civil, rational, and evidence-based discussion of American politics and policy from multiple perspectives.
When “National Security” Becomes a Blank Check
This supporters’ exclusive midweek episode takes on three fights over executive power, national security, and the rule of law. Mike and Jay dig into the Trump administration’s export-control crackdown on Anthropic’s newest AI models, asking whether this is a real national-security intervention or political retaliation dressed up as safety policy. They then turn to the U.S. strike that killed Tren de Aragua leader Niño Guerrero in Venezuela, and whether treating cartel members as wartime enemies blows past constitutional limits, due process, and congressional authorization. Finally, they look at a federal judge’s order forcing the Interior Departmen...
Did Trump Capitulate to Iran?
Mike and Jay dig into a chaotic week in politics, starting with the Trump administration’s memorandum of understanding with Iran—a deal meant to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, end the war, waive oil sanctions, and postpone the hardest nuclear questions. They debate whether the agreement was a pragmatic off-ramp, a capitulation, or a deal already collapsing under pressure from Iran, Israel, Hezbollah, and Trump’s own political incentives. Then they turn to Trump’s strange handling of Jay Clayton’s DNI nomination, Bill Pulte’s interim role, FISA Section 702 renewal, and the SAVE Act fight over documentary proof of citizensh...
Why Young Lawmakers Are Quitting — and It’s Not Just Salary
Mike talks with Layla Zaidane, president and CEO of Future Caucus, the largest nonpartisan organization of young lawmakers in the United States, about why the next generation of political leaders may be running into a system that makes public service nearly impossible. They discuss whether younger lawmakers really govern differently, how Future Caucus tries to build bipartisan trust without sanding away ideological disagreement, and why under-resourced state legislatures often end up empowering governors, lobbyists, and interest groups instead of elected representatives. They also dig into Future Caucus’s Exit Interview report, including the biggest reasons young lawmakers leave office: political vi...
$100k Visa Tax, California's Slow Count, Do Courts Trust Trump?
In this supporters’ exclusive midweek episode, Mike and Ken work through four fights over executive power, legal process, and institutional trust: Judge Leo Sorokin’s ruling striking down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee as an unconstitutional tax, the furor over California’s slow vote count, mail ballots, and Trump’s fraud claims, the Broadview Six grand-jury scandal and what it says about DOJ misconduct and the courts’ usual “presumption of regularity,” and the messy question of who gets tariff refunds after the Supreme Court struck down Trump’s IEEPA tariffs.
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Iran War Whiplash, Maine’s Risky Bet, and Trump’s DNI Workaround
Mike and Ken discuss another volatile week in U.S. politics, starting with the escalating conflict with Iran, Trump’s claims of a looming peace deal, the inflationary fallout from energy shocks, and whether Iran or the U.S. has more leverage as the war drags on. Then they turn to Maine’s high-stakes 2026 races, including Graham Platner’s landslide Democratic Senate primary win, Susan Collins’s durability, the role of character in candidate evaluation, and why Maine’s 2nd District could be one of the most competitive House races in the country. Finally, Mike and Ken dig into Trump’s mo...
Trump’s War, Trump’s Settlement, Trump’s Shadow
Mike and Jay open with the increasingly strange U.S. war with Iran, where a still-closed Strait of Hormuz, murky ceasefire claims, stalled negotiations, and a House war powers vote have raised major questions about Trump’s strategy. Jay argues that Iran remains a serious long-term threat and that Trump may be right to exhaust negotiations before escalating, while admitting that much of the battlefield reality is impossible to judge from public reporting. Mike is far more skeptical, arguing that Trump’s shifting claims, high economic costs, and apparent lack of clear war aims suggest a war of choice that...
The Politics Guys Present: The U.S. Constitution, Article II, Section 2
This episode explores the constitutional powers of the U.S. President as outlined in Article II, Section 2, including the roles of Commander-in-Chief, treaty-making, appointments, and removal of officials. Topics covered include:
Explicit presidential powers The role of the Commander-in-Chief Treaty-making process and Senate advice and consent Appointments and the Senate confirmation process Recess appointments and the Noel Canning case Removal of federal officials and impeachmentRead Trey's Substack for a deep dive into the Federalist Papers
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Founders’ Fire: From 1776 to the Age of Trump
Mike is joined by historian Arthur Herman to discuss his new book Founders’ Fire, which argues that America’s recurring strength comes from founders: risk-takers with the vision and drive to remake institutions, industries, and politics. The conversation ranges from the Founding Fathers, Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr. to World War II mobilization, Silicon Valley, Donald Trump, Charlie Kirk, AI, China, and the tension between creative disruption and institutional stability.
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Pope Leo on AI, the DNC Autopsy, and Democratic Decline
This supporters’ exclusive midweek episode opens with Mike, Michael, and Russ discussing Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, which uses artificial intelligence as a lens for broader questions about human dignity, labor, power, and technological change. The conversation focuses on the document’s connection to Catholic social teaching, its warning against autonomous lethal decision-making, and its broader critique of systems that reduce people to instruments of power. The guys also consider the presence of an Anthropic co-founder at the encyclical’s rollout, as well as the deeper question of whether AI is already reshaping human agency, work, and judg...
Iran Deal, Paxton’s Texas Win, and the Redistricting Arms Race
Mike, Michael, and Russ open with the tentative U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding and whether it amounts to a real end to the war or just a pause. Michael argues that the deal mostly returns the conflict to where it began while leaving the hardest nuclear questions unresolved. Russ is skeptical that either side is treating the deal with the seriousness it deserves, seeing mostly clashing egos and weak incentives. Mike argues the deal may be worse than the old Iran nuclear agreement because Iran now has stronger reasons to pursue a weapon and fewer reasons to trust...
The Politics Guys Present: The U.S. Constitution, Article II
This episode explores the intricacies of Article 2 of the U.S. Constitution, focusing on the presidency, electoral processes, and historical debates that shaped the office. Topics covered include:
Vesting clause and inherent executive powers Electoral College origins and evolution The 12th Amendment and its impact Presidential qualifications and natural-born citizen requirement Succession and the 25th AmendmentRead Trey's Substack for a deep dive into the Federalist Papers
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Originalism, Executive Power, and the Roberts Court
Mike talks with Thomas Berry, director of the Cato Institute’s Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies and editor in chief of the Cato Supreme Court Review, about how to understand the Supreme Court beyond simple liberal/conservative scorekeeping. They discuss originalism, precedent, executive power, independent agencies, and the emergency docket. Berry defends a text-and-history approach to judging, criticizes presidents of both parties for stretching old statutes to justify new policies, and argues that Congress’s weakness has pushed too much power into the executive branch.
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Political Ideologies: Environmentalism
In this supporter-exclusive midweek episode, Trey is joined by Justin, and begin their discussion of modern ideologies with a deep dive into Environmentalism.
On this week’s show, Trey and Justin discuss:
Core principles of environmentalism (ecocentrism, holism, limits to growth, multi-generation ethics) The relationship between environmentalism and American political culture The limited appeal of true ideological environmentalism The expression of environmentalism in other political ideologies Christianity and EnvironmentalismThe Politics Guys on Facebook | X
Trey’s Substack on the Federalist Papers
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Incumbent Purge, Anti-Weaponization Fund, Senate War Powers Breakthrough Vote, Raúl Castro
Trey and Justin kick off this week’s episode by examining the shifts in this week’s primary elections. Trey argues the GOP has firmly solidified into a MAGA populist party. They highlight the historic and incredibly expensive defeat of long-time incumbent Representative Thomas Massie in Kentucky to a Trump-backed challenger, alongside Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy placing a distant third in his own state's primary race. The pair also discuss the increase in party-line voting.
Next, the pair dive into a staggering one-page settlement published by the DOJ which permanently bars the government from ever auditing or pursu...
Lamar Alexander: The Education of a Senator
Mike talks with former Tennessee governor, U.S. senator, education secretary, and presidential candidate Lamar Alexander about his new book, The Education of a Senator, and what his long career reveals about how American politics actually works. Alexander argues that while Washington’s “dysfunction screen” gets most of the attention, the Senate can still produce major bipartisan accomplishments when members build trust, respect institutional roles, and accept the slow work of compromise. The conversation covers the difference between executive and legislative leadership, the decline of social relationships in Congress, the rise of social media incentives, the erosion of Article I cong...
Federalist Papers 11 - 13
In this episode Trey and Ken explore Federalist Papers No. 11, 12, and 13, focusing on Hamilton's arguments for a strong federal government, economic unity, and the importance of a unified military and trade system. Topics discussed include:
Hamilton's views on commerce and a singular American navy The advantages of economic unity The importance of unity for revenue generation The importance of unity for efficiency Hamilton's predictions about America's global influenceThe Politics Guys on Facebook | X
Trey’s Substack on the Federalist Papers
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China and Iran, Alabama’s Shadow, Eileen Wang, Dr. Marty Makary
Trey Ken opens this week’s episode by dissecting the deteriorating situation in the Persian Gulf, where a nominal ceasefire is currently on life support. Ken argues that the administration is merely using ceasefire nomenclature to bypass Congressional oversight and stabilize financial markets. The conversation then shifts to Trump's high-stakes visit to Beijing, where President Xi Jinping warned that Taiwan’s independence cannot continue, while intelligence reports suggest Chinese companies are masking arms transfers to Iran. Ken and Trey debate whether the U.S. remains a credible counterbalance in the region or if Trump is signaling a willingness to deal...
The Politics Guys Present: The U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 10
This episode provides an in-depth analysis of Article 1, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution, exploring the limitations it places on states and the historical context behind these provisions. Key topics covered include
Limits on state powers in treaties, currency, and military Historical context of Article 1, Section 10 The Contracts Clause and property rights Case studies: Dartmouth College and Minnesota Mortgage Federalism and the role of Congress versus statesRead Trey's Substack for a deep dive into the Federalist Papers
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Germany Drawdown, ICE Budget, Redistricting, Flipping Fetterman
Mike, Trey, and Terry open this supporters' exclusive midweek episode with Trump’s planned troop drawdown from Germany and what it says about America’s shifting posture toward Europe. Terry argues the 5,000-troop reduction itself is not strategically decisive, but looks more like retaliation than planning. Trey sees it as part of a broader Trump effort to demote NATO and reorder U.S. alliances, while Mike worries that America may be giving up a relatively inexpensive source of leverage, deterrence, and global reach.
Next, they turn to the Senate reconciliation package, the parliamentarian’s limits on what can be...
Trump’s Iran Gamble, MAGA Primaries, Abortion Pill Fight
Mike, Trey, and guest host Terry Casey, a political scientist at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, open with the still-unresolved U.S. conflict with Iran, the closed Strait of Hormuz, and the Trump administration’s attempt to frame military pressure and uncertain negotiations as progress. Trey argues that the administration still lacks a clear win condition and may be trying to avoid admitting failure. Terry counters that a U.S. win is possible, but only at costs Trump may not be willing to pay. Mike suggests Iran may be playing for time, betting that Trump’s fear of midterm dama...
DHS Funding, Comey Indictment, GOP Crack-Up?
Mike, Justin, and Kirby open this supporters’ exclusive midweek episode with the fight over DHS funding, where a bipartisan deal appears to keep most of the department funded while leaving ICE and Border Patrol outside the agreement for now. Mike argues that Democrats didn’t get the statutory limits on raids, masks, and body cameras they wanted, but may still have forced some moderation in enforcement tactics after Minneapolis. Justin sees the deal as a likely temporary fix and argues that the bad optics of aggressive enforcement gave Democrats more room to hold out. Kirby thinks the shutdown exposed poor...
Voting Rights, Political Violence, Iran
Mike, Justin, and special guest Kirby Goidel, a professor of political science at Texas A&M, open with the Supreme Court’s latest Voting Rights Act decision and what it means for racial representation, partisan gerrymandering, and the future of congressional redistricting. Justin argues that the ruling effectively makes racial vote-dilution claims nearly impossible to prove, especially when courts allow states to hide behind partisan explanations. Kirby pushes past the immediate partisan implications, suggesting that while the decision may hurt descriptive representation, its long-term effects on substantive representation are harder to predict. Mike is more sympathetic to the Court’s re...
Why The Midterms Will Be Disappointing
Mike is joined by special guest Corey Nathan, creator and host of the Talkin’ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other podcast. They discuss why the coming midterm elections are likely to leave most Americans dissatisfied, even under optimistic partisan scenarios, arguing that while Democrats may plausibly retake the House and even have an outside shot at the Senate, structural realities—uncompetitive districts, polarized primaries, fundraising incentives, and institutional constraints like the filibuster—limit the likelihood of meaningful change; Corey emphasizes concerns about election integrity and democratic norms, along with a desire for accountability and constitutional order, while also expressing cautious...
Political Ideologies: Feminism
In this supporter-exclusive midweek episode, Trey is joined by Justin, and begin their discussion of modern ideologies with a deep dive into Feminism.
On this week’s show, Trey and Justin discuss:
The different waves of Feminism The evolution of Feminism from an early struggle for political recognition and personhood to a focus on social structures and intersectionality Fascism’s rejection of reason and its rejection of Enlightenment rationality. The radical vs. liberal divide in Feminism An examination of how contemporary feminism interacts with trans rights The expanding nature of who counts as a Feminist and its i...Blockades, Warsh, SPLC Bank Fraud, Battle for the Ballot
In a rare three-person show, Trey is joined by Justin and Mike. They start by looking at the United States’ standoff with Iran. The trio explores the strategic confusion of mission accomplished with the ongoing naval blockade. They also point to the not-well-publicized 30-day sanctions relief granted to Russia to mitigate global oil shortages.
Next, they turn to Federal Reserve Chair nominee Kevin Warsh. The discussion covers the recent news of the ending of the 12-12 committee deadlock, along with a bit of disagreement over how much latitude Warsh has from President Trump. Mike and Trey agree th...
Federalist Papers 9 - 10
Trey and Ken explore Federalist Papers No. 9 and 10, focusing on the arguments for a large republic and the dangers of faction. Topics discussed include:
The role of factions in democracy Montesquieu and the Anti-Federalist arguments for small republics Hamilton and Madison’s overview of the advantages of a large republic Madison's theory of interest checking interest Hamilton's deep dive into the history of GreeceThe Politics Guys on Facebook | X
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Swalwell Resigns, Trump vs Leo, Orbán Falls, Iran, FISA Section 702
This week, Trey & Ken begin with Representative Eric Swalwell’s resignation from Congress and his suspended gubernatorial bid. Ken and Trey find themselves at odds over the institutional response. Ken argues that if Swalwell maintains his innocence, he should have stayed to fight the charges, suggesting his presence was a net positive for the Democratic caucus. Trey, however, contends that the resignation is a necessary consequence of his actions and that the party must prioritize moral clarity over political utility.
Next, the pair turn to Viktor Orbán and the Fidesz party, conceding defeat to the Tisza par...
The New Rules of Politics: Know Your Coalition
In this supporters’ exclusive midweek episode, Mike and Michael examine political behavior through coalition dynamics rather than broad public opinion, using Fenno’s framework of multiple constituencies to show why smaller, more engaged groups—especially base voters, donors, and close advisors—often exert disproportionate influence. The discussion explores how electoral incentives like primaries, safe seats, turnout differences, and the Electoral College push politicians toward electoral efficiency, targeting the voters and funders who matter most rather than maximizing overall support. It also analyzes complications such as misjudging coalition strength, managing internal divisions, the growing role of out-of-district money, and the tension...
Ceasefires, Culture Wars, and Constitutional Clashes
Mike and Jay open with the Iran conflict, debating whether the U.S.-Israel war achieved meaningful strategic gains or left America in a weaker position. Mike argues the ceasefire looks like a premature declaration of victory that strengthened Iran’s leverage, while Jay contends degrading Iran’s military and leadership are meaningful steps toward long-term goals like regime change or limiting its regional power.
Next, they turn to the Trump administration’s rollback of transgender student protections, focusing on whether Title IX legally covers gender identity. Mike emphasizes that both statutory text and legislative history point clearl...
Political Ideologies: Fascism
In this supporter-exclusive midweek episode, Trey is joined by Justin, and they conclude their exploration of the classic political ideologies with a deep dive into Fascism.
On this week’s show, Trey and Justin discuss:
Fascism’s rejection of reason and its rejection of Enlightenment rationality. The centrality of violence and struggle as an enduring premise of fascism. How fascism holds the past as idyllic goal that that will lead to greatness in response to a degenerate modernity. Fascism’s rejection of democracy with a specific focus on Carl Schmitt’s critique parliamentary democracy in which Schmitt...Bondi Fired, SCOTUS on Conversion Therapy, Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Battle, Mail-In Voting Executive Order, Trump’s Iran Speech
On this Good Friday edition of the Politics Guys, Trey is joined by Justin, and the duo dives into a chaotic week of personnel changes at the Justice Department and Pentagon, significant Supreme Court rulings, and the President's personal appearance at the high court. First, the guys open with the sudden firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi after a 14-month tenure. Despite her loyalty, Trey argues that President Trump is trying to create a far more unitary executive branch. The pair also includes a discussion of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recent firings, which include Army Chief of Staff Ge...
Federalist Papers 6 - 8
Trey and Ken transition from the writings of John Jay to Alexander Hamilton in this week’s midweek Federalist Papers show. Topics discussed include:
Hamilton’s deeply pessimistic view of human conduct and his response to the idea that democracies or commercial republics are inherently peaceful. A deep dive into the four specific triggers Hamilton believed would afflict a disunited America, including the massive Revolutionary War debt. Hamilton’s warning that disunion would force states to adopt the fortified borders and standing armies of Europe.The Politics Guys on Facebook | X
Trey’s Substack on the Federalist Papers...
DHS Funding, Iran Rejects U.S. Peace Plan, $580 Million in Well-Timed Bets, Democrats Flip Florida 87, FBI Data Shopping
On this week’s show, Trey and Ken discuss why the Senate funded the TSA while excluding ICE, along with the legality of President Trump’s plan to pay workers using a slush fund from last year’s tax bill.
Next, they move to Iran’s rejection of the U.S.’s 15-point peace plan and the administration's controversial preventative self-defense justification filed with the UN. After that, they turn to the allegations of insider trading, including a $580 million spike in oil bets placed minutes before President Trump’s social media posts and the rise of the prediction ma...
The New Rules of Politics: Follow The Money
In this supporters’ exclusive midweek episode, Mike and Michael discuss the first New Rule of Politics (which is also an old rule of politics): follow the money. Mike contends that money is the most visible and measurable driver of political incentives, arguing that while it rarely buys votes outright, it is essential for viability and influence. Mike emphasizes how campaign finance evolved into a system where legal, structural incentives prioritize access and donor influence over outright corruption, while Michael highlights how massive spending, small-donor dynamics, and technological targeting reinforce polarization and keep the system escalating.
The guys cl...
War with Iran, Illinois Primaries, and the Politics of Election Integrity
Mike and Russ open with a discussion of the ongoing U.S.–Israel war with Iran, focusing on rising costs, limited military capacity, and unclear strategic objectives. Mike frames the conflict as a mix of presidential preference for displays of strength and structural constraints, while Russ argues the war exposes a disconnect between public opinion and foreign policy, emphasizing skepticism of regime change and questioning whose interests are actually being served.
Next, they turn to the Illinois primary elections, highlighting progressive Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton’s Senate primary win and the mixed results for progressive candidates in Hous...
Federalist Papers 2 - 5
Trey and Ken unlock Jay’s the Federalist Papers' No 2 - 5. In this episode, the pair examine how Jay envisioned a unified nation's path to peace, strength, and global influence. Topics include Jay’s Hobbesian vision and perspective of a war where decentralized American states invites chaos, while a united America deters foreign aggressors from Europe. The hosts also overview Jay’s views on the need for a singular national identity and how he saw a powerful national government as being more likely to obey international law. Join Trey and Ken as they explore the details of why Jay was in...
Mojtaba Khamenei, The Kushner Doctrine, Trump’s Legislative Ultimatum, DHS Ongoing Shutdown
In this episode, Trey and Ken delve into Iran's leadership transition and the strategic impact of recent U.S. and Israeli military actions. They explore the internal dynamics of Iran's regime and the role of Jared Kushner's shadow diplomacy in escalating tensions, potentially sparking new conflicts with Cuba. The discussion shifts to domestic terrorism, examining links to recent radicalized attacks on U.S. soil and debating the potential necessity of reopening the DHS amid heightened security risks. The episode concludes with an analysis of Trump's legislative strategy, focusing on the implications of the Save America Act.
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The New Rules of Politics: Introduction
In this preview of the midweek supporters' exclusive show, Mike and Michael introduce The New Rules of Politics, a new series aimed at explaining modern American politics through incentives, institutions, and systemic dynamics rather than personalities. Mike argues that many traditional ways of interpreting politics no longer work because the broader environment—especially technology, media, and political rules—has changed faster than the institutions governing politics can adapt.
The conversation explores how structural factors such as low-turnout primaries, the nationalization of politics, changes in media business models, and the growing influence of money in campaigns shape who succ...
Iran War, Midterm Tea Leaves, Trump Fires Noem
Mike and Michael open with a discussion of the widening U.S.–Israel conflict with Iran and the debate over whether President Trump’s military action constitutes a limited campaign or the start of a broader regional war. Mike argues the strike is risky but legally permissible under the War Powers Resolution and sees multiple plausible rationales for it, while Michael contends it amounts to an illegal war that bypassed Congress and risks unintended consequences both geopolitically and domestically.
Next, the guys analyze the first major signals from the 2026 midterm cycle after primaries in Texas and North Carol...
Glyphosate, Gabbard, and the USPS
Mike and Trey open this supporters' exclusive midweek episode with President Trump’s Defense Production Act order boosting domestic glyphosate production amid lawsuits and MAHA backlash, with Mike arguing that the weight of scientific evidence does not support typical-use carcinogen claims while warning against reflexive “chemicals are toxins” thinking, and Trey emphasizing the real policy tension between potential health risks and the massive food price shocks that would follow an abrupt ban, especially given agricultural and national security dependencies.
Next, they examine the whistleblower complaint involving DNI Tulsi Gabbard and the White House’s executive privilege claim, with Trey...
