Podcast appearances and mentions of Barbara Comstock

Michael Steele speaks with three Republicans who are working to revive a party that has disintegrated through division and chaos. Former Chairman Chris Vance, former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock and former Congressman Charlie Dent join the podcast to discuss how the GOP has devolved under MAGA and what the party will look like in 20 years. Thanks for listening to the podcast over the years! The Michael Steele Podcast is going on hiatus, but you can catch Michael on The Weeknight," Mondays through Fridays at 7pmET on MSNBC, or on YouTube @michaelsteelenetwork.

Chuck Todd criticizes the controversial military birthday parade planned by Trump in Washington, D.C., which marks both the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary and Trump's 79th birthday. He calls out the event as a politicization of the military, a costly spectacle ($25–$45 million) that could have been spent addressing critical social needs such as homeless veterans, Medicaid funding, or infrastructure repair. He takes particular issue with the military personnel being vetted for political loyalty to Trump, which undermines the traditionally apolitical nature of the military and risks eroding public trust. Chuck examines the broader consequences of Trump's actions, including his use of military intervention in domestic unrest and harsh rhetoric against protestors, which contributes to the dangerous polarization of Americans and threatens democratic norms.Chuck Todd sits down with former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock to discuss her ongoing efforts to reform the Republican Party from within and the challenges facing the GOP in the Trump era. Comstock argues that the party's fundamental problem isn't ideological but character-based, as Republicans have abandoned character as a voting issue and are now required to lie to their voters to maintain political viability. She believes reform must come from the bottom up through state and local politics, which have been less infected by Trumpism, and warns that MAGA Republicans' indifference to whether government actually works has created a dangerous dynamic where loyalty to Trump is the only qualification that matters.The conversation explores the practical consequences of Republican governance, from potential Medicaid cuts that could devastate rural hospitals and long-term care facilities, to the party's abandonment of Christian principles regarding care for the vulnerable. Comstock sees an opportunity for reform during the eventual succession fight after Trump, arguing that it will take just one person of character to begin rebuilding the party. She's particularly critical of figures like JD Vance, whom she describes as a charlatan who cannot represent the party's future, while expressing cautious optimism about leaders like Glenn Youngkin. Throughout the discussion, Comstock draws parallels to international politics, praising Zelenskyy as the world's greatest leader while condemning the Tucker Carlson wing of the party for siding with Putin, ultimately arguing that voters will punish incumbents of both parties if government continues to fail.00:00  Introduction01:05 The two types of ex-Repubicans03:40 The bleak future of the two-party system04:30 Trump's military birthday parade07:20 Longterm damage of politicizing the military08:55 Conservative's absurd renaming of Confederate bases11:30 The HUGE price of this military parade13:30 What the $45 million COULD have been used to fix15:10 Why politicizing the military would be end of the republic16:00 How this stunt is escalating tensions w/ ongoing protests17:15 Why this Trump scandal is particularly un-American19:45 Barbara Comstock joins the Chuck ToddCast!20:45 Efforts to reform the Republican party from within23:00 State and local level politics have been less infected by Trumpism25:15 Republicans are required to lie to their voters26:15 Reform will come from the bottom up27:00 Character is a bigger problem for Republicans than ideology28:30 Republicans have given up on character as a voting issue30:30 Winsome Earle-Sears has capitulated to the Trump movement33:15 Should Republicans embrace Trump's ideology but with high character candidates?35:15 MAGA Republicans don't care if government doesn't work36:00 Loyalty is the only qualification Trump cares about39:00 Attrition and incentives are a better way of cutting government42:15 Emergency care for illegal immigrants is mandated by law43:00 Christian Republicans want to kick the samaritan to the curb44:00 Medicaid cuts will cause rural hospitals to close45:00 Medicaid sustains the long term care industry46:45 Congress has abdicated its responsibility to govern48:15 It takes one person of character to begin reforming the GOP49:15 There will be opportunity for reform during the succession fight50:45 When you make government work well, voters notice52:00 Could Republicans get wiped out like the Tories in the UK?53:30 Zelenskyy is the greatest leader on the world stage55:00 The Tucker Carlson wing has sided with Putin56:15 Can a non MAGA Republican win over MAGA voters in the future?58:45 Howard Lutnick and Linda McMahon have looked clueless1:00:15 The Republican party has become an anti-intellectual party1:01:30 Has JD Vance always been a charlatan?1:03:30 JD Vance can't be the future of the party1:04:45 Is Glenn Youngkin redeemable?1:07:00 Trump will want to anoint his successor1:07:30 Who are some current Republicans that could reclaim the GOP?1:10:15 The potential GOP reformer needs to be someone new1:13:15 Voters won't be kind to incumbents of either party1:17:45 Analyzing the Musk-Trump breakup1:22:30 What would happen if Trump... raised taxes on billionaires?

03-04-2025 Barbara Comstock Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://thedailyblaze.com/former-congresswoman-unboxes-the-many-oddities-of-the-trump-administration/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQ

02-04-2025 Barbara Comstock Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://thedailyblaze.com/former-congresswoman-and-justice-official-on-trumps-approach-to-governing/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQ

12-31-2024 Barbara Comstock Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://thedailyblaze.com/how-independent-will-republicans-in-congress-be-from-trump/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQ

11-11-2024 Barbara Comstock Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://usabusinessradio.com/unboxing-the-2024-elections/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQ

First: How a routine Israeli operation in Gaza led to the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the man behind the October 7 massacre that left over 1,200 people dead.  Plus: "These days it's really a pleasure anywhere in New York without a subpoena for my appearance." Highlights from Donald Trump's speech at the annual Al Smith dinner.  And: Former Virginia Republican Rep. Barbara Comstock joins us to talk about what she calls the silent majority that she thinks will help Kamala Harris.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MSNBC's Ari Melber hosts "The Beat" on Thursday, October 17, and reports on the 2024 election. Plus, Melber is joined by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Chai Komanduri, Barbara Comstock, and Jason Johnson also join.

In the 7 AM Hour: Larry O'Connor and Mercedes Schlapp discussed: WMAL GUEST: 7:05 AM - INTERVIEW - Rep. BARRY LOUDERMILK (GA-11) - Chairman of the Committee on House Administration's Subcommittee on Oversight SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/RepLoudermilk  New Texts Reveal Liz Cheney Communicated with Cassidy Hutchinson About Her Select Committee Testimony—without Hutchinson's Attorney's Knowledge—Despite Cheney Knowing it was Unethical Ethel Kennedy Is Eulogized by 3 Presidents, Celebrities and Grandchildren WMAL GUEST: 7:35 AM - INTERVIEW - BRENT BOZELL - President of Media Research Center – Reacted to Kamala's Interview with Bret Baier SOCIAL MEDIA: https://x.com/BrentBozell Former GOP rep says ‘silent group of women' will help push Harris to win Where to find more about WMAL's morning show:  Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor,  @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile, and @heatherhunterdc.  Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Thursday, October 17, 2024 / 7 AM Hour  O'Connor and Company is proudly presented by Veritas AcademySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicolle Wallace is joined by Cornell Belcher, Ruth Ben-Ghiat, John Heilemann, Barbara Comstock, Harry Dunn, Vaughn Hillyard, Alexis McGill Johnson, Stuart Stevens, Marc Elias, and James Sample. 

10-08-2024 Barbara Comstock Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://usabusinessradio.com/the-gop-revolt-against-donald-trump/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQ

MSNBC's Ari Melber hosts "The Beat" on Thursday, September 12, and reports on the 2024 election, GOP lawmakers endorsing Kamala Harris, and the Harris-Trump debate. Phillipe Reines, Barbara Comstock, Molly Jong-Fast and Aisha Mills join.

07-23-2024 Barbara Comstock Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://thedailyblaze.com/barbara-comstock-on-the-jumpstart-harris-campaign-secret-service-director-resignation-and-more/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQ

06-25-2024 Barbara Comstock Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://usdailyreview.com/the-biden-trump-debate-is-one-of-many-firsts/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQ

06-11-2024 Barbara Comstock Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://usabusinessradio.com/tech-legal-expert-warns-about-government-agency-overreach/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQ

05-30-2024 Barbara Comstock Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://usabusinessradio.com/us-house-considers-the-bill-with-potential-to-create-internet-legal-chaos/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQ

05-15-2024 Barbara Comstock Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://usdailyreview.com/former-congresswoman-reflects-on-two-decades-of-promoting-data-centers/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQ

Award-winning storyteller in television, film, and literature, Matthew Weiner, is a recent graduate of the Hoffman Process. Matthew is the creator, executive producer, writer, and director of the television show, Mad Men. Matthew shares that his biggest fear in doing the Process was losing his creativity; if he healed his trauma, he'd no longer be creative. Now on the other side of the Process, Matthew knows his fear was unfounded because, through his deep work of transformation, he learned that making art is part of healing trauma. As a comedy writer, Matthew shares that often negative self-statements get a laugh. And yet, that inner negativity, including when it is pointed at ourselves, is, as Matthew says, "not sustainable." Releasing harmful negative patterns and the negative love we learned as children brings freedom and a lightness that is hard to imagine until you discover it within yourself. A particularly beautiful and wise reflection from Matthew comes when he speaks about childhood. He shares that, as children, we see ourselves as a "supporting player" in our parents' lives, not realizing that each of us is actually "the star" of our childhood. Toward the end, Matthew shares the importance of reflecting on his experience during the Process and after. Post-Process, people have told him he's different, his voice has changed and he's softer. Like many of our guests, Matthew sees value in this process of reflection through conversation on personal transformation. We know there is also great value in witnessing another's experience. We hope you enjoy this wise, reflective conversation with Matthew and Drew. More about Matthew Weiner: Matthew Weiner is a nine-time Emmy Award winner and five-time WGA Award-winning storyteller in television, film, and literature. Among his range of credits are two of television's most successful and critically lauded shows:  creator, executive producer, writer, and director on Mad Men, which was distinguished with the Peabody Award, and executive producer for The Sopranos. Weiner was also the creator, executive producer, writer, and director of the original contemporary anthology series, The Romanoffs, set in seven countries around the globe. Weiner's debut novel, Heather, The Totality, was published by Little, Brown and Company. You can discover more about Matthew Weiner here. As mentioned in this episode: Esopus Magazine article. Quote: “Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, I don't have anything on paper despite years of constant rejection. In showbiz, all bad news has come through agents and in the form of phone calls. Even early on. I don't know that I would have saved them if I had gotten them. They're like bad reviews for me, best skimmed through and then briefly obsessed over before being mentally discarded. I've come to realize rejection is now part of my process. I am not used to it by any means, nor do I expect it, but it both sharpens my resolve that my ideas are new and also drives me to professionally outlive the resistance of the gatekeepers. If I wait patiently they will either move on, reconsider, or become brave enough to try something new. Rejection, as painful as it is, is nothing more than a delay.“ - Matthew Weiner Mindful Self-Compassion (Kristin Neff and Chris Germer) Listen to Kristen Neff on the Hoffman Podcast. Listen to Chris Germer on the Hoffman Podcast, Livia Soprano David Chase Terry (Terrence) Winter Robin Green Mitch (Mitchell) Burgess TM (Transcendental Meditation) About the song, Try a Little Tenderness Try a Little Tenderness by Otis Redding Fawlty Towers: Don't mention the war! Wizard of Oz Hoffman Teacher, Barbara Comstock Listen to Barbara Comstock on the Hoffman Podcast The cargo ship that took down Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge Sigmund Freud Id: the part of the mind in which innate instinctive impulses and primary processes are manifest.

04-30-2024 Barbara Comstock Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://thedailyblaze.com/former-member-of-congress-on-trumps-gag-order-problems/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQ

04-30-2024 Barbara Comstock Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://usabusinessradio.com/the-ftcs-new-target-is-luxury-handbags/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQ

04-02-2024 Barbara Comstock Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://thedailyblaze.com/the-feds-are-redefining-monopoly-at-the-consumers-peril/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQ

Barbara Comstock is a former Republican Congresswoman and longtime RNC veteran. We were excited to have her on the show to discuss the dramatic shifts within the Republican Party and the repercussions of its current trajectory. Together, the two discuss the challenges posed by aligning the party too closely with Trump, the impact on election integrity, and the future of the party. Comstock shares insights from her work on bipartisan efforts to combat election denialism, underscoring the conversation with reflections on the importance of democracy and the need for an inclusive political environment. Timestamps: [00:01:23] The past week at the RNC [00:05:42] Virginia post Trump [00:14:55] Working on election integrity Follow Resolute Square: Instagram Twitter TikTok Find out more at Resolute Square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

01-30-2024 Barbara Comstock Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://usdailyreview.com/the-dangers-behind-the-attacks-against-technology-companies/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQ

12-26-2023 Barbara Comstock Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://usabusinessradio.com/the-three-big-stories-of-2023/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQ

Former Members of Congress Barbara Comstock (Republican) and L.F. Payne (Democrat), and Alex Theodoridis (UMass) join Carah Ong Whaley and Samuel Kipps (UVA '23) to discuss the findings from a new survey on the perspectives, beliefs, and experiences of former members of Congress, with a specific focus on concerns about violence in 2024 and the differing narratives surrounding the events of January 6th. They also discuss the state of dysfunction and polarization in Congress and efforts to rebuild trust and civility in politics. Rep. Comstock is a senior adviser for the law and lobbying firm, Baker Donelson, a political commentator, and, most importantly, a resident scholar with us here at the Center for Politics, among many esteemed positions. Rep. Payne is president of Three Ridges Group in Charlottesville, VA, and a member of the University of Virginia's Board of Visitors. and also joining us is Alex Theodoridis, Associate Professor of Political Science and co-director of the UMass Poll at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.  Links in this episode:  U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress and University of Massachusetts Amherst UMass Poll

11-28-2023 Barbara Comstock Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://usabusinessradio.com/the-amazon-lawsuit-and-the-war-against-consumers/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQ

11-01-2023 Barbara Comstock Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://thedailyblaze.com/former-gop-congresswoman-the-crazy-eight-control-the-house/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQ

10-04-2023 Barbara Comstock Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://thedailyblaze.com/speculating-on-the-next-speaker-of-the-house/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQ

Former Republican congresswoman Barbara Comstock discusses the GOP presidential primary field and the differences she observes among the candidates. Reed Galen from The Lincoln Project shares insights on Ron DeSantis' inability to enjoy the campaign trail. Kurt Anderson, author of Evil Geniuses, provides a detailed account of the GOP's departure from reality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we talk with former Republican Representative Barbara Comstock about why a red wave didn't materialize in the 2022 elections, the state and future of the Republican Party, and potential indictments of Donald Trump.  Barbara was elected to Congress in 2014, and served two terms representing Virginia's Tenth Congressional District, making her the first woman elected to that seat. She was named as one of the "Top Ten Most Effective Lawmakers" in the 115th Congress by the Center for Effective Lawmaking, a joint effort of the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University. Barbara also serves as an ABC News political contributor and appears regularly on CNN, PBS, and MSNBC.  Links in this episode:  Barbara Comstock on Twitter Baker Donelson Issue One  Sarah Longwell, The Focus Group  

  Kani on the Yangze River Kani Comstock, beloved Hoffman teacher, first learned about the Process in 1985 from her brother who was working with Bob Hoffman. Her brother gave her Bob's book to read. She was 'blown away' by what she learned and did the Process in January of 1986. Kani went on to become the Hoffman Institute's Director shortly after and, together with Bob, started Hoffman International a few years later. Following this, she became a Hoffman teacher and taught until her retirement almost three decades later. Kani's whole family has done the Process, including her mother, her three siblings, and some of her in-laws. She shares a particular moment from her Process when she fully realized the powerful hold negative patterns have on us. As she worked to release the patterns she had taken on from her mother, she realized they kept trying to reassert themselves within her. She was able to see and feel their tenacity. She came away realizing just how important the work of the Process is in helping people find the freedom to live from their own essential nature. Kani's effervescent spirit and joy are evident in this conversation with Sharon. Kani has loved the Hoffman Process from the day she first learned of it. She loves that the Process offers a place where we can come to know ourselves as our true selves. Educated as a scientist, Kani shares how she has learned to listen to and follow the voice of her Spiritual Self or Essence as she sometimes refers to it. More about Kani Comstock in her own words: Kani and Bob Hoffman As a driven workaholic, I discovered an ease I had never known before when I completed the Hoffman Process. It was February 1986, within just months of the new 7-day Process residential format. Soon after that, I was asked by Bob Hoffman to direct the Institute, organize its growth, bringing it to other countries around the world. In 1990, I also became a Process teacher which became my true love. I slowly transitioned into full-time teaching and coaching. Bob was delighted when Marisa Thame, Director of Hoffman Institute in Brazil, and I collaborated to write, Journey into Love: Ten Steps to Wholeness. Journey into love is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Later in collaboration with my sister, Barbara Comstock, also a Hoffman Teacher, we wrote, Honoring Missed Motherhood: Loss, Choice, and Creativity. Initially, I earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a Master's in cell physiology and biochemistry. I was working on my Ph.D. when a personal tragedy led me to dramatically change my path. I moved to Tokyo to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) and eventually became the first non-Japanese to direct the Japanese school. Four years later and back in the United States, I founded a college-based ESL center and internationalized the college curriculum. Next, as Vice-President of a student exchange organization, I designed programs and traveled regularly to Asia, finally experiencing China, a childhood dream As mentioned in this episode: Barbara Comstock, Kani's sister and Hoffman teacher Ashland, Oregon What is Hospice? Oregon's Death with Dignity Act Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon.   https://media.blubrry.com/the_hoffman_podcast/content.blubrry.com/the_hoffman_podcast/Sharon_and_Kani_Comstock_Podcast.mp3

We've reached the fourth Monday of the month and are now in the final lap with the finish line coming at the end of All Hallow's Eve. Shall we celebrate All Hallow's Day? Between now and then there's a lot to get through in as many installments of Charlottesville Community Engagement that I can put together between now and the time of disguise. I? Sean Tubbs. On today's version of this publication:* One person has died following an early morning shooting Sunday on the Downtown Mall * Charlottesville preparing to remove nine trees from the Downtown Mall* Two Charlottesville playgrounds remain closed while repairs continue* Time is running out to submit a poem to JMRL's latest contest* Albemarle County Supervisors finalize legislative priorities * The Center for Politics at UVA takes a look at concerns about the upcoming election Charlottesville Community Engagement is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.First shout-out: Rivanna Conservation Alliance Round-Up wrap-upIn today's first Patreon-fueled shout-out: The Rivanna Conservation Alliance would like to thank everyone who participated in the recent Rivanna River Round-Up! In all, 243 helped remove 173 tires, filled up 148 bags of trash and attended to 27 miles of river and trail. To help cover the costs, the Rivanna Conservation Alliance is selling t-shirts. Want to get involved with ongoing clean-up efforts? On Saturday, October 22, the RCA will hold a stream buffer maintenance day at Crozet Elementary School to check in on how trees planted three years ago are holding up. Visit rivannariver.org to learn more. One killed in early morning shooting SundayOne person has died following a shooting early Sunday morning on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall in which three people were hit with bullets. According to a release, the Charlottesville Police Department responded to the 200 block of West Main Street on the Downtown Mall. “The victims were then transported to UVA medical center for treatment; two of which are currently in stable condition. The third victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased later in the morning.”The release goes on to state that the incident does not pose an “immediate threat” and an investigation. A request for a follow-up this morning yielded no results. For more information, some other media coverage:* Charlottesville Mall shooting leaves one dead and two injured, Daily Progress* Police investigate fatal shooting on Downtown Mall, CBS19* CPD: 1 dead, 2 injured in connection with W. Main St. shooting, NBC29Photojournalist Eze Amos was on the Mall at the time. City crews preparing to remove some Downtown Mall treesLater this week, the city's Parks and Recreation Department will hold an information meeting on removing some of the trees on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall. Riann Anthony is the deputy director of the department. “We are very lucky that the Downtown Mall trees have been in existence for this long,” Anthony said. “Some of them are healthy and others are not healthy but per our urban forester is that all of the trees are stressed from a number of factors.”Anthony addresses the city's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board last Thursday. He said the number one factor are the tree grates that he said are squeezing trees that have outgrown them. He also said heaters for outdoor restaurants also cause stress.“There's a lot of café spaces that also have little lights that they use, nails, to put the lights on and stuff like that nature,” Anthony said. The city has been studying this issue for many year but action has not yet been taken. Anthony said the city is looking to remove hazards that might be in danger of falling. The ones most at risk will be removed over the next few months.“These are trees that are in the worst shape and we are looking out for the best interest of our community and of the folks that work on the mall,” Anthony said. “We do not want to ever see a tree just fall.” Nine trees in all will be removed. The first education session will be on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Two in-person meetings will be held next week. (meeting info)Anthony said the city is also seeking a consultant to help come up with a replacement policy for trees on the Downtown Mall. Charlottesville playground installation taking longer than expected The closure of city playgrounds at both Belmont Park and Meade Park will be a little longer than expected. The Parks and Recreation Department is installing new equipment at both locations and work had been expected to be completed this week. However, installation of individual pieces is taking more time. “We are extending the reopening date to tentatively, November 4th, but may open sooner if complete,” reads a press release that went out Friday morning. A Keaton Forest suite of playground structures is being installed at Belmont Park whereas Meade Park will have the first Modern City installation in Virginia. One more day to submit a poem for JMRL contestThe Jefferson Madison Regional Library and WriterHouse have teamed up for a poetry contest that ends tomorrow. If you're over 18 and have one original, unpublished poem you'd like to submit, there's an online form that's taking submissions through tomorrow at 5 p.m.  The theme is transformative change. “For hundreds of years, poets have altered the course of history by speaking out about issues that concern their communities, and this year's theme of transformation echoes that critical legacy of the power of the pen to affect positive change for all of us,” said WriterHouse executive director Sibley Johns. This contest is now in its sixth year. There are prizes for winners. For more information, visit jmrl.org/poetrycontest. Albemarle Supervisors set legislative priorities for 2023 General Assembly There are 79 days until the General Assembly convenes for the 2023 session for the second year with Glenn Youngkin in the Governor's Mansion. Last week, Albemarle Supervisors finalized their list of legislative priorities that they hope to convince legislators to turn into a bill. (2023 Legislative Priorities) (2023 Legislative Positions and Policy Statements)Supervisors last discussed the list in September and extensively discussed a request to expand the number of virtual meetings an appointed body can have. Another of the priorities is to request the ability for counties to decide for themselves if they want to hold a referendum on additional sales tax to generate revenue for school construction projects.“There are currently nine counties and one city in the Commonwealth which enjoy this authority to levy an additional one-percent sales tax which is used exclusively to fund school division capital projects,” said county attorney Steven Rosenberg. Legislation failed to make it out of a House of Delegates subcommittee last year. Another priority is to request a change of the eligibility rules for sites to participate in the Virginia Business Ready Sites program. Currently land in most economic development regions must be of a certain size to quality, and Albemarle wants that to be reduced.“There are not that many properties in the county that satisfy that 100 acre contiguous developable standard,” Rosenberg said.Albemarle wants to cut that in half to 50 acres and Rosenberg said two Go Virginia regions already have that lower threshold. “The economic development office (EDO) has identified sites that would otherwise fulfill the requirement but for their acreage,” Rosenberg said. “I will finally add on this item that there is one site in the county that does satisfy the requirement and it's in North Fork and the EDO is currently working with the University of Virginia Foundation in seeking funds for that site.” There will be one more discussion of the priorities in November if needed. See also: * House subcommittee kills school sales tax bills, February 25, 2022* Albemarle Supervisors to support legislation to allow advisory body meetings to go virtual, September 13, 2021)Second Shout-out is for the Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards In today's second subscriber-supported shout-out, an area nonprofit wants you to know about what they offer to help you learn how to preserve, protect, and appreciate! The Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards holds several events throughout the year including a walk in western Albemarle County on the morning of November 12 through a well preserved and highly diverse woodland to see naturally occurring winterberry, spicebush, and dogwood laden with red berries. In abundance will be nuts from forest oaks, hickories, walnuts as well as orchard grown Chinese chestnuts, walnuts, pecans, and American hazelnuts. Registration is limited. There's also still time for an online Zoom tree identification class tomorrow night. Visit charlottesvilleareatreestewards.org for more information. Center for Politics forum explores election security in advance of Election Day Tensions are running high across the country as Election Day approaches and many members of one of the two American political parties continue to insist that the 2020 Presidential election was stolen. The University of Virginia's Center for Politics held a forum last week to discuss the upcoming elections moderated by Christopher Krebs, who served as the United States Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. He said much of the threat dates back to Russian efforts to hack the 2016 elections. (wikipedia article)“It had three different components,” Krebs said. “The first was attempts to get into voter registration databases and other systems administering elections. The second was targeting and hacking into political campaigns, the [Democratic National Committee], the Hilary Clinton and the third is this more pernicious, drawn out disinformation campaign that's really rooted in the entirety of Russian information doctrine going back really a century or more.” Krebs said the Russian campaign was intended to destabilize democracy, and not much was done to shore up security systems.“And there were domestic actors that saw the playbook run in 2016 and adapted it to their own measures,” Krebs said.Krebs said he is concerned about continued efforts to falsely claim that President Joe Biden was not elected, as well as continued attacks on election workers. He said death threats are common. “It's part of unfortunately doing business as election workers right now and that is leading to a retreat and exodus from the work force which in turn kind of turns out to be a former of almost voter suppression,” Krebs said.That's because fewer election workers means fewer precincts and longer lines. Krebs said there's also a strategy to radicalize election workers. Barbara Comstock served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives in Virginia's former 10th District. The Republican politician is now involved in Issue One and the National Council for Elections Security.  “I am for the first time in my life a single issue voter,” Comstock said. “I've never been a single issue voter. I was a conservative Republican but now my issue is democracy before any other issue. And if you aren't going to respect elections and who wins and who loses, you can't have any other issues before that.” Comstock said she is concerned about candidates who have already declared they will not accept the elections results unless they win. “Those kind of situations are going to repeat themselves around the country,” Comstock said. “We're a 50/50 country. I won my first election by 422 votes.” Comstock said on that night, she knew where the votes were coming in because she was familiar with the polls. She said many with conspiracy theories have never worked an election before. “And these are people who just didn't understand anything about  retail politics,” Comstock said. “They were just people who were preaching to the choir, hung out with everyone who thought the way they did, and had never knocked on a door.”Renée DiResta, research manager at the Stanford Internet Observatory, has been studying rumors that circulate online about perceived election fraud.“When somebody believes that their ballot has been invalidated because they were given a sharpie marker at the polls and they remember being a kid in school and being told you can't use a sharpie marker on a scantron and they believe that there's a false plot to steal the election from them because that's kind of where the political climate of the country is at this point,” DiResta said. “Those claims tend to go viral and one of the things we look at at Stanford is how those claims go viral and where and in what communities on the internet.”DiResta said the sharpie argument has come back again in Arizona during the 2022 race. She said she's part of something called the Election Integrity Partnership which is a non-partisan coalition to help groups that want to fight disinformation by crowd-sourcing responses by helping to find the right messenger to convey correct information. “That person who is a trusted counter messenger counter speaks to the people in their communities,” DiResta said. “They don't want to hear Stanford Internet Observatory thinks that your sharpie markers is wrong because who the hell are we? We're ivory tower academics. We have no trust and we have no resonance in that community but the local elections theoretically do because they are members of the community.” Siva Vaidhyanathan, the Robertson Professor of Media Studies and director of the Center for Media and Citizenship at the University of Virginia, said democracies have been under attack from across the world in the past decade. He said a lot of this builds off the stoking of fears of other Americans. “We're now in a situation in this country of all countries where we don't have a romance of  democracy,” Vaidhyanathan said. “We don't have something that moves us to believe deeply in the power of each other, in the shared future that we all have whether we admit or not.”Election Day is now 15 days away. This Wednesday, the two candidates in the Fifth District will meet at Hampden-Sydney College for the first and only campaign forum of the race. Some information here, and more in the next newsletter.You can watch the whole Center for Politics event on YouTube. Other articles for your review:As much as I try, I can't get it all. Here are some recent stories you may be interested in reviewing. * Charlottesville's first climate action plan, Anahita Jafary, NBC29, October 20, 2022* Richmond Fed: Va. gained 8,000 jobs in September, Virginia Business, October 21, 2022* Charlottesville man's lawsuit against University Village tests state condo law, Daily Progress, October 21, 2022* Bob Good visits Albemarle County, CBS19, October 22, 2022 * Public comment period ends Wednesday for proposed transgender policy, WWBT, October 24Concluding notes for the end of #447 Monday will end and Tuesday will begin and I am hopeful that there will be another installment of Charlottesville Community Engagement. There is so much to get through, and I'm grateful for paid subscribers who are helping me attempt to keep the stables clean. Do consider a paid subscription through Substack at either $5 a month, $50 a year or $200 a year.And if you do that, Ting will match your initial payment, making it very likely I'll get to keep doing this for a while. That's my goal, at least. This work is how I exercise my love of democracy, by pointing out the decision points close at hand. I will try to resist saying what I think, because mostly what I think is how I can get this up to a seven-day-a-week publication. There's enough to go round. If you do sign up, Ting will match your initial subscription. And even if you don't sign up for a paid subscription to this newsletter, Ting wants your custom too, and if you sign up through a link in the newsletter you will get free installation, a $75 gift card to the Downtown Mall, and a second month for free. Just enter the promo code COMMUNITY.Did you know this newsletter is also the working script for a podcast? Do sign up in your podcast player, because it's a great way to hear people's voices. There is the occasional music bit from either the Fundamental Grang or Wraki, a chameleon-like blender of sonic stylings. Check them out on Bandcamp.  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

After a series of prime-time hearings from the January 6th Committee and hundreds of charges against individuals who a participated in the events of that day, the Department of Justice faces a complex political and legal question: Should it charge Donald Trump with federal crimes? Arguing "yes" is Barbara Comstock. Arguing "no" Tom Ginsburg. Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former President Trump's onetime adviser Steve Bannon was convicted Friday for contempt of Congress. It came a day after the Jan. 6 panel focused on Trump's inaction during the Capitol attack. Former Alabama Sen. Doug Jones, a Democrat, and former Virginia Rep. Barbara Comstock, a Republican, join Judy Woodruff to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Former President Trump's onetime adviser Steve Bannon was convicted Friday for contempt of Congress. It came a day after the Jan. 6 panel focused on Trump's inaction during the Capitol attack. Former Alabama Sen. Doug Jones, a Democrat, and former Virginia Rep. Barbara Comstock, a Republican, join Judy Woodruff to discuss. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Barbara Comstock is one of the few Republicans in Congress who never wavered when the Trump era began--she opposed Trump even when so many colleagues refused to do so. Now, having lost her seat to a blue wave in 2018, Barbara joins Joe to reflect not only on her time in Congress, but also her time as a high-level Hill staffer, another part of her background that gives her a unique perspective on the current January 6 Committee Hearings and what they could mean for the country.

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down with Barbara Comstock, who served as the Congresswoman from Virginia's 10th District from 2015 to 2019. This recording took place live at the 2022 Social Innovation Summit. Operating at the nexus of technology, philanthropy, and business, the Social Innovation Summit brings together the brightest minds – across […]

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger sits down with Barbara Comstock, who served as the Congresswoman from Virginia's 10th District from 2015 to 2019. This recording took place live at the 2022 Social Innovation Summit. Operating at the nexus of technology, philanthropy, and business, the Social Innovation Summit brings together the brightest minds – across industries, sectors, and generations – to catalyze inspired partnerships that are disrupting social impact.

Power & Politics for Friday, June 10th: Tourism Minister Randy Boissonnault and Canada's Airport Council interim president Monette Pasher discuss the testing changes coming to Canada's airports. Former Republican representative Barbara Comstock talks about what we have learned from a special congressional committee investigating the January 6, 2021 Capitol Hill riots. Plus the five news stories you need to know about, the Power Panel on the day's news, and we open the P&P mailbag to answer your questions.

In recent years, American politicians seem to be getting tougher about internet oversight. But it remains unclear whether Washington has the will to regulate big tech companies and the platforms they control. This week we hear from Sen. Mark Warner, a Democrat, and former Rep. Barbara Comstock, a Republican, live from the University of Virginia's celebrated dome room. They see hope for bipartisan action on Capitol Hill — to protect users and free speech alike. Siva reflects with guest-host Danielle Citron.

Beloved Hoffman teacher, Barbara Comstock, has been teaching the Hoffman Process for 34 years. Teaching an average of ten Processes per year means Barbara has taught well over 300 Processes. Two and a half years ago, Barbara's husband, Jimmy, died, just three months after his diagnosis. Her journey has been rough. And yet, as you'll hear in this conversation, Barbara's depth of presence and ability to let go into life continue to support her through this journey of both life and death. Barbara shares that "teaching the Hoffman Process is a practice of love." Barbara shares what this practice is to her and how it guides her both personally and professionally. As you'll hear at the end, Drew and Barbara will meet up again for part two of this conversation.  Watch for it in Season Four. If you have any questions you'd like Drew to ask Barbara when they next sit down together to record, let us know at podcasts@hoffmaninstitute.org! More About Barbara Comstock: Barbara holds a B.A. in East Asian Studies, an M.S. in Textile Arts, and an MFA in Sculpture & Textiles. She is a Hoffman teacher and supervisor, as well as a life coach, art teacher, author, and dancer. Barbara believes, “The act of teaching the Process is a practice of love and presence. I love working with individuals in this environment. Human beings are fascinating and I am lucky to be able to support individuals to grow, to know themselves, and forgive and love themselves.” When Barbara did the Process, she found radical self-acceptance and acceptance of life and others. “I like myself and I can acknowledge mistakes (sometimes).” Barbara lives in Ashland, Oregon. As Mentioned in this Episode: Barbara's Sister and fellow Hoffman teacher, Kani Comstock. City of Hope cancer treatment center Oregon's Death with Dignity Act Self-compassion break (from Kristin Neff): This is a moment of suffering. All human beings suffer. May I be kind to myself.   Discover if the Process is right for you. How to share the Process with loved ones. Subscribe on Apple/iTunes

Beloved Hoffman teacher, Barbara Comstock, has been teaching the Hoffman Process for 34 years. Teaching an average of ten Processes per year means Barbara has taught well over 300 Processes. Two and a half years ago, Barbara's husband, Jimmy, died, just three months after his diagnosis. Her journey has been rough. And yet, as you'll hear in this conversation, Barbara's depth of presence and ability to let go into life continue to support her through this journey of both life and death. Barbara shares that “teaching the Hoffman Process is a practice of love.” Barbara shares what this practice is to her and how it guides her both personally and professionally. As you'll hear at the end, Drew and Barbara will meet up again for part two of this conversation. Watch for it in Season Four. If you have any questions you'd like Drew to ask Barbara when they next sit down together to record, let us know at podcasts@hoffmaninstitute.org! More About Barbara Comstock: Barbara holds a B.A. in East Asian Studies, an M.S. in Textile Arts, and an MFA in Sculpture & Textiles. She is a Hoffman teacher and supervisor, as well as a life coach, art teacher, author, and dancer. Barbara believes, “The act of teaching the Process is a practice of love and presence. I love working with individuals in this environment. Human beings are fascinating and I am lucky to be able to support individuals to grow, to know themselves, and forgive and love themselves.” When Barbara did the Process, she found radical self-acceptance and acceptance of life and others. “I like myself and I can acknowledge mistakes (sometimes).” Barbara lives in Ashland, Oregon. As Mentioned In This Episode: Barbara's Sister and fellow Hoffman teacher, Kani Comstock. City of Hope cancer treatment center Oregon's Death with Dignity Act Self-compassion break (from Kristin Neff): This is a moment of suffering. All human beings suffer. May I be kind to myself.   https://media.blubrry.com/the_hoffman_podcast/p/content.blubrry.com/the_hoffman_podcast/Drew_and_Barbara_Comstock_Podcast.mp3 Podcast: Download (Duration: 41:27 — 38.0MB)

Caleb Max, Republican candidate running for Virginia 10th Congressional District, joined WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" radio program on Tuesday to discuss his run for Congress. ABOUT CALEB MAX: Former Congressman Frank Wolf's grandson, Caleb Max is running for his old seat in Virginia's 10th Congressional District - a target race for the NRCC and DCCC. His grandfather held the seat for 34 years from 1980-2015, and Caleb, who is a 24-Year Old Small Business Owner & Farmer is running to take the seat back from the Democrats this November. Caleb is the Founder of the Athenai Institute and Stand Against Chinese Communism (SACC), two organizations dedicated to fighting the CCP. Caleb incorporated a commercial and residential landscape company in 2014 at the age of 17 after cutting his neighbor's lawns since he was 13.  Caleb grew this business from one mower to now having 6 crews with 15 employees and a 500 property client list.  Caleb has also experienced hardship when he bought Pica Deli in Reston, Virginia three months before the Covid pandemic. Caleb also owns a 40-head cattle beef farm at his home in Round Hill, Loudoun County Virginia. Caleb would be the youngest member of Congress if elected. Website: https://www.maxforvirginia.com ABOUT VA-10: Virginia's 10th congressional district is a U.S. congressional district in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is currently represented by Democrat Jennifer Wexton, who was first elected in 2018. The district includes all of Clarke County, Frederick County and Loudoun County, parts of Fairfax County and Prince William County, as well as the independent cities of Manassas, Manassas Park and Winchester. The district closely matches Virginia's voting patterns in statewide races with nearly identical margins as the final statewide results. Beginning when it was re-created in 1952, the 10th district was in Republican hands for 60 of 66 years, including long stints in office by Joel Broyhill (1953–74) and Frank Wolf (1981-2014). Barbara Comstock, a former aide to Wolf, succeeded him after the 2014 election.[4] Wexton defeated Comstock in the 2018 midterms, becoming only the second Democrat to win it. Primary election: The primary will occur on June 21, 2022. The general election will occur on November 8, 2022. For more coverage on the issues that matter to you, visit www.WMAL.com, download the WMAL app or tune in live on WMAL-FM 105.9 FM from 5-9 AM ET. To join the conversation, check us out on Twitter: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @Jgunlock, @amber_athey and @patrickpinkfile. Show website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" podcast is sponsored by Cornerstone First Financial: https://www.cornerstonefirst.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beloved Hoffman teacher and coach, Lisa Wenger, is our guest this week. Lisa has been a part of the Hoffman world since 1989 when she did the Process in Austria. What brought Lisa to the Process? Her brother had taken the Process and afterward, Lisa saw that he sparkle in his eyes. Lisa realized that she wanted that same sparkle back. After her Process, she knew her sparkle had returned because she could feel it in her Being. While in the middle of her Process, Lisa realized she wanted to start a Hoffman center in Italy. Once she completed that, Lisa realized she wanted to teach the Process. She feels very fortunate to have trained directly with Bob Hoffman. Listen in as she shares stories of the early days of the Hoffman Process in Europe. MORE ABOUT LISA WENGER: Born as the middle child between two brothers, Lisa grew up in an intellectually active family where the psychoanalyst C.G.Jung was like an “invisible” presence. Psychology was often a topic of conversation. She rebelled (silently…) and went off to live in Italy to work in fashion. Lisa took the Hoffman Process in 1989. Immediately during her Process, she felt driven to make it available in Italy. With the support of Bob Hoffman, she created the Italian Hoffman Institute and staged the first process in August 1990 where Bob was teaching. She then trained to become a Hoffman Teacher. She trained partly with Bob Hoffman, and also attended processes in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and France. Lisa spent ten years serving as the Director. She left the Italian Institute in the good hands of her brother and sister-in-law in order to dedicate herself to teaching and supervising more internationally – in the aforementioned countries as well as the UK, Ireland, Canada, the US. Aug '90: 1st Process in Italy. L to R: Michael Wenger, Bob Hoffman, Lisa, Béatrice Wenger Haab Vienna, Aug '90, 1st Intl. Hoffman Congress. Lisa (far L), Bob (front 4th from L), Raz (top far R), Kani Comstock, Barbara Comstock, Michael Wenger, Béatrice Haab. Since 2003, Lisa has been a part of the US Institute's faculty. Recently, she stopped teaching the 7-day in-person Process. She wants to be more available to her family and her work handling the Estate of her artist aunt Méret Oppenheim (see below). You can still find Lisa teaching virtually and coaching. Lisa lives with her husband Douglas in a small village above Lake Lugano in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. AS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Méret wearing a paper coat she made. Photo: Claude LeAnh Lisa now handles the Estate of her artist aunt, Méret Oppenheim. Méret was a Swiss Surrealist artist and photographer. She has been recognized as a figure of the women's movement. In 1982, Méret Oppenheim won the Berlin Art Prize. In 2019, the city of Basel inaugurated a plaza, road, fountain, and a high-rise apartment building in the city center, all named after her. The large fountain features her sculpture Spirale (der Gang der Natur). Recently in 2018, Oppenheim was the subject of a short documentary, Gloria's Call. Méret's works are currently being exhibited in Switzerland at Kunst Museum Bern. Read more about this current exhibit.   https://media.blubrry.com/the_hoffman_podcast/s/content.blubrry.com/the_hoffman_podcast/Sharon_and_Lisa_Wenger_Podcast.mp3 Podcast: Download (Duration: 38:04 — 34.9MB)

One year after watching the Republican Party lose control of the White House and Senate as American voters made Donald Trump a one-term president, conservatives are celebrating again. Not only did Republican Glenn Youngkin defeat Democrat Terry McAuliffe in Virginia's gubernatorial election (in a state where Joe Biden defeated Trump by 10 points), Republicans won decisive victories in other states. Moreover, some conservatives believe Youngkin's campaign may have shown the GOP how to escape Mr. Trump's grip, a necessity if the party wants to win back the White House in 2024, or so the argument goes. In this episode, anti-Trump conservative Barbara Comstock, a former two-term Republican congresswoman in Northern Virginia, shares her thoughts on what Youngkin's victory means for the party, and why she believes the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol riot must complete its work.

CPF Co-Director Mike Murphy is joined by former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock, journalists Robert A. George and Jeremy Peters, and President Trump's former White House Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows, to discuss how the impact of Republican voter support of the former president translates into influence within GOP leadership. Featuring: Mike Murphy - Co-Director, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future; NBC Political Analyst Barbara Comstock - Former U.S. Representative (R-VA) , Spring '21 Fellow, Center for the Political Future Robert A. George - Columnist, Bloomberg Opinion Mark Meadows - Former White House Chief of Staff, President Donald Trump and U.S. Representative (R-NC); Senior Partner, The Conservative Partnership Institute Jeremy W. Peters - National Politics Reporter, New York Times; Contributor to MSNBC; Author, "Insurgency: How Republicans Lost Their Party and Got Everything They Ever Wanted"

Spring 2021 Center Fellow Shaniqua McClendon is joined by North Carolina Representative Rachel Hunt and Former U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Comstock to discuss the importance of electing more women to national, state, and local offices, and how political parties are addressing issues important to women voters. Featuring: Barbara Comstock - Former U.S. Representative (R-VA) and Spring 2021 Fellow, Center for the Political Future Rachel Hunt - North Carolina Representative (D-Mecklenburg) Shaniqua McClendon (Moderator) - Political Director at Crooked Media and Spring 2021 Fellow, Center for the Political Future

As the impeachment inquiry continues with committee counsels testifying before the House Judiciary Committee, former Republican counsel for the House Oversight Committee during the impeachment of President Clinton, Barbara Comstock, joins "The Investigation." Comstock, a former Congresswoman from Virginia and now an ABC News contributor, reveals what she called "an odd thing for Republicans to be saying" when it comes to the impeachment process and shares her theory as to why she believes the American public is not engaged: "We know how the movie ends, and we know the final chapter won't be until next November." Then, co-hosts Chris Vlasto and John Santucci discuss ABC News Chief Justice Correspondent Pierre Thomas' exclusive interview with FBI Director Wray, as all eyes turn to the FBI with the release of the Department of Justice Inspector General's report into the origins of the Russia investigation. Follow Chris on Twitter @vlasto Follow John on Twitter @santucci Support this podcast with a review on Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2UJIsJs Recommended listening... -- Start Here: The daily 20-minute news podcast from ABC News. http://bit.ly/2SA62eg -- Powerhouse Politics: Headliner interviews and in-depth looks at the people and events shaping U.S. politics. http://bit.ly/2SsGwr7 -- FiveThirtyEight Politics: Nate Silver and the FiveThirtyEight team cover the latest in politics, tracking the issues and "game-changers" every week. https://53eig.ht/2RF3eb1 ==================== The Investigation is produced by ABC Audio.

"The Investigation" offers an early preview of Amy Robach's exclusive interview with Hunter Biden. Now, two of the producers who booked and produced the highly sought after interview, Victoria Thompson and Nadine Shubailat, sit down with "Investigation" co-host Chris Vlasto and discuss the critical points from the interview, including Hunter Biden's adamant response he did nothing improper when he joined Burisma's board, but saying "I'm a human...did I make a mistake? Well, maybe in the grand scheme of things, yeah." Then, our co-hosts break down the latest legal and political questions surrounding the impeachment inquiry with two ABC News contributors: former Congresswoman Barbara Comstock and former Obama White House lawyer and law professor Kate Shaw.

Former Trump Campaign staffer Michael Caputo says he hasn't spoken to President Trump since Inauguration Day due to the pending investigations on Capitol Hill and the Special Counsel. But after the Mueller Report was released, Caputo's phone rang and it was the President. He tells "The Investigation" about their Oval Office meeting, the President's feelings about impeachment, and what most concerns him most about his best friend Roger Stone's upcoming trial. "The Investigation" co-anchors Kyra Phillips and Chris Vlasto also sit down with former Congressional investigator and later Congresswoman Barbara Comstock, who gives insight into all the nuts and bolts of a Congressional Investigation, including the pending issue over access to President Trump's tax returns: "We never went after tax returns because that was Nixonian." Follow Kyra on Twitter @kyraphillips Follow Chris on Twitter @vlasto Follow Matt on Twitter @mattmosk Follow John on Twitter @santucci Support this podcast with a review on Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2UJIsJs Recommended listening... -- Start Here: The daily 20-minute news podcast from ABC News. http://bit.ly/2SA62eg -- Powerhouse Politics: Headliner interviews and in-depth looks at the people and events shaping U.S. politics. http://bit.ly/2SsGwr7 -- FiveThirtyEight Politics: Nate Silver and the FiveThirtyEight team cover the latest in politics, tracking the issues and "game-changers" every week. https://53eig.ht/2RF3eb1 ==================== The Investigation is produced by ABC Radio.