Dinner Table Politics

Donald Trump called all Never Trump Republicans "human scum" this week, and Jim and Eliza note how all the people who affiliate with Trump end up getting closer to that description themselves. From Rudy Giuliani to congressional Republicans, anyone who gets close to this president is sullied by the experience. Eliza and Jim discuss how far party loyalty ought to go, and why a post-Trump GOP should be listening more to Pierre Delecto than Donald Trump. Plus: Bill Gates's worm toilets!

Mick Mulvaney, Donald Trump's Chief of Staff, admits to a quid pro quo! Donald Trump doubles down on impeachable offenses by violating the emoluments clause and holding the G-7 at his own hotel! More and more Republicans, including Gov. John Kasich and Rep. Francis Rooney of Florida, are saying impeachment should move forward, and a growing majority of Americans agree.  What's a Republican to do? Jim and Eliza give the Republican Party their best advice and debate whether Mitch McConnell or Nancy Pelosi is the smartest politician in Washington. Also, are politicians generally good or bad people? 

Dinner Table Politics returns! Impeachment takes center stage as Jim and Eliza discuss President Trump's fate, which Jim points out has a greater-than-zero percent chance of resulting in removal from office. Will Mitt Romney save the nation and unwittingly fulfill a dubious prophecy? Are there really 35 Republicans who, behind closed doors, want Trump removed? Should the House of Representatives arrest Rudy Giuliani? And does anyone listening want to buy Eliza a Tesla? 

Sam Bennett, age 18, joins Dinner Table Politics for the first time, despite the fact that he hates politics. (His friend Chandler Glauser whispers the right answers in his ear.) Where does Sam stand on issues like gender equality, international relations, and whether America is the greatest country in the world? We go through the Pew Research on Gen Z politics and discover where the generations differ. Also, does Sam know who the Vice President of the United States is? (Spoiler alert: he does now.) Also, why does Sam have Joe Biden's personal phone number? 

President Trump's 4th of July speech talking about the liberation of 18th Century airports serves as the catalyst for Abby and Jim's discussion about patriotism. The rising generation is less interested in visiting old patriotic landmarks like Colonial Williamsburg and the National Air and Space Museum than were generations past. Is this a good or a bad thing? How much does patriotism and national identity matter? And could it be possible that we are moving toward a post nation-state world? All this, plus Abby tells you more about het Webkins collection than you ever wanted to know. 

Abby and Jim begin by discussing the horrific treatment of children detained on the Southern border, which both agree will be a defining moment in American history for generations to come, and not in a good way. Jim then introduces Abby to the concept of Godwin's Law, the Internet standard for Hitler analogies, and how Godwin himself has stepped into the discussion. They then discuss the recent presidential debates, and Jim reveals the secrets to winning a debate. (You're welcome to try this at home.) 

Are we heading to war with Iran? As the Trump administration tries to figure out a commensurate response to the downing of an American spy drone, Abby and Jim review the possibility of what a war would look like, and why it would likely be more disastrous than the invasion of Iraq. Jim introduces Abby to "Wag the Dog," the movie that chronicles a fictional president mounting a war to secure his reelection chances. Could that be what's happening here? And what are Trump's reelection chances, anyway? Joe Biden is stumbling; Elizabeth Warren is on the rise. Is wagging the dog Trump's best hope for 2020?

Debt! Everyone's favorite thing. How much is too much - for a future medical student like Abby or for the country at large? As the Trump administration continues to run up the red ink and the deficit looks to approach the $1 trillion mark for the first time since the 2008 financial meltdown, Jim and Abby look for the answers that will bring the budget into balance. The focus is on mandatory spending - Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Possible solutions include higher taxes, lower spending, or, according to Abby, cloning. Also, Abby explains why Stevie Wonder is blind. 

Since Donald Trump seems to be stealing his European itinerary from the Bennett trip to Europe last summer, Abby and Jim rate his performance (high marks for D-Day tribute; low marks for bate outfit with the Queen) and review what every single candidate running for president is doing. Turns out neither Abby nor Jim had heard of most of them. Sure, there's Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Mayor Pete with the unpronounceable name - but who's the new age guru and the guy names Swalwell? And how do you pronounce Swalwell? And who will be left standing when the Iowa caucuses roll around?

Has Jim changed his mind about the wisdom of impeaching Donald Trump? Abby and Jim review the political ramifications of impeachment in the wake of Robert Mueller's pointed non-exoneration.  Professor Allan Lichtman of American University says Trump will be reelected unless the Democrats impeach. Is this different from the '98 impeachment of Bill Clinton? Is there value in an impeachment that doesn't remove a president from office? And why doesn't Abby catch any of Jim's Star Trek references?

Remember when Republicans were opposed to spending $1 to $2 trillion on prom barrel politics? Jim does, but Abby doesn't. President Trump's refusal to work with Democrats on an infrastructure bill reminds Jim of his father Bob Bennett's TARP vote (for) and stimulus package vote (against). The history of presidents working with Congress while under investigation also comes under scrutiny, with a review of the Independent Counsel Statute, the Saturday Night Massacre, and Abby's grandfather winning the coveted Iron Butt Award, which Abby wants to recreate using actual iron, welders, and butt models. 

The slate of new restrictive abortion laws creates an uncomfortable conversation around the dinner table, with Abby wanting - and trying - to talk about anything else, including the Beatles, Twilight, and seahorses. Jim predicts it will likely get worse before it gets better, seeing the Alabama law in particular as a particularly misguided idea on every level. Will Roe v. Wade be overturned? Will Justice Roberts preside over such a massive shift in precedent? And what does South Carolina's transgender bathroom law tell us about the federalist implications of Alabama's trajectory? 

The New York Times gets its hands on Trump's taxes, and it isn't pretty. Abby and Jim break it all down and discuss what's appropriate to share on social media, especially in light of the social media giant's decision to ban Alex Jones and Linda Loomer. Is social media a public accommodation like a bakery or a grocery store, or is it a media platform like the soon-to-be-nonprofit Salt Lake Tribune? And why did Donal Trump pose as his own PR person once upon a time? And is Abby's idea of selling donuts that look like planets a good business model?

Jim and Abby discuss Nancy French's article in the Washington Post titled "Romney was never Christian enough for some Republicans. Somehow, Trump is." Jim recalls the 2012 presidential campaign, in which Mitt Romney's personal faith went largely undiscussed, and how his cousin Grant Bennett spoke about Mitt's church service at the 2012 convention. How much does a president's personal morality matter? Is it acceptable to vote for a bad man who does what you think are good things?  Also, what's the best definition of a "cult?" (According to Abby, most anthills qualify.) 

Jim is joined by his youngest son Jamie Bennett, aged 13, who really wants to talk about sports more than politics. Nevertheless, Jamie offers insight into whether or not Donald Trump should be impeached, which four Republican senators would be most likely to vote for impeachment, and Jamie discovers how Richard Nixon played the piano at his great-grandfather's 75th birthday party. Jamie also blames Donald Trump for destroying the USFL and recalls the starting lineup of the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2006. Father and son also sing an impromptu duet of a song both learned at the age of three. 

This episode was recorded the day Notre Dame caught fire, and Jim and Abby recall their visit the previous summer and the iconic role that landmark building has played in world history. They also discuss Julian Assange, and the role Wikileaks played in burning down the Hillary Clinton campaign, not to mention the Church of Scientology. What is the impact, good or bad, of whistleblowers like Assange, Edward Snowden, and Chelsea Manning play in revealing government secrets? And when you're using your mobile devices, who is more likely to be listening to you - the NSA or Amazon? Also, Abby refuses to discuss the new Star Wars trailer. 

What does it take to run for president? Abby and Jim review the history of the campaign for the Oval Office, beginning with George Washington's (non) campaigns, Abraham Lincoln's debates with Stephen Douglas, and the history of campaigns that Jim and Abby can remember personally. (Jim remembers celebrating Nixon's win in '72 riding Big Wheels in preschool, while Abby remembers playing with Polly Pockets when W. won in 2000.) Reagan, both Bushes, Clinton, Obama, and Trump all come under the Dinner Table Politics microscope, and Abby comes out in full force against bumper stickers. 

Abby and Jim review things that have happened in the past week that aren't funny - notably Utah Senator Mike Lee's stand-up comedy routine on the Senate floor that featured tauntauns and Aquaman. Would he have been as condescending if Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had been a middle-aged man? Jim also introduce Abby to a speech by Senator Lee's father Rex Lee that read like a primer on why you shouldn't vote for Mike Lee. The other unfunny event of the week, Joe Biden's gropey public behavior, also gets the once-over, and Abby and Jim assess what this means in the coarsening Age of Trump. 

COMPLETE EXONERATION! That's what Donald Trump is saying about Robert Mueller's nothingburger of a report. Abby and Jim break it down and figure out what we got out of those two years and $30 million that produced this, and whether there are time bombs in it we just don't know about yet. (Spoiler alert: There aren't.) The discussion includes analysis of Internet bots on Facebook, Doonesbury, Joe Biden, the Electoral College, and Jim's longing for "politics as usual," as well as the impartiality of alien lawyers. 

Eliza returns to Dinner Table Politics to discuss her experience as an intern for Senate President Stuart Adams in Utah's latest legislative session. She gives a behind-the-scenes look at Medicaid expansion, the failed conversion therapy and tax overhaul bills, criminal justice reform, and education funding. She also explains, much to Jim's chagrin, why Kim Kardashian is the greatest American hero in the world today. 

Another session of the Utah State Legislature is almost complete. Lawmakers did a number of disappointing things this session, including changing ballot initiatives and fumbling an ill-conceived tax overhaul. But perhaps the most disappointing thing that happened was the derailing of a ban on conversion therapy due to Rep. Karianne Lisonbee and Governor Herbert watering down a bill that was unopposed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which prompted Equality Utah's director Troy Williams to resign from the state's Suicide Prevention Task Force. Abby and Jim discuss the history and future of conversion therapy - Sigmund Freud does not come across well - and also debate what anatomical terms are appropriate for a family-oriented podcast.  

Abby and Jim finally talk about what everyone's talking about - and no, it's not Khloe Kardashian and some guy named Tristan that Jim's never heard of. It's the Michael Cohen testimony! Will it bring down Trump? (No.) Jim applies lessons from Wonder Woman's husband and stock price analogies to explain why Trump's approval ratings have actually gone up since the testimony. Senator Rand Paul is voting against Trump's emergency declaration, though. Will that matter? (Probably not, no. Sorry.) 

The Utah State Legislature is almost done with its legislative session! Abby and Jim review some interesting developments happening local, such as a bill to get rid of straight party voting, changes to voter initiatives, and how delegates elect candidates. (Bernie Sanders comes up at the end.) Jim also reviews his brush with scandal during his father's 2010 campaign and Abby provides an excellent synopsis of an episode of The Office. 

Abby and Jim break down President Trump's national emergency declaration and recount the history of previous presidential action going back to the National Emergencies Act signed by Gerald Ford back in 1976. Is Trump misusing his power? How expensive is the wall? What did the late Sen. Bob Bennett mean by "budget dust?" The wall is creating both physical and political divisions, which have manifested themselves in the Jussie Smollett debacle. This series of unfortunate events also allows Abby to discuss the book series "A Series of Unfortunate Events" and its subsequent adaptations. Plus: Jim sings with a cold!

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Green New Deal has been endorsed by several presidential hopefuls, but is it a good idea? Abby agrees in principle, but Jim worries that it's too expensive and accomplishes nothing. Abby and Jim then recount the mess surrounding the GND rollout, with AOC previously insisting that an FAQ posted on her site referencing "farting cows" and economic security for people "unwilling to work" was just a Republican hoax. (It wasn't.) Jim also recounts AOC's faulty campaign finance reasoning, and Abby laments that Kanye hasn't tweeted anything since the beginning of the year.

Donald Trump's big speech! How did he do? Abby and Jim break it down, including all the shout-outs to Buzz Aldrin and other celebrities in the audience as Abby assures us that the moon actually exists. Where did Trump succeed? (In highlighting abortion extremism.) Where did he fall flat? (In calling for an end to investigations.) And does Trump know what he's talking about when he says America isn't a socialist country? Also, how can he complain about illegal immigrants ruining the economy after bragging about how great the economy is?

Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, is teasing a possible independent candidacy for president. How well have third-party presidential candidates done in the past? (Abraham Lincoln did pretty well.) Jim tells Abby stories of H. Ross Perot, and how Abby's grandfather made a $10,000 bet with him in a Senate hearing. Learn what happened to the Reform Party he founded, and how it was essentially killed by a former speechwriter for Richard Nixon who flirted with holocaust denial. Elizabeth Warren's wealth tax also comes under scrutiny, and Jim describes the first time he heard a wealth tax proposal - from Donald J. Trump. 

Recorded on Martin Luther King Day, this episode of Dinner Table politics recounts MLK's time as a Trekkie, and how the civil rights leader persuaded Nichelle Nichols to keep playing Lt. Uhura. (The geeky nature of this story does not make Abby very happy.) Jim and Abby also discuss the fallout from the Covington School encounter with Native American protestors that demonstrated just how far we have to go to fulfill Dr. King's dream. President Trump's (short) visit to the MLK Memorial also gets a mention, and both Jim and Abby identify their least favorite DC monument. And who really is fourth in command of the Enterprise? 

Did the dinosaurs have politics? That's just one of the insightful questions Abby asks as Jim and Abby discuss the fallout from what is now the longest government shutdown in history. Who can save us from this national nightmare? Probably not Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who seems to think that being morally right excuses being factually incorrect. Jim and Abby discuss where AOC is wrong and where she is right, as in her schooling of former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker on marginal tax rates. Also learn why Anderson Cooper is the nation's uncle, but only on his mother's side. And which Carolina is Lindsay Graham from? The answer probably won't surprise you. 

Why are you running for office? It's a question every politician is asked, and very few have a good answer. Abby thinks there's only two reasons: money and power. Jim recalls Mitt Romney's answer when he ran for Governor of Massachusetts in 2002, and he breaks down Elizabeth Warren's most recent answer, which is that she's trying to stop billionaires from taking everything for themselves. This leads to a discussion of capitalism, communism, gravity, and why all economic wisdom is encapsulated in the Parable of the Rolling Stones. 

Abby and Jim make predictions for 2019, but neither predicted that Mitt Romney would come out swinging against Donald Trump in a scathing op-ed in the Washington Post. Jim predicts that there are rough times ahead and laments that our president, supposedly a great businessman, doesn't have the first clue about basic economics. We also review the history of Bill Clinton's "It's the Economy, Stupid" and finally find out what T.A.R.P. stands for. (The T does not stand for Titus, our fat dog who kept barking at the dinner table.) 

In preparation for the New Year, Abby and Jim clean up after 2018. From the lowlights - Donald Trump shutting down the government over the wall Mexico won't pay for to his conversation with a 7-year-old' "marginal" belief in Santa Claus - to the highlights, notably the president's surprise visit to Iraq. We also discuss the disconnect between a Democratic Party that wants someone entirely new and/or Joe Biden, Mitt Romney's decision to only run for one term, and why people on both sides are obsessed with Ruth Bader Ginsburg's health. Plus: Jim does, in fact, know who the Notorious B.I.G. is. 

Abby is buried in finals, so her cousin Steven Prawitt joins Jim to discuss the Republican gamesmanship that's putting the country on the brink of another government shutdown. Jim tells his nephew how that didn't work out well for Newt Gingrich and the Republicans in '94, or for Ted Cruz and Mike Lee in 2011, and it won't help Trump get his wall in 2018, either. Then Eliza joins the podcast to discuss how Christmas won the "War on Christmas" and how William Shatner's defense of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" probably isn't a good idea. Then, at the very end, Eliza tells everyone what the real reason for the season is. (Hint: She was born December 26th.) 

Abby and Jim discuss Donald Trump's deepening legal woes as Robert Mueller's long-running investigation draws closer to a conclusion. How much trouble is Trump really in? Can a sitting president be indicted? Can he pardon himself? And why is every federal building in West Virginia named after former Klu Klux Klansman Robert C. Byrd? (It's all related.) Abby also learns about her family legacy and how Richard Nixon played the piano at her grandfather's 75th birthday party. Plus - the correct way to pronounce Robert Mueller's name. (Hint: Ferris Bueller fans will be sorely disappointed.) 

Abby and Jim discuss the passing of George H.W. Bush, which calls to mind Abby's policy disagreements with our 41st president, as well as the misunderstood history of the broken "No New Taxes" pledge and the mislabeling of the World War II hero as a "wimp." Jim takes the occasion to recall the thoughtfulness and personal kindnesses of former President Bush, his penchant for handwritten letters, and the importance of basic human decency in the Oval Office. 

Space: The Final Frontier! Abby only lets Jim say that once, although a second mention sneaks in near the end of the podcast. This was recorded minutes after NASA's InSight spacecraft landed on the surface of Mars, and Abby and Jim discuss the significance of that accomplishment, as well as the history of America's space program, including the Cold War competition that got us to the moon first and, so far, last. The future of space travel also comes into focus, as does Elon Musk's prediction that there's a "70% chance" the he will personally travel to Mars. Also, who did astronaut Buzz Aldrin punch in the face?  

Happy Thanksgiving from Dinner Table Politics! Abby and Jim discuss the history of Thanksgiving in America, notably the first pardoned turkey inspired by Abraham Lincoln's youngest and "dumpiest" son. (We didn't make that up.) We also explore the fate of 21st Century turkeys that don't live long after their moment of glory on the White House lawn. Discussions of what we're thankful for lead to a conversation about whether or not Jim Acosta and CNN have a constitutional right to a White House press pass, and we conclude with a really strange joke about a giant orange head to kick off your Thanksgiving celebration. 

The votes are (mostly) all in, and Abby and Jim discuss the trends going forward. What are the demographic characteristics that best determine how someone will vote? (Hint: Its not Zodiac signs, as Abby incorrectly guessed.) Why did only 1/2 of millennials show up to the polls? Which is worse - voter fraud or voter suppression, and are either of them really happening? 

Abby and Jim, live from the United Utah Party Election Night Headquarters! The Democrats win the House; the Republicans keep the Senate. What does this mean for the country? Also, Utah sends a Democrat to DC, Mitt Romney wins but doesn't dominate, and the Beehive State approves medical marijuana. And is Ted Cruz really the Zodiac Killer? 

Abby and Jim discuss the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and the MAGA bomber and why entrenched racism and partisan hatred show no signs of going away. What will this mean for the upcoming midterm elections? What does "Braceros" mean in Spanish? And what does Apu from The Simpsons have anything to do with all this?

For a special Halloween podcast, Abby and Eliza take over Dinner Table Politics and tell ghost stories from the White House. Did the spirit of Abigail Adams truly return to the mortal world to hang laundry from a clothesline? Did Harry Truman really get ding-dong-ditched by the ghost of Andrew Jackson? Did the Great Emancipator startle Winston Churchill on the privy? And when Jim returns to share in the spooky tales, do we discover that real life politics before the 2018 midterms are even scarier than anything Halloween can offer?

The Democrats are poised to ride the "Blue Wave" to retake Congress, but is there a 2016-style upset in the making? Abby and Jim discuss the biggest political surprises in history, notably the hanging chads of Bush v. Gore, and how that relates to one of Abby's favorite episodes of "How I Met Your Mother." Donald Trump, Newt Gingrich, and Rutherford B. Hayes all play a part in the drama, even though Abby does not have a poster of Rutherford B. Hayes hanging on her wall.