Duane's World

Iran talks fail after three rounds as Tehran rules out dismantling nuclear facilities. Sen. John Kennedy explains why this isn't a new war — it's finishing one that's been going 47 years. Plus, Hillary Clinton's Epstein deposition, Democratic SOTU behavior, and the Top 10 Dumb Things with James Lileks.Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I (00:55) - SOTU recap (03:17) - Iran talks collapse, update (07:52) - Sen. Kennedy on Iran floor speech (18:28) - Kennedy takeaways, analysis (20:47) - Hillary Clinton deposition clips (23:26) - Kristen Stewart boycott logic (24:30) - Part II (26:15) - The 10 Dumbest Things Said This Week (feat. Lileks)

With carrier groups on station and the Gang of Eight freshly briefed, the Iran clock is ticking. We preview the SOTU, dissect the Democratic meltdown, and explain why Leader John Thune can't do what everyone keeps demanding.Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I (02:33) - Democrat SOTU boycott (04:39) - Iran and the SOTU address (20:01) - Iran military buildup (23:37) - Talent breaks down Iran strategy (31:01) - Gang of Eight briefed on Iran (38:17) - Part II (39:59) - Olympic hockey White House visit (48:02) - AOC, Newsom, Kamala implosions (55:21) - SAVE Act and filibuster reality check

The Left spent months certain Epstein would end Trump. Instead it's The View scrambling, Prince Andrew arrested, and Bill Clinton keeping quiet. U.S. women's hockey wins gold in stunning fashion, plus a breakdown of why Trump's voter ID push — and Newsom's response to it — tells you everything about 2028. And of course we have James Lileks with us for The 10 Dumbest Things Said This Week. Watch this episode here.

Jim Talent on why a U.S. strike on Iran is closer than most want to admit — and who Trump is actually talking to when he issues ultimatums. Plus the Munich embarrassment, Democratic pension raids in New York and Washington state, and the Colbert equal-time stunt that CBS itself called a lie.Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I (00:55) - Iran military buildup overview (06:20) - Jim Talent on U.S. strategic goals and the coming strike (10:36) - Trump's messaging to Iran's military leadership, not the mullahs (17:00) - The Munich Security Conference and the Democratic 2028 field (27:00) - JD Vance responds to Munich critics (31:00) - Ted Cruz vs. Gavin Newsom and the "historically illiterate" exchange (40:19) - Part 2 (43:00) - Mamdani's pension raid and property tax hikes in New York (49:00) - Washington state raids police and firefighter pensions (54:00) - Stephen Colbert, the Talarico stunt, and the FCC equal time rule exposed

Newsom spends billions he doesn't have, Trump gives Iran a month, and Democrats skip town mid-shutdown. Plus, The 10 Dumbest Things Said This Week with James Lileks!Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I (00:55) - California fire rebuild disaster (05:27) - Newsom's Planned Parenthood payday (10:12) - Billion-dollar fire lawsuit advances (13:30) - Trump's one-month Iran warning (19:08) - SAVE Act and government shutdown (24:00) - Moreno corners Ellison on immigration (27:00) - Part II (27:29) - The 10 Dumbest Things Said This Week (feat. Lileks)

Jim Talent breaks down Trump's Iran negotiation leverage, why the SAVE Act can't pass the Senate, and the real midterm strategy the GOP base needs to hear. Plus: Trump on Kudlow, and Haviv Rettig Gur stands up to anti-Semites.Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I (02:10) - Iran tensions: Khamenei's absence & the simmer (08:45) - Trump on Kudlow: carriers, leverage & the deal (10:05) - Jim Talent's case for and against a strike (17:20) - Midterm anxiety & the base panic problem (19:34) - The SAVE Act, the filibuster, and defending Thune (35:13) - GOP messaging: best communicators, worst narrative (41:00) - Part II: Trump-Kudlow highlights & 80-20 issues (56:00) - Haviv Rettig Gur vs. anti-Semites at Haverford College

Karen Bass plays the race card. Newsom celebrates a concrete bridge to nowhere. And California Dems might jungle-primary themselves out of the governor's race. It's that kind of week. Plus, James Lileks is here for this week's Top 10 Dumb Things. Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I (03:10) - - Karen Bass fire records scandal (09:13) - - California jungle primary: Two Republicans could advance (14:19) - - Gavin Newsom's $110B bullet train disaster (20:52) - - Palantir's 300 rockets vs. California's $11B bridge (23:12) - - Trump Rx portal (24:40) - - Part II (Top 10 Dumb Things)

Sen. Jim Talent breaks down how Speaker Johnson threaded the needle on government funding with a two-vote margin, why Democrats' ICE hostage play is destined to backfire, and what Iran's real options look like now that their proxies are gone and American carriers are parked offshore. Plus: Don Lemon gets arrested, goes on Kimmel to complain about intimidation tactics, and apparently doesn't own a mirror.Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I (02:35) - Sen. Jim Talent on the shutdown vote and Speaker Johnson's win (05:20) - Why the ICE funding gambit won't work for Democrats (20:00) - Iran's strategic collapse and shrinking options (35:00) - Maximum pressure, regime change, and the WSJ editorial (47:34) - Part II (48:00) - Iranian drone incidents near the carrier group (55:44) - Don Lemon's arrest and his oblivious Kimmel appearance (59:29) - Wrap-up and Friday preview

While eight WaPo reporters beg Jeff Bezos not to fire them, here's what they're not covering: the US has assembled an armada, Iran's regime has killed 95,000 protesters, and go time may be this weekend. Plus: Batman at city council and The 10 Dumbest Things Said This Week with James Lileks.Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I (00:55) - Iran buildup: assets in place, targets ready (14:45) - WaPo's eight White House reporters beg Bezos (19:49) - Batman at Santa Clara city council (22:44) - Iran's 95,000 dead & why Sunday is go time (26:14) - Part II (28:18) - The 10 Dumbest Things Said This Week

The biggest story in the world is building toward a climax. Jim Talent walks through the Iran situation: IRGC officials relocating underground, Israeli reserves on standby, regime finances collapsing. Plus: Trump quietly won on Greenland, Cuba's on life support, and Democrats used to be part of the 80% on immigration.Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I (00:55) - Trump's Greenland deal & why critics went silent (11:58) - Cuba's energy crisis & Mexico cuts off oil (13:36) - Mark Rutte's truth bomb to NATO & Israel as model ally (17:10) - Minnesota, Tom Homan & Trump's retail politics reset (29:31) - 2030 census forecast & electoral map shift (34:50) - Part II (35:34) - Iran deep dive: chess pieces moving, regime relocating (49:40) - Prediction: when does Trump strike Iran? (53:41) - Clinton & Obama deportation clips Democrats want buried

The Greenland deal is coming together and it's everything Trump needed: sovereign bases, rare earth minerals, and a frozen-out China. JD Vance delivers in Minneapolis, Trump stays coy on Iran, and Gavin Newsom accidentally fact-checks Scott Jennings. Plus: James Lileks and the 10 Dumbest Things Said This Week.Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I (00:55) - VP Vance in Toledo & Minneapolis (06:24) - Greenland deal breakdown & Trump's Arctic win (12:58) - Trump on Iran: military option still on the table (16:30) - Gavin Newsom's Davos meltdown & Scott Jennings vindication (22:17) - Part II (The 10 Dumbest Things Said This Week)

The Iranian regime is cracking—importing foreign fighters because their own IRGC won't pull the trigger on protesters. Two carrier groups are en route. Jim Talent unpacks what's building in the Gulf, celebrates Speaker Johnson's extraordinary UK address, and contrasts it with the constitutional illiteracy coming from Democratic governors and AGs.Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I (00:55) - Trump Year One anniversary & White House presser (03:09) - Talent on Trump's National Security Strategy (09:01) - Iran: regime vulnerability, IRGC defections & Iraqi militia (12:45) - Will Trump strike Iran? Carriers, interceptors & red lines (20:45) - Netanyahu & Israel as Middle East hegemon (26:10) - Greenland: rare earth minerals & the Golden Dome (33:43) - Art of the Deal tactics & Trump's bravado (39:25) - Part II (40:00) - Johnson's Westminster speech: Reagan-style diplomacy (52:24) - JD Vance's Minneapolis speech—can he deliver? (57:34) - Mickey Sherrill, Keith Ellison & church raids

91,000 tons of American strength heads to Iran as the "fake play" theory gains traction. In Minneapolis, Mayor Frey wants police fighting federal agents. In Beijing, Canada's PM makes nice with the ChiComs. And on TMZ, a reality star gets a civics lesson. Plus, Lileks is back in the house for another round of The 10 Dumbest Things Said This Week.Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I (00:50) - Iran buildup and the "fake play" theory (08:38) - Michael Waltz at the UN (13:45) - Jacob Fry vs. ICE (17:07) - PM Carney in Beijing / Farrah Abraham (23:23) - Part II (26:10) - The 10 Dumbest Things Said This Week

Iran is in crisis. The regime is broke, the people are in the streets, and Trump has a decision to make. Jim Talent joins to break down the most pivotal week in Middle East policy in decades — plus the Supreme Court takes on trans athletes in sports, the House preps a second reconciliation bill, and Ro Khanna (D-CA) proposes something genuinely insane.Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I (05:57) - Jim Talent on the Iran Crisis (16:36) - Will Trump Act? Tactical Options (26:21) - Decapitating the Regime (31:35) - What Comes After the Mullahs? (36:22) - Trump's Legacy in the Making (41:32) - Part II (42:29) - SCOTUS Trans Athletes Case: Alito's Kill Shot (50:14) - Second Reconciliation Bill (55:25) - Blue State Lawsuits Against ICE (57:17) - Ro Khanna's Insane ICE Proposal

Jim Talent of the Reagan Institute walks through the Venezuela strike, the broader Latin America strategy, and the twin objectives of combating narco-terrorism and securing America's strategic perimeter. Plus: an honest comparison of Trump and Reagan's foreign policy styles and temperaments.Watch this episode here.

New year, new battles: Somali fraud investigations, California's billionaire exodus, and NYC's socialist city councilman.Thanks to BestHotGrill.com for their constant support!Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I (00:53) - Hugh Hewitt's sports despair (03:16) - 2026 economic outlook and optimism (05:40) - Global developments: Iran protests, Ukraine peace prospects (10:24) - Somali daycare fraud scandal and federal response (34:45) - Part II (49:38) - San Francisco's $5 million reparations problem (52:08) - California billionaire exodus and New York's new socialist

2025 is coming to a close and we thought we'd do one more music episode to round out the year. Thanks to Lileks for being with us as always and to Best Hot Grills for supporting the podcast. Merry Christmas, everyone! See you in 2026!Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I: The Christmas Music Episode (46:28) - Part II: Wrapping up the year

Jim Talent joins to discuss Jacob Savage's eye-opening article on how DEI devastated an entire generation of young men—and what it means for 2028.Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I: The Millennial Betrayal (03:07) - Discussion of 2024 election, 2028 election forecasting (08:01) - Government shutdown threat & healthcare politics (16:30) - Trump's economic wins & messaging strategy (22:48) - Jacob Savage article: DEI's devastation of millennials (35:05) - Republican opportunity with disillusioned generation (38:07) - The moral case against DEI discrimination (45:07) - Part II: Media hypocrisy roundup (52:04) - Correcting the "illegal immigrant" Jesus narrative

Trump seizes a Venezuelan ghost tanker, Democrats defend drug dealers, and gas hits $2 in some states. In the first half of the episode, I explain why Trump needs to rally in 2025, how Chuck Schumer can't dodge Obamacare ownership, and why Ted Lieu's "distraction" theory falls apart against Biden's own 1989 drug war speeches. And our good friend Lileks is back for The 10 Dumbest Things Said This Week!Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I (03:03) - Venezuelan Tanker Seizure (12:31) - Democrats Defend Drug Dealers (15:18) - Gas Prices & Economic Messaging (17:39) - Trump's Rally Strategy (22:45) - Obamacare Blame Game (26:06) - The 10 Dumbest Things Said This Week

Jim Talent reports from the Reagan Defense Summit where Pete Hegseth called out 30 years of foreign policy failures. Why the drug boat "double tap" is standard warfare, not a scandal. Then: Jasmine Crockett's cringeworthy Texas Senate launch—code-switching, contradictions, and the worst campaign video ever.Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I: Intro & Recap (02:13) - Inside the Reagan Defense Summit (06:56) - Pete Hegseth's speech & the drug boat "double tap" (18:01) - Constitutional powers & cartel strikes (23:45) - Why these convenings matter (27:09) - Reagan Institute survey results (31:23) - Israel support among younger Americans (38:34) - Part II: Jasmine Crockett's Senate announcement (44:55) - The real Jasmine Crockett: Code-switching caught on tape (51:28) - "This isn't about me... I need a bigger voice" (55:56) - The campaign launch musical performance

Russia's done, Venezuela's next, and America needs welders not more college grads. Get the messaging right.Watch this episode here.We are off the rest of this week, enjoy your Thanksgiving! (00:53) - Part I (04:21) - Foreign Policy: Russia and Ukraine (14:41) - Economic and Political Strategies (26:52) - Venezuela and International Relations (30:54) - Part II (56:45) - Closing

The Epstein boomerang hits Democrats while Trump closes a trillion-dollar Saudi deal. Jim Talent on F-35s, Abraham Accords, and the urgent economic messaging Republicans are missing.Watch this episode here. (00:00) - Part I (04:13) - The Epstein Files (16:07) - Government Reopening and Political Spectacle (25:47) - Middle East Foreign Policy (37:00) - Economic Discussion and Strategy (40:00) - Part II

Silicon Valley is going pro-America. Palantir's Alex Karp explains why the U.S. must win the AI race, what Constitutional values have to do with technology, and why we need vocational workers over college graduates. Plus: Fetterman vs. Couric on extreme rhetoric and Lileks with The 10 Dumbest Things Said This Week.Watch this episode here.

The shutdown ends as predicted—with Democrats losing leverage and leadership facing backlash. Jim Talent and I discuss what went wrong, the coming healthcare debate, and whether longer mortgages are the answer to America's housing crisis.Watch this episode here.

Democrats are playing a dangerous game. After election wins, Senate progressives convinced leadership to keep the shutdown going—until something catastrophic happens. An anonymous aide admitted they're waiting for "planes to fall out of the sky." Why in the world would Democrats think federal workers and air safety are acceptable bets? And, of course, Lileks is back to review The 10 Dumbest Things Said This Week. Enjoy!Watch this episode here.

Democrats cave on shutdown after Election Day—was the timing deliberate? Duane Patterson and Jim Talent analyze Virginia and New Jersey results, reveal over a dozen Senate Dems now negotiating to reopen government, and discuss the conservative movement's Tucker Carlson problem. Government could have reopened last Friday.Watch this episode here.

The Schumer Shutdown continues and Democrats face a brewing crisis with their traditional base. Union leaders from the Teamsters, airline pilots, and federal employees join Republicans at the White House demanding action. Generic ballot polling shows the shutdown strategy backfiring spectacularly on Democrats. Plus, Lileks is back to join us in reviewing the dumbest things said this week!Watch this episode here.

The government shutdown is entering its fourth week, and the Democrats just lost their own unions. Jim Talent breaks down why Senate Republicans are watching their opponents drown in a box canyon of their own making—just one week before critical elections in Virginia and New Jersey. Watch this episode here.

The Democrats are losing their minds, and we have a front row seat. This week: Why is Stephen A. Smith defending the mob over Trump's DOJ? How did Michelle Obama spend $376 million (that's $551M in today's dollars) on White House landscaping with zero outrage? And why are leftists more concerned about drug runners' rights than actually stopping the cartels? From the NBA gambling scandal to White House renovation hysteria, it's all the silly and stupid you can handle.Watch this episode here.

Well, the "No Kings" rally took place this weekend, and when the last of the courtesy shuttles finished transporting the protestors back to their nursing homes, the Republicans gave the Dems yet another off ramp which they promptly ignored. Alas, the Schumer Shutdown continues..Is it time for another rule change? Former Senator Jim Talent and I explore that idea.Watch this episode here.

Today I have for you a special guest and good friend who has written a wonderful new book that you should check out. Also, the latest on Boltongate and more.Watch this episode here.

Former Senator Jim Talent argues that Trump's Middle East diplomacy has fundamentally reshaped the region by checkmating Hamas and establishing Israel as the undisputed hegemon. We also explore the idea of a narrow filibuster reform to end the government shutdown by allowing appropriations bills to pass with 51 votes.Watch this episode here.

My special focus group of one returns to report how things are going one year later. Also, President Trump pulls off the near-impossible. Watch this episode here.

Watch this episode here.

In the Shutdown About Nothing a.k.a. The Schumer Shutdown, everything is theater. They know it can't go on for long, and no one's laughing.James Lileks is around for The 10 Dumbest Things Said This Week this week and off the next couple. Enjoy!Watch this episode here.

It is not a good week for Chuck Schumer, Senate Democrats, and a lot of nervous federal workers/contractors. Jim Talent and I discuss the shutdown as well as President Trump's peace plan for Gaza and more.Watch this episode here.

Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted by a grand jury yesterday. I break it down and give you my reaction, then we get to The 10 Dumbest Things Said This Week with James Lileks.Watch this episode here.

Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted by a grand jury yesterday. I break it down and give you my reaction, then we get to The 10 Dumbest Things Said This Week with James Lileks.Watch this episode here.

President Trump addressed the UN General Assembly in New York City yesterday and held bilateral talks with leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron. Jim Talent and I break it down, then it's time for The Good, The Bad, and The Stupid.Watch this episode here. 

There have been a lot of reactions to Charlie's assassination, some of which have resulted in firings or suspensions. The latest, and perhaps biggest, is Jimmy Kimmel. Also, we are back with another week of Dumb Things said, and Lileks is here as usual to help me go through them. Don't forget to check out his Substack here.Watch this episode here.Thanks to our sponsor, Best Hot Grills.

It's been a week since Charlie's murder and the alleged assassin has been captured. Jim Talent joins me to reflect on the trauma that was inflicted as a result of this event and how we are seeing it affect every day Americans.Watch this episode here.

God Bless Charlie Kirk, his family, and all who were closest to him.Watch this episode here.

A senseless murder in Charlotte from a career criminal throws the media into chaos. Israel takes out Hamas leadership in Doha. Jim Talent joins me to discuss.Watch this episode here.

Senate Majority Leader Thune said on Hugh's show yesterday that the "Reid Rule" will be invoked next week to clear the logjam of Trump appointees awaiting confirmation. Also, the Department of War is back as is James Lileks for this week's 10 Dumbest Things. Watch this episode here.

I'm joined by former Senator Jim Talent to discuss two governments you probably haven't been paying attention to that are teetering on collapse - France and the UK. We examine how elite policy failures, unchecked immigration, and social breakdown have created what military historians warn could lead to civil war in Europe. We also dive into Trump's expanding federal law enforcement strategy, from the successful 87% reduction in D.C. carjackings to his potential intervention in Chicago, where Mayor Johnson and Governor Pritzker are threatening to sue rather than accept federal help with their crime crisis.Watch this episode here.

Pray for the families of Annunciation Catholic in Minneapolis.Watch this episode here.

Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has been trying his best to negotiate an end to hostilities in Gaza with the hope of rescuing any of the remaining hostages, but Hamas has dug in. President Trump is set to chair a meeting on Gaza with Israel in D.C. today. Is this the beginning of the end of this war?Watch this episode here.

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