Politics: Meet Me in the Middle

Join Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht as they speak with Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci about 2022 elections, Republican tactics, and some of the most divisive political topics in the United States. What if Trump decides to run again? How will The Mooch plan to stop him? They cover politics, voting rights, bit coin, abortion, Biden, and vaccines…all as we close out year two of the pandemic with the death toll still rising. Episode Timestamps: 03:26- Were you always a Republican? 03:50 - Is Trump the same you knew? 04:31 -  Republican Party Tactics are working 08:28 -  Is the Republican party healable? 10:21 - The Mooch's Assessment of Trump 12:23 - What if Trump runs again? 16:19 - 2022 and The House 20:00 - How do Trump supporters think? 21:13 - It's too early to know who can replace Trump 22:51 - Vaccines 23:19 - The U.S. and China 24:52 - Abortion 27:19 – Brief explanation of how Crypto works ---------------------- Learn More:  https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What will it take for Dems to connect with black & brown voters? How can Dems keep Republicans from branding them, radicals? What can Dems do better to keep the house? All this and more is discussed on the season finale of Politics: Meet Me in the Middle. Bill and Jane are joined by Lanae Erickson (Senior Vice President for the Social Policy Program at The Third Way) and Quentin James (founder and president of The Collective) to explore their six month study and report that was praised by The NY Times. Episode Timestamps: 2:00 Intro 5:52 Defining The Third Way, The Collective, and The Latino Victory Fund 7:54 The Origins of coming together 8:51 The Democratic Coalition 11:05 Black Voters 15:51 The Failure of “Defund the Police” messaging 17:02 Break 17:26 The Trump Effect 19:14 Learning from the report 22:44 The Democratic Brand 26:45 Dems -The Less Racist Party? 28:53 Break 2 29:36 What do democrats stand for? 31:17 Full disclosure 33:30 Advice for the moderates 34:27 Closing statements to the democratic party  ---------------------- Learn More:  https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are ways to improve the relationship between Russia and the United States, but it's going to be a long road. This week Timothy Frye continues his look at the possibilities of joint gains and the mutual benefits of better political relations between the two countries. Timothy Frye is the Marshall D. Shulman Professor in Political Science at Columbia University and Co-Director of a research laboratory at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. He worked for the US Information Agency in the Soviet Union in the late 1980s, advised the Russian Securities and Exchange Commission in the 1990s, and directed the Harriman Institute at Columbia from 2009 to 2015. Born in Utica, New York, he earned a BA in Russian Language and Literature from Middlebury College and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Columbia University. He is the editor of Post-Soviet Affairs and the author of 4 books. He lives in New York City. Episode Timestamps: :30 Next steps to a better US/Russia relationship 2:31 Putin in Power until 2036? 7:12 Putin and Hillary Clinton 9:33 Trump's Idol: Putin 11:34 What did Putin have on Trump? 13:08 Trump's a Putin Wannabe 16:55 Putin – Biden Relationship 23:15 Should the US appease or help Putin? 28:00 The Path Forward for a Better US/Russia relationship ---------------------- Learn More:  https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Timothy Frye kicks off our series on US-Russia relations. Timothy Frye is the Marshall D. Shulman Professor in Political Science at Columbia University and Co-Director of a research laboratory at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. He worked for the US Information Agency in the Soviet Union in the late 1980s, advised the Russian Securities and Exchange Commission in the 1990s, and directed the Harriman Institute at Columbia from 2009 to 2015. Born in Utica, New York, he earned a B.A. in Russian Language and Literature from Middlebury College and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Columbia University. He is the editor of Post-Soviet Affairs and the author of four books. He lives in New York City. Episode Timestamps: 2:55 The U.S. view of Russia and Russia's view of the US 8:51 Russian Backgrounds and Diversity 11:14 Power distribution in Russia 14:10 Experiencing 911 from Russia 21:20 Putin's Rise to Power  Additional Links: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KWP9X92/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0  ---------------------- Learn More:  https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Curtis, Jane Albrecht, and Ted Lieu continue their discussion with Congressman Ted Lieu about cybersecurity and the potential threats to America's infrastructure. According to Lieu, the Trump Administration did not take cybersecurity as seriously as it should have, even eliminating government cybersecurity positions. The new administration seems to be taking the issue of cybersecurity with more gravity. He wants more people to realize that the severity of an attack could go well beyond individual businesses and affect the quality of the lives of many Americans. Then, he speaks about cryptocurrency and the potential dangers of not being able to monitor it and control it. He also speaks about the spam and scams people receive and how to protect yourself. This term, Ted was elected Co-Chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee. Ted was also appointed as an Assistant Democratic Whip. He serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. Ted has taken a leadership role in Congress on a number of vital policy issues. Episode Timestamps: 3:51 Cryptocurrency and Bitcoin Abuse 7:51 Is this problem of cyber-attacks accelerating? 9:02 Nuclear Power Plants 9:37 Break 1 10:10 Personal Cyber security Advice from Ted Lieu 16:43 Break 2 17:06 Spam and Scams 21:06 Email and Wire Instructions 23:17 Closing Thoughts  ---------------------- Learn More:  https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Curtis, Jane Albrecht, and Congressman Ted Lieu discuss computer hackers, cyber warfare, America's infrastructure, and how we can keep our country safe from these attacks. This is part one of our two-part series on cyber security with Representative Ted Lieu. Congressman Ted W. Lieu represents California's 33rd Congressional District. Serving his fourth term in Congress, Ted has already made a significant impact in Washington. He was elected President of the Democratic Freshman Class by his colleagues during his first term. Last term, after being elected Vice Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Ted led efforts to take back the House, helping Democrats win 9 Republican-held house seats in his region. This term, Ted was elected Co-Chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee. Ted was also appointed as an Assistant Democratic Whip. He serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. Ted has taken a leadership role in Congress on a number of vital policy issues. Episode Timestamps: 3:22 Ted's Cybersecurity Background 4:20 Biggest Cybersecurity Threats to the USA 7:12 Types of Hackers 11:13 Russia Aggression 15:08 Microsoft and Hacking 20:21 The Space Infrastructure Act 26:06 Digital Gorilla War 30:07 Final Words: Is there universal Goodwill? ---------------------- Learn More:  https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nowadays there's not much that enflames passions more than a conversation about gun safety, the NRA, and the "right to bear arms." In this episode, Constitutional law professor Eugene Volokh goes toe-to-toe with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Ed Larson and host Bill Curtis as they argue what the framers meant when they crafted the second amendment on this encore edition of Politics: Meet Me in the Middle. Episode Timestamps: 2:10 2nd Amendment Lesson 4:06 Deeper Dive into the 2nd Amendment 5:39 What is the militia? 6:25 Individual Rights 7:40 The right to bear arms 8:07 break 1 8:32 The Changing View of the 2nd Amendment 10:05 Types of Arms Allowed 13:00 Cars as Weapons vs Guns and background checks 16:10 break 2 16:54 The NRA Influence and reasonable purpose 18:20 Defining Assault weapons 21:20 Protecting rights strategy 22:36 Do we need protection from our government 24:00 Is it really a 2nd Amendment issue? 27:32 Closing Remarks ---------------------- Learn More:  https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht continue their discussion on cybersecurity with author and tech-wiz, David Holtzman. What’s a Zombie Bot? Has a Trojan attacked your computer? How can we protect ourselves from Hackers? This episode will both scare and enlighten you to all matters of personal and business cybersecurity. David Holtzman is a world-class information technologist, currently working with global block chain companies, with deep expertise in privacy, encryption, ethics, cybersecurity, digital registries and intellectual property. Episode Timestamps: 00:52 Hacking, Phishing, and Personal Attacks 1:52 How Hackers Attack YOU 4:07 Antivirus Software 5:34 No Real Protection Against Hacking 6:55 Real Life Hacking Examples 7:43 Things you can check before being Hacked 10:37 Hacking Cases during Covid 11:48 What not to do to stay safe from Hackers and VPN 13:07 Passwords 15:07 Password Lockers and Hacks 15:52 Positive Takeaways and Hacking 19:42 Insider Threats and Business 21:48 Individual Responsibility and Old-World Business Tactics 24:06 Final Words  ---------------------- Learn More:  https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht discuss cybersecurity with author and tech-wiz, David Holtzman. They dive deep into the Colonial Pipeline Hack, ransomware, and Solar Winds. You’ll learn about the capabilities of Russia, China, and other nations in the cyber-wars. Do you want to know what Zero Day means, who’s DarkSide, Fancy Bear and Cozy Bear?... which software is the safest, Apple or Microsoft? And how wars will be fought in the future? This two-part series on cyber-intelligence will certainly deliver. Episode Timestamps: 3:16 Why do countries get hacked? David Holtzman is a world-class information technologist, currently working with global block chain companies, with deep expertise in privacy, encryption, ethics, cybersecurity, digital registries and intellectual property. 5:05 The Colonial Pipeline Hack 6:16 Panic Buying and Hacks (DarkSide) 9:19 Two Types of Hackers 10:30 Negotiating with Hackers 11:08 The Solar Winds Hack and Russia 12:54 Deduction and knowing who’s the Hacker 14:34 Tracking what information was hacked 16:16 How to handle the backdoor second hack attack 17:45 Lessons Learned from Hackers and USA Cyber intelligence 20:36 Trump and classified intelligence 21:36 Do we have proof that Trump passed info onto the Russians? 23:36 What is Zero Day? 24:54 Apple vs Microsoft and Hacking 28:02 Mutual assured annihilation 29:50 Ramifications of Hacking 32:44 Cold War References and destruction 34:00 Defending against Russian Aggression  ---------------------- Learn More:  https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is going to be a little different. We're going to focus on trending topics in the news and social media, mostly political Twitter, and then ask our host, who'll be playing a guest this episode, about his thoughts, feelings and opinions on some of these topics. Plus, later, we'll do a get to know Bill a bit more with the producers Lightning Round. Episode Timestamps: 1:13 Social Media Platform 2:19 The Recent Biden Poll 3:29 The Covid unemployment benefits effect 7:52 Biden Putin vs Trump Putin Dynamic 9:29 Mass Shootings and Gun Laws 14:44 Break one 15:14 The GOP is A Cult 16:53 Governance VS Politics 18:59 What went wrong with the Republican Party? 22:38 Biden’s Tax Mistake 26:24 Break Two 27:20 Get to know more about our host, Bill Curtis with a lightning Round 31:34 Bringing it back to Social Media Good or Bad? ---------------------- Learn More:  https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill and Jane sit down with economist, Stephanie Kelton for a comprehensive conversation about the federal budget, inflation, jobs, revamping the debt system, the power of the purse, and the US economy. Stephanie is a leading authority on Modern Monetary Theory, a new approach to economics that is taking the world by storm. She is considered one of the most important voices influencing the policy debate today. Her New York Times bestseller, The Deficit Myth: Modern Monetary Theory and the Birth of the People’s Economy, shows how to break free of the flawed thinking that has hamstrung policymakers around the world.  Episode Timestamps: - 3:24 The Federal Government will never run out of money - 4:16 Difference between a household and fed budget and the Power of the purse - 6:20 Raising Taxes for debt - 8:06 Paying the debt and interest - 9:00 The Mechanics of Government Finance - 11:21 Biden and Revamping the Debt system - 14:15 Fear of inflation - 16:23 The Essence of inflation - 18:07 Can we predict inflation? - 21:49 Inflation expectations - 22:28 Driving up prices - 23:54 Government managing people - 27:19 Jobs - 33:11 Power of the purse ---------------------- Learn More:  https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the second half of Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht's conversation with Bill Kristol, and they cover just about everything under the political sun. Jane and Bill ask about the Republican's inability to think for themselves when it comes to outlandish conspiracy theories, getting rid of the filibuster, and dissecting Biden's infrastructure plan... all while the verdict comes down on the murder of George Floyd. Plus, we also have a riveting "Lighting Round" with our guest! William Kristol is editor-at-large of The Bulwark. He was a founder of The Weekly Standard and is a regular guest on leading political commentary shows. Prior to his work at The Weekly Standard, Kristol led the Project for the Republican Future, an organization that helped shape the strategy that produced the 1994 Republican congressional victory. From 1985 to 1993, Kristol served as chief of staff to Education Secretary William Bennett in the Reagan Administration and as chief of staff to Vice President Dan Quayle in the George H. W. Bush administration. Before coming to Washington, Kristol taught politics at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University. Episode Timestamps 1:09 Republicans, The Big Lie, believing in absurd reports, and not forgiving any wrongdoings 3:30 Fake News and the media 5:10 Do Republicans really believe what they’re saying and the ultimate con 6:52 Trump, The Cash Cow 8:24 Voting your Tax-Rate 9:18 The Bill Kristol Ball and 2022 Elections 10:05 Kristol gives political advice to both Democrats and Republicans 13:26 BREAK 13:29 Getting rid of the filibuster 14:53 A Potential Third Party 16:14 Can the Democrats maintain control 17:03 On the “real-time” guilty verdict, George Floyd, police reform, and gun control 18:45 Will the democrats have the courage to lose the filibuster 21:15 The Biden Infrastructure Plan 26:19 BREAK 26:22 The Lighting Round: 26:29 Iran Nuke Deal 26:51 The Vaccine Issue 27:07 Pulling Out of Afghanistan 27:40 Gun Laws 27:50 Racism in the Republican Party 28:13 Little Marco and Lying Ted 29:06 MTG 29:19 Mitch 29:31 Tea Party ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht discuss the insurrection, Trump-ism, and the Biden infrastructure plan with political commentator, Bill Kristol.  William Kristol is Editor-at-Large of The Bulwark. He was a founder of The Weekly Standard, and is a regular guest on leading political commentary shows. Prior to his work at The Weekly Standard, Kristol led the Project for the Republican Future, an organization that helped shape the strategy that produced the 1994 Republican congressional victory. From 1985 to 1993, Kristol served as Chief of Staff to Education Secretary William Bennett in the Reagan Administration and as Chief of Staff to Vice President Dan Quayle in the George H. W. Bush administration. Before coming to Washington, Kristol taught politics at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University. Episode Timestamps: 1:45 A path to a Republican party that focuses on governing. 2:24 How we can get to a Republican party we can appreciate. 3:32 Republican tactics 5:04 Republican “Recovery” 7:04 Trump wasn’t always radical 8:41 How it progressed (The Trump Agenda) 11:20 Trump was a Cash Cow 12:27 Break One 12:51 Where we are today 16:57 Bill Kristol “Do Overs” 19:30 How we got here 22:05 The Present Trump Party 25:30 The Loss of Political Integrity 27:45 Break Two 28:40 For Biden or Against Trump? 30:04 The Capitol Storming and Republican Accountability Project 35:57 Changing a Political Party 38:42 Politicians and Governing 40:04 Closing Comments for Part One ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Steele joins Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht to discuss what changes need to be made in the Republican (and Democratic) Party. Michael Steele the former RNC Chairman, former Lt. Gov. Maryland, political analyst for MSNBC,  and host of The Michael Steele Podcast. When he was elected Lt. Governor of Maryland in 2003, Michael Steele made history as the first African American elected to statewide office; and again with his subsequent chairmanship of the Republican National Committee in 2009. Episode Timestamps: 1:42 Still a Republican 2:57 What if you were the chair again? 4:40 Is the Republican Party Beyond help? 6:42 The Southern Strategy 9:41 All About the Voters 11:06 Break 1 12:02 The Radicalization of the Republicans 14:25 The Republican Game plan 17:40 A Huge Task to Change the Party 18:16 Republicans are not leading 19:46 The Insurrection 21:43 Lies 24:48 Break 2 25:09 The Biden Plan 26: 55 HR1 29:06 Guns 30:52 Gerrymandering 31:24 Hope for the Republican Party? http://michaelsteelenetwork.com ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CEO of Liberty Hill Foundation, Shane Murphy Goldsmith, joins Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht to talk about her story, dream job as an activist, reforming the police, social imbalance, what brought her to her current position in life, and how LHF is making LA a better place for all. Episode Timestamps 2:05 Shane’s Origin Story 4:41 Community 5:36 Gang Life 6:00 The Police State 7:58 Reasons SMG joined the LAPD Commission 11:08 Making a Difference 12:53 Some of the things SMG learned about the police 15:00 The Reckoning of 2020 17:31 Good Cops 21:06 Appropriate Punishment and How Police respond 24:22 Adopted Strategies and pretext stops 26:03 What is Liberty Hill Foundation 27:07 The Process from Police Commission to LHF 29:45 Raising Funds 32:28 LHF Success Metrics https://www.libertyhill.org ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht invite Congressman Ted Lieu to the show to discuss the aftermath of the insurrection, his personal feelings on January 6th, 2021, and breaking down the Biden Infrastructure Plan.  Episode Timestamps: 1:57 Following up after the storming of the Capitol  3:00 Details on the day of the insurrection 3:57 The fear Ted felt 4:41 How the insurrection changed Ted 5:46 Feelings about the impeachment process 7:35 Diving into the decision not to convict the president 8:20 On two-thirds vote 9:14 14th Amendment Section 3 11:00 The second impeachment and not having enough bipartisan support 12:11 The effects on congress in the aftermath of the insurrection 13:19 A Less friendly congress 13:50 A deeper look into the actual feelings about “The Big Lie” and republicans from Ted’s POV 15:48 The Pivotal Aspects of HR1 17:43 Addressing the filibuster rule 18:38 The Next election, the filibuster, and consequences 20:12 The republicans didn’t stop the filibuster when they were in power 22:33 How much time does this congress have to get things done 24:38 The Biden Infrastructure Plan 26:14 Private Sector Bidding and charging the government 28:50 Electric Cars and Incentives 30:00 Home Care 32:33 Manufacturing 34:15 Federal Purchases 34:48 Housing 36:03 Research and development 37:13 Education and schools 39:39 Workforce development 41:17 Paying for the Biden Plan 43:19 Global Minimum Tax 44:39 Asian American Discrimination ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economist and Professor Ioana Elena Marinescu returns for part 2, with hosts Bill Curtis and International Trade Attorney Jane Albrecht, to discuss where the US currently stands economically, where it will stand in a post-COVID world, and the arguments for and against raising the minimum wage. Episode Timestamps:  - :30 Minimum Wage - 1:54 Difference between a federal and state minimum wage - 2:36 Why we need a federal minimum wage - 3:33 Why a new minimum wage won’t lose jobs - 5:45 Places of business that underpay - 7:30 Public vs Private - 7:50 Companies who influence politicians to vote against minimum wage - 9:40 Adjusting Minimum Wage for inflation - 11:48 UBI and Minimum Wage - 12:48 What’s ahead Post Covid, economically? - 15:45 Credit to both Trump and Biden - 16:24 Jobs most likely to recover - 18:27 AI, Automation, and replacing humans - 19:30 Working from home and real estate - 21:36 Adjustments, progress, and change - 23:06 Lightning Round Segment (National Debt, China, Creating value for all, Capital Gains Tax Advantages, government efficiency and spending, UBI and the border ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the pros and cons for Universal Basic Income, the Andrew Yang Plan, and ending poverty in the United States once and for all? Ioana Elena Marinescu, assistant professor of public policy at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice, joins Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht in Part 1 of 2 of an in-depth discussion on these topics and more. Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a periodic cash payment unconditionally delivered to all on an individual basis, without any work requirement. A growing number of people believe that UBI could be a viable and powerful strategy for addressing many of the U.S.' current issues including poverty, social mobility, economic inequality, and labor market instability. Individuals across the political spectrum, whether Libertarians, Progressives, Conservatives, and Liberals are finding strong reasons to support UBI. The growing popularity of implementing UBI has led to a resurgence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Poor People’s Campaign, of which UBI was a cornerstone, leading thousands to protest in the streets.  For profit, non-profits, as well as local to federal governments in the U.S. and around the world are planning on and conducting large-scale trials of the system. Many politicians are starting to promote UBI on their platforms. To learn more about UBI, check out this online calculator to see how it might affect you and your family: https://ubicalculator.com. ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson and Jane Albrecht Produced by: AJ Moseley Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are we living through a "crisis of facts"? Poppy MacDonald, President of USA Facts.org, a non-profit, non-partisan civic initiative aimed at making verified government numbers more available, and understandable, joins Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht to discuss “Nothing but the facts!” and how data might be the one thing that brings our divisive country together. Poppy is leading an effort to help Americans ground their democratic debate in real, backed up facts. Episode Timestamps: 2:22 How did Poppy meet Steve Ballmer, and begin working with USA-Facts.org? 4:26 Is this a long-term plan? 6:25 Diving into USAFacts.org and living through a crisis of facts. 8:00 Talk about Steve Ballmer and the conflicting views of facts 9:40 Meeting with government in DC and even schools about facts. 10:30 Being committed to data and how it will bring us together 12:21 Data and Covid 14:04 Who are the sources for data and covid 16:08 How many people are on your USA Facts Team and on Partisanship? 17:00 Are reports reviewed by the team?  19:45 Stats and facts on Covid 20:26 Pandemic Job loss stats and facts 21:44 How do you choose what to report? 22:56 Covid death stats and age demo 24:30 Stats and data that is out of date 26:48 Diving into the 2020 report 31:17 Believing in misinformation ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: https://www.curtco.com/meetmeinthemiddle Follow Us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson and Jane Albrecht Produced by: AJ Moseley Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production https://www.curtco.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Producer Joey Salvia tosses out subjects for our hosts, Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht, to tackle, and possibly solve, including poverty, divisiveness, and fake news. Topics discussed include the nursing home scandal in NYC, Ted Cruz, why the media needs Trump, taxes, the rich, the poor, and other hot news topics. Episode Timestamps: 1:47 Governor Cuomo and NY Nursing Home Scandal. Managing a pandemic 9:11 Damn Lies and the people who choose to believe (and act on) them. Misinformation and strange conspiracy theories. Taxes, cults, social media, and Fox News. 19:10 Politics over governance: the next election, Ted Cruz, and what governance is supposed to be. 24:30 The widening gap between the super-rich and everyone else 35:30 What’s our goal here in America: Our vision. One America that takes care of its own. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the responsibility of social media outlets like Facebook, YouTube, Google, and Twitter in a healthy society? In a time where anyone - including radicals and even politicians - can use 'shock jock' outrageous methods to influence and mobilize huge audiences, to promote violence, and ruin people's lives, how can we get a handle on it? Renown Yale Law Professor and author, Jack Balkin, returns for a discussion with hosts Bill Curtis and member of the Supreme Court Bar, Jane Albrecht, about the Constitution, social media responsibility, advertising dollars, and how Facebook is damaging our world: politically and socially. ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis and Jane Albrecht Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"American democracy has weathered these cycles before, and we'll get through them again." - Jack Balkin Politics: Meet Me in the Middle is back for 2021: a new administration, another impeachment, and the same old politics. Legal scholar, Yale Law Professor, and author, Jack Balkin, joins Bill Curtis, Jane Albrecht and Professor Ed Larson for a discussion about the constitution, political polarization, impeachment, and The Cycles of Constitutional Time, to explain, and help us weather, this waxing and waning of political polarization. 3:26 Why Jack wrote The Cycles of Constitutional Time 4:19 Jack explains how we got here, politically. 4:53: The shifts between political parties over time. 6:18: What causes a party to die-off 6:52: Republicans are in the middle of a civil war 7:27: Political Polarization’s history 9:09: What is constitutional rot? 10:02: The Rough Framework or Outline of the Constitution 11:50: Checks and Balances 14:30: Political reform and renewal of party 16:04: What is constitutional time and outlining the cycles? 18:16: How are party coalitions the victim of their own success? 19:00- The Great depression 19:20- The impact of the media “Yesterday and Today” 20:30: 1930’s newspaper & radio polarization 22:20: The Gilded Age 23:30: A second progressive era and the insurrection 24:23: The issues of impeachment 25:40: 14th amendment Section 3 27:13: Republicans will not behave 29:45: Believing the election was stolen is political rot 31:00: What did the mob want with the Capitol? 32:00: Lunatic Fringe (radical and lunatics) ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson and Jane Albrecht Produced by: AJ Moseley Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We welcome author, legal scholar, and professor, Sanford Levinson to the podcast to discuss the need for adjustments in our constitution, campaign finances, and election process. Sanford Levinson holds the W. St. John Garwood and W. St. John Garwood, Jr. Centennial Chair in Law at the University of Texas Law School. His is the author of over 200 articles in professional and more popular journals and has written numerous books. TIMESTAMPS: :20 Where did our constitution fall short in checks & balances? 1:10 Why do we need campaign finance reform? 2:50 Introduce our guest and what are some of the provisions that promote unjust and ineffective government. Article 5, and why it’s near impossible to rewrite the constitution 4:00 Can we rewrite the constitution regardless of article five and how would that process look? 6:25 What would be the education level of the delegates would be chosen? 7:30 A recent constitution of California and how can we put the new constitution together? 9:20 Hamilton’s preference that the president would be a lifetime appointment and term limits… and a constitutional amendment over judicial revue 13:40 We have disenfranchised the majority with the electoral college 6:00 How can we amend the constitution regarding the electoral college 20:00 EL discusses his recent article regarding the constitutional power to declare war 21:45 Does congress hold the purse-strings regarding war and the military 24:05 The need for campaign finance reform 25:40 How would SL change the constitution regarding campaign finance 27:40 American voters have spoken but 74 million still voted for Trump and “Trumpism” and SL fear of his supporters 29:30 Will Trump run again in 2024? ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson and Jane Albrecht Produced by: AJ Moseley Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why has the constitution failed? Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, one of the country’s preeminent constitutional law and federal civil procedure scholars and frequently argues appellate cases, including in the United States Supreme Court, returns to discuss the constitution and recent Supreme Court rulings regarding the 2020 election. Our host, Bill Curtis recites political poetry, revisits a few SCOTUS decisions, and asks Professor of History and Pulitzer Prize winner, Ed Larson, can Trump pardon himself for crimes he hasn’t been charged with? Why did Texas sue 4 other states? Will Attorney General, Ken Paxton get a pardon, too?  TIMESTAMPS: Opening statement: BC talks about a Texas case to sue 4 other states over the recent election. 3:28 EL gives a background of our constitution, its checks & balances, and how Trump has abused our founding father’s document. 7:20 m EC gives a basic summery of the US constitution’s “checks and balances”, and the fact that President Trump has failed to honor it. 8:30 EC gives his summary of the SCOTUS’s role in the foundation of the constitution. He also goes on to say that our constitution assumes good faith by our officials. 11:05 BC asks about the Texas case. EC confirms that our constitution has not been compromised by our SCOTUS. Like it or not, Joe Biden won.  13:35 BC asks if the recent rulings from the Supreme court isn’t looking for ways to suppress voters. 14:00 EC has confidence that the Supreme Court will not disenfranchise people. 14:20   EC explains the Purcell Principle. Break 16:16 BC with a poem about a Thanksgiving ruling on religious gatherings. EC then goes on to explain the poem’s subject in a deeper manner. He also explains the difference one SCOTUS appointee makes. 17:28 BC points out the difference one judge makes 17:58 BC moves to ACA and the mandate 21:12 BC with a Lightning Round about Robo Calls, El Paso VS Trump on The Wall and deployment of funds, Trump VS Knight about the 1st amendment and Twitter regarding announcing official policy. Trump VS Vance about financial records, campaign violations, and Stormy Daniels. Break 26:10 BC asks the details and meaning of the VP presiding. 27:26 BC asks about Georgia and the senate seats. When will Kamala have an influence over this situation. 28:49 BC asks about the pardoning himself 30:20 BC trivia about the constitution and predictions 33:53 Second poem on vaccines and the need to continue wearing your mask ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson and Jane Albrecht Produced by: AJ Moseley Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happened with this years election polls? Do news sources and polling institutes need to re-earn our trust? Expert pollster, and founding director of the Monmouth University Polling institute, Patrick Murray joins the show again to defend and illuminate the poll results from the election. Timestamps: 2:49 Have the polls in the past been an accurate representation of the results? 4:04 Why did it seem that pollsters didn’t improve their accuracy from 2016 to 2020? 6:38 How do pollsters usually reach people? How do they take into account that they are only talking to people who actually ant to talk to them? 8:20 Is polling moving exclusively to digital source of accumulation? 10:45 Does the media misuse the polls? 12:49 Patrick explains what happened to the battleground states in regards to the polls 15:35 What changed with the polling methods in Florida from 2016 to 2020? 17:15 Patrick goes through the relatively new process of a longer “waiting” for polling 21:36 Should we ignore polls in the future? 25:35 Why did the polls also seem to mess up things downstate? 26:58 What is the difference between public pollsters and private campaign pollsters? 31:05 Bill rapid fires some current events with Patrick ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson and Jane Albrecht Produced by: AJ Moseley Edited and Sound Engineering by: Joey Salvia Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

E.J. Dionne Jr,. author, journalist, and long-time op-ed columnist for The Washington Post, revisits his pre-election predictions and discusses the difference between Progressives and Moderates,  the transition into the White House, and new predictions for the Biden Administration. Timestamps: 2:32 E.J.’s presidential prediction from a past recording is revisited. 3:40 Does the Democratic party realize the mixed messages they’ve sent from the election? 5:11 Did the election say “no” to progressives? 7:57 E.J.’s prediction of how moderates and progressives will work together is revisited. 9:16 How will the Biden team work to bridge to the Republicans when necessary? 12:20 Should Biden lend an olive branch to the Trump Administration for progressing the country towards a vaccination? 14:12 Are there any members of the senate or house that actually believe the election was stolen from Donald Trump? 16:24 What are the main differences behind how the progressives and the moderates want to approach Biden’s presidency? 18:00 Biden’s $400,000 tax rate 20:15 Progressives vs Moderates and the handling of COVID-19 23:38 Progressives vs Moderates and the handling of China and Russia 25:10 Progressives vs Moderates and Troops in the Middle East 29:45 E.J.’s thoughts on Antony Blinken 30:14 E.J.’s thoughts on Linda Thomas-Greenfield 30:52 Jane's thoughts on John Kerry 31:10 E.J.’s thoughts on Avril Haines 31:52 E.J.’s thoughts on Jake Sullivan 32:58 E.J.’s thoughts on Janet Yellen 34:00 E.J. makes his final predictions on what the Biden Administration will achieve during this term ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson and Jane Albrecht Produced and Edited by: Mike Thomas Sound Engineering by: Steve Riekeberg Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UBI expert, professor and economist Ioana Marinescu of the University of Pennsylvania joins the Meet Me in the Middle panel of Pulitzer Prize winning historian Ed Larson, International Trade Attorney Jane Albrecht, and CurtCo CEO Bill Curtis, to discuss universal basic income, minimum wage, and the stimulus. With the economy potentially breaching the danger zone as the country begins to lockdown again, a discussion of increased public benefits becomes more important than ever. Throughout the episode the panel discusses: 2:30 What is the conversation around the $15 Federal minimum wage? 6:09 Fair Wage vs Living Wage 10:26 What is Universal Basic Income? 12:28 Why is UBI unconditional? 14:00 What are the benefits to UBI? 16:00 The elimination of other public benefits for UBI 18:00 Where would the extra 2 trillion dollars come from? 20:15 Investing in education first and foremost 24:00 How much of the UBI payments will go directly into the economy? 28:00 UBI: Too expensive with not enough benefit? 30:45 What would Ioana recommend to the incoming administration regarding a Stimulus package? ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson and Jane Albrecht Produced and Edited by: Mike Thomas Sound Engineering by: Steve Riekeberg Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politics: Meet Me in the Middle is excited to welcome back Pepperdine Professor, author, and regular contributor to CNN Dan Caldwell to the show. Top of the mind on today’s episode is the transition process from President Trump to President-elect Joe Biden. The panel discusses what the country can expect during the next two months, as well as some potential worries with concern to a rocky transition. Will President Trump pull our troops out of Afghanistan? How will relations between North Korea and Russia change? Is the novel coronavirus more worrisome than ever?  Timestamps: 2:25 Historically difficult presidential transitions 4:20 How does the new administration go about picking their staff? 9:55 How are the presidential transition funds used? 11:28 Security briefings and national security 13:10 Homeland security and changes with immigration via President Biden? 14:20 How worrisome is the nations future of COVID during the transition process? 16:10 Will Trump be able to withdrawal all American troops from Afghanistan by Christmas as proposed? 17:19 What can the country and Joe Biden expect with US relations to North Korea and Kim Jong Un? 19:58 The Biden administration and Russia 24:20 Where might Donald Trump make some strategic moves for the Republican party in his last month and a half? 27:36 Can Trump prevent himself from being removed from office? 30:26 The power of pardons ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson and Jane Albrecht Produced and Edited by: Mike Thomas Sound Engineering by: Steve Riekeberg Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will there be a peaceful transition of power between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, and what moves can we expect to see from Trump as he grips on to his last days as President?  Norman Ornstein, renowned political scientist, contributor to CNN, FOX, The Atlantic, the National Journal, and NPR, and author joins Bill Curtis, Pulitzer Prize Winning Historian Ed Larson, and International Trade Attorney Jane Albrecht, to break down our current, somewhat unprecedented political situation including what will happen if Donald Trump refuses to leave the White House, Trump's plan to fire career-political positions with his new Schedule F class, a possible new 'Trump TV' media plan, and what to do if you feel stuck in the middle as a Fiscal Conservative, but a Social Liberal. Timestamps: 3:28 Has there ever been a president that didn’t accept being elected out of office? 4:20 What should we expect from President Trump in these next few months as the Biden transition initiates? 6:36 Can President Trump pardon himself from a charge that hasn’t been issued yet? 7:34 What sort of troubling executive orders is President Trump issuing as he begins to step away? 11:40 The cult of President Trump and what to expect with the stimulus package. 13:30 Fiscal conservatives and their place in the current political landscape. 15:25 The state of the Federal budget  17:58 Upcoming adoption rights for LGBTQ families as well as abortion rights 19:00 President Trump running again in 2024 21:36 Will President Trump start his own media network? 22:25 The division in American between the metropolitan areas and the fly-over cities  24:24 Will the State of New York go after President Trump for tax fraud? 28:33 Norman shares a personal story about an interaction with Joe Biden ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson and Jane Albrecht Produced and Edited by: AJ Moseley Sound Engineering by: Steve Riekeberg Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How will the newly appointed Supreme Court Justice, Amy Coney Barrett, determine America's path forward? Supreme Court Litigator Ed Warren returns to discuss some of his previous, spot-on predictions and the implications around the massive changes happening in the country, including of course, the impending election.   TIMESTAMPS: 3:15 Ed Warren predicts Justice Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court 9 months ago and discusses why he thought the way he did 6:45 How pre-planned was Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination? 10:49 Why does everyone on the Supreme Court want to avoid the perception that the court is “political?” 14:12 Brett Kavanaugh and bipartisanship 17:47 What are the likely cases that would put the Supreme Court in the position of deciding the election? 20:26 The implications of states that are not required to choose their electors via popular vote 22:00 Likely litigation for the election, and the suppression of votes 24:46 Trump and Roe v. Wade 27:46 Obamacare and the Affordable Healthcare Act 29:30 Does Trump have a healthcare plan that he’s holding close to his vest? 31:25 The panel goes over their respective predictions for what to expect with the election this week ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson and Jane Albrecht Producer: AJ Moseley Edited and Co-Produced by: Brian Bielanski Sound Engineering by: Steve Riekeberg Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multi-award-winning author and renowned founding director of “The Difficult Conversations Lab” at Columbia University, Dr. Peter Coleman joins the show to chat about the incredible political divide and current polarization of the country. The panel illuminates how we got here, and what we might expect come December post-election. As bleak as it may look, Dr. Coleman shares that there are multiple paths to success in getting the country back on track. 3:00 Why is the US so divided right now? 5:00 Is the media responsible for the division of the US right now? 9:00 What changed after the 2016 primaries? 10:44 Is the country past the point of fixing their politically damaged priorities? 13:50 How do we handle the new notion to respond with violence to politics? 18:20 How do we prepare for the possibility that Trump wins and continues to degrade society? 21:50 How does the country press the reset button? 22:50 What needs to happen to instill public confidence in the political system? 26:45 What are good steps to creating a new and solid cabinet around the president? 29:00 Peter Coleman talks about his new book on toxic polarization.  31:26 Everyone describes what they think the country will look like in December this year.  Learn More: Difficult Conversations Lab ---------------------- Learn More about the show: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson and Jane Albrecht Produced and Edited by: Mike Thomas Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special re-release, we revisit our episode with the polling expert from Monmouth University Mr. Patrick Murray. Patrick demystifies the world of polling and helps explain how we should and shouldn’t approach the results come election time.  1:47 How did Patrick first get started in poling 3:40 How can we tell if we are getting an honest opinion from pollsters 6:50 What lessons did we learn from the 2016 election 8:02 Does Patrick poll for the electoral college or the popular vote 10:22 Was the 2016 election polling so skewed because people were too afraid to vocalize their backing for President Trump 13:20 How are pollsters controlling for all the unique variables that the 2020 election brings 14:43 Patrick shares actionable advice when viewing the upcoming 2020 polls 16:40 How are the upcoming polls being affected by the pandemic 17:50 Does it matter who is funding the polls 20:05 Patrick rates the effects of all the popular stances and how they will ultimately sway who the public votes for ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson and Jane Albrecht Produced and Edited by: Mike Thomas & AJ Moseley Sound Engineering by: Michael Kennedy Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan joins the show to discuss both technicalities and expectations to the very unique upcoming presidential election.  With the unprecedented nature of a pandemic occurring alongside this year's presidential election, voting expert Robin Carnahan, host Bill Curtis, Pulitzer Prize Winning Political Historian Ed Larson, and International Trade Attorney Jane Albrecht help us navigate the uncertainty of what’s to come in November. Robin also helps to illuminate the differences from state to state on how votes are processed. One thing is for sure, the sooner you can get your vote in, the more certainty the nation will have on election day.  Timestamps: 2:36 What is the state secretary of state's functions when it comes to elections? 3:26 Has there been times in the past where candidates have tried to invalidate the results of an election? 4:45 What is the history and timeline to the present day expedited election results? 5:42 Individual state preparedness for the massive increase in mail-in votes 6:50 How would Robin ensure confidence in the election results.  9:04 Is there validity to President Trump's concerns of mail-in voting fraud? 11:04 Why does the presidential voting system still feel so archaic compared to other online industries such as banking? 14:45 The logistics and security of the present day digital in-person voting systems? 17:42 Why does President Trump believe that the Republicans benefit from fewer people voting?  20:50 Will the US know the next President by the end of election night?  23:50 What will the individual states do if President Trump denies the validity of the results.   26:04 Where will the likely appeals from this election occur if President Trump decides to act against the results? 26:45 Voter suppression past and present in the US. 30:45 Robin's final thoughts on the optics of the US internationally after this unprecedented election?  ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson and Jane Albrecht Produced and Edited by: Mike Thomas Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Walter Shapiro is a veteran of eleven Presidential campaigns. In this episode he brings his insights and observations about how coverage has changed campaigning during the pandemic. Ed Larson relates how debates have changed throughout history. Jane Albrecht wonders if - in the race for ratings and clicks - the news media has lost sight of their purpose. The panelists present their views on future campaigning and if the country can return to the middle ground. TIMESTAMPS: 2:15 - How has Presidential campaign coverage changed, 3:40 - The history of press coverage since 1960, 6:00 - Was the Press responsible for Donald Trump, 6:50 - Ratings and the press, 8:25 - History of partisan news, 10:15 - Can the media return to unbiased coverage?, 12:35 - Will the 2020 Presidential debates change minds?, 14:45 - Do National polls matter?, 15:5 - How has the pandemic changed campaigning, 17:35 - Faith in Government, 23:50 - Being a speech writer for Jimmy Carter ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM Hosted by: Jane Albrecht and Ed Larson Produced and Edited by: Mike Thomas Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Civil Rights Attorney Carol Sobel discusses the challenges and offers solutions to police handling protesters and the homeless. Historian Ed Larson talks about the nation's founding on revolution. Professor Sobel discusses LAPD's "warrior mentality." She states that the LAPD lacks an institutional memory and forgets past practices. Co-host Jane Albrecht posits that current policing practices are also a federal problem. The term "Defund The Police" is explained and discussed. Carol Sobel discusses the explosive growth in the number of homeless in LA and the nation due to COVID-19. TIMESTAMPS: 3:50 - LAPD at war with the First Amendment 5:20 - Policing as a federal government concern 5:55 - Institutional memory and qualified immunity 7:30 - Protest differences from 2007 through 2020 8:50 - Use of sedition laws against protesters 10:00 - How prosecutors are reacting 14:35 - Defunding the police 21:30 - Homelessness in LA and nationally. ---------------------- Learn More: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson and Jane Albrecht Produced and Edited by: Mike Thomas Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthropologist Wade Davis explains the importance of the study of Anthropology in a way that will entice you to become an Anthropologist. He discusses his Rolling Stone love letter, "The Unraveling Of America" and states the case that America has survived in the past and can thrive in the future. Professor Ed Larson and Trade Attorney Jane Albrecht debate the history of the so-called rugged individualist versus "Me-ism". Ed Larson and Wade Davis discuss regulating the Internet, and Professor talks about his newest book, "Magdalena, River Of Dreams." TIMESTAMPS: 4:15 - What is Anthropology 4:50 - Rolling Stone's Unraveling Of America 7:00 - The effect of COVID 19 on America 9:30 - Quarantine in Canada versus the US 10:55 - Individual versus "Me-ism" 12:50 - History of Individualism in America 16:35 - Response to Rolling Stone article 17:20 - Wade Davis's "Signs Of Progressive Change" 18:00 - Regulating the Internet 20:50 - Fairness Doctrine 21:45 - "Roadmap Of Hope" Rolling Stone followup article 23:00 - Description of Leadership 25:45 - Wade Davis talks about his new book "Magdalena, River Of Dreams" ------------------- Learn More: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson, and Jane Albrecht Produced and Edited by: Mike Thomas Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The episode begins with a brief and understandable explanation of what the economy is and why it matters. Historian Ed Larson explains how past events have effected the economy and why debt is necessary. Daron Acemoglu talks about balancing lives and prioritizing the economy. Jane Albrecht wonders how fast the economy will bounce back and will it be equitable. The panel discusses how the US stacks up against other countries in dealing with the economic impact of the pandemic. Why the stock market isn't necessarily an accurate reflection of the economy. TIMESTAMPS: 2:20 - What makes up the US economy 3:30 - How does the economy affect individuals 7:00 - The balancing act of lives versus the economy 11:30 - A future look of the economy after the pandemic 15:00 - The stimulus and the economy 17:00 - The history of the National Debt 18:00 - Does the National Debt matter? 24:50 - Does the stock market reflect the health of the economy Learn More: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM -------------------------- Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson and Jane Albrecht Produced and Edited by: Mike Thomas Sound Engineering by: Michael Kennedy Theme Music by: Celleste & Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In support of President Trump, Government Affairs Consultant Don Schmitz contrasts the President's approach to governing with prior administrations. Historian Ed Larson explains why the President is not elected by popular vote. Trade Attorney Jane Albrecht debates the effectiveness of the U.S. relationship with China and NATO. This episode begins with a review of Postmaster General DeJoy's appearance before the U.S. House Of Representatives. Then the panel discusses the security and the history of voting by mail and absentee voting. Ed Larson offers a history lesson on how Presidents are decided by state legislators rather than by popular vote. After the break, Host Bill Curtis leads a discussion about the balance of power among the three branches of government. Guest Don Schmitz debates the President's overall effectiveness and his handling of international trade with Co-host Jane Albrecht. TIMESTAMPS: 2:50 - Postmaster General DeJoy appears before Congress 4:00 - Vote By Mail security 5:00 - History of Absentee balloting 7:40 - History of disputed Presidential elections 14:00 - Dived government and the balance of power 19:10 - Conservative concerns about a Democratic sweep 22:20 - President Trump's personality versus governing 27:00 - The US relationship with China and NATO Learn more: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM ------------------ Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson and Jane Albrecht Guest: Don Schmitz Produced and Edited by: Mike Thomas Sound Engineering by: Michael Kennedy Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media production See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In this episode screenwriter Billy Ray and author Gregg Hurwitz discuss the differences between Republicans and Democrats. They present practical ways to have good faith discussions with each other. Ray and Hurwitz acknowledge there are valid reasons for Republicans to support Trump and for Democrats to support Biden. They suggest that both sides agree politically more than we disagree and that politicians and corporations play on individual fear. Gregg Hurwitz relates his experience with cults and messaging. Billy Ray concedes there are problems on both political sides. Historian Ed Larson lists the reason why Republicans support Trump. Ray and Hurwitz state their case for how Donald Trump was elected in 2016. TIMESTAMPS: 4:00 - How to communicate with Conservatives and Liberals 7:30 - Personality traits in Republicans and Democrats 12:15 - Ed Larson on Culture War and Wedge Issues 16:15 - Political positioning and cults 21:30 - Conceding that we can agree to disagree on many issues and personalities. 23:10 - How to appeal to Conservatives 26:15 - How Hillary lost in 2016 Learn More: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM ------------------------------- Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson, and Jane Albrecht Guests: Screenwriter Billy Ray and Author Gregg Hurwitz Produced by: Mike Thomas Edited by: AJ Moseley Sound Engineering by: Michael Kennedy Theme Music by: Celleste and Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production     See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

How secure is the Homeland? In this episode, special guest expert Paul Rosenzweig, founder of the Homeland Security consulting company, Red Branch Consulting, and senior advisor to the Chertoff Group joins Politics: Meet Me in the Middle. He was the first deputy assistant secretary for policy in the Department of Homeland Security and he's an author, a consistent contributor to the Atlantic, and a frequent authority on CNN. Paul joins the panel of: host Bill Curtis, and co-hosts Pulitzer Prize winning historian Ed Larson and International Trade Attorney Jane Albrecht to discuss questions of the use of force of the use of Homeland Security "troops" to quell local protests, especially regarding the protests in Portland, Oregon. Did the federal response go too far and is the executive expression of force written too broadly?  Professor Ed Larson provides historical context of Federal militia entering and occupying a state and the entire panel discusses cybersecurity and the vulnerability of U.S. elections.  Paul and Jane also discuss the role of the Department of Homeland Security including why and how it was formulated after 9/11, how it has changed in the last 20 years, and the role it is currently playing in today's administration - with a targeted focus on immigration monitoring.​ The conversation moves towards Paul's time at Homeland Security, especially his focus on rules for International Data Protection, what it means, and how it helps track terrorists' movements around the globe, and continues into how this data share personally affects Americans in their day-to-day lives.​ Paul shares his thoughts and experiences on the current state of checks-and-balances and the panel weighs in with their perspectives. They also delve into the issue of the safety and security of the upcoming election and the role of DHS in protecting the election, including issues with electronic voting versus mail in voting and the problems each option poses. TIMESTAMPS: (1:35) - History of using Federal troops in local disputes. (4:00) Federal "Troops" versus Law Enforcement. Border Tactical Unit. (7:30) Can the Federal Government deploy troops against the wishes of a State Governor? (13:50) How and why was the Department of Homeland Security DHS created. (19:00) Cybersecurity and Data. (23:00) China and data theft. (27:30) Checks and Balances versus Executive Power. (35:20) Election security and DHS. (39:00) Mail-in balloting. ------------------------------------- Follow Us on Twitter: @politicsMMITM Hosted by: Bill Curtis, Ed Larson and Jane Albrecht Guest: Paul Rosenzweig - Follow Paul on Twitter @rosenzweigp Producer: Mike Thomas Edited by: Aj Moseley Sound Engineering by: Michael Kennedy Theme Music by: Celleste & Eric Dick

Patrick Murray, founding director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, talks about his 20+ year career conducting media polling and custom-designed research projects for a variety of clients. Patrick Murray is an expert at not only designing and conducting polls, but also explaining how opinion polls work. Using examples, Mr. Murray describes the polling process and how the media often mistakenly uses them to predict outcomes.  The 2016 Presidential Election Polls is reviewed and Mr. Murray discusses how the pollsters got it wrong. (They didn’t). TIME STAMPS: 2:30 - Who started professional opinion polling in America? 5:20 - How can a pollster be assured the person being interviewed is telling the truth?   How does social bias affect opinion poll accuracy?  How partisanship affects polling. 8:30 - What lessons have the media, pollsters, and the public learned from the 2016 Presidential affection. 15:00 - What factors will affect opinion polls during the 2020 pandemic. 18:00 - How has the Black Lives Matter movement and protest change society in the polls? 19:00 - Can polls affect change?  22:10 - People act on their perception of reality - not reality. Polls can measure people’s perception. 28:50 - What are the most pressing issues as we move toward the 2020 elections. Learn more: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle Follow Us: Twitter | Facebook Guest:  Patrick Murray, founding director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute. Hosts: CurtCo Media’s CEO, Bill Curtis, Pulitzer-Prize Historian, Ed Larson, and  International Trade Attorney and Malibu Democratic Club President, Jane Albrecht Produced by: Mike Thomas Sound Engineering by: Michael Kennedy Theme Music by: Celleste & Eric Dick A CurtCo Media Production  

In this episode of Politics, Meet Me In The Middle we re-visit with Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale, Bruce Ackerman with hosts, Bill Curtis, Ed Larson, and Jane Albrecht to discuss safeguards against despotism in a democracy during times of pandemic and crises. Bruce Ackerman, who warns us, in a scholarly lecture, on the perils of run-away executive power, the demise of journalism, and political campaigns being ruled by corporate finance rather than a citizen’s vote. Professor Ackerman also offers an alternative solution to end big money in politics. (2:00) The history of political crises (6:30) Presidential powers during wartime (9:30) No democratic guarantees (11:30) Responsibilities of citizenship (14:30) Corporate money and Campaign Finance Reform Learn more: Politics: Meet Me in the Middle And Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter A CurtCo Media Production