Podcast appearances and mentions of jeff timmer

This week's show is sponsored in part by EPIC-MRA Public Opinion Research MIRS News

July 28, 2025 ~ Jeff Timmer, Lincoln Project campaign manager and former MI GOP executive director, joins Kevin to discuss the Epstein scandal fallout and its impact on Michigan's Senate race.

The foiled plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer may be just the tip of the iceberg. Under the Trump presidency, right wing extremist groups have multiplied significantly and pose a grave domestic terror threat to the United States. In addition, through his own divisive rhetoric and coded language, the President has tolerated and encouraged the rise of violent, Pro Trump vigilante groups. Are these armed, right wing radicals, the foot soldiers for Trump's new Maga Army? Plus, a conversation with Lincoln Project's Jeff Timmer. The former Michigan GOP honcho and veteran campaign operative provides insight into how the kidnap plot is playing at a local level and discusses Trump's party takeover and how the Republican Party might repair and redeem itself. Also, make sure to check out Mea Culpa: The Election Essays for the definitive political document of 2020. Fifteen chapters of raw and honest political writings on Donald Trump from the man who knows him best. https://www.a... The foiled plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer may be just the tip of the iceberg. Under the Trump presidency, right wing extremist groups have multiplied significantly and pose a grave domestic terror threat to the United States. In addition, through his own divisive rhetoric and coded language, the President has tolerated and encouraged the rise of violent, Pro Trump vigilante groups. Are these armed, right wing radicals, the foot soldiers for Trump's new Maga Army? Plus, a conversation with Lincoln Project's Jeff Timmer. The former Michigan GOP honcho and veteran campaign operative provides insight into how the kidnap plot is playing at a local level and discusses Trump's party takeover and how the Republican Party might repair and redeem itself. Also, make sure to check out Mea Culpa: The Election Essays for the definitive political document of 2020. Fifteen chapters of raw and honest political writings on Donald Trump from the man who knows him best. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08M5VKQ6T/ For cool Mea Culpa gear, check out meaculpapodcast.com/merch To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's show is sponsored by: EPIC-MRA Public Opinion Research MIRS News Fulton Fish Market

Michael Ramirez:Las Vegas Review-Journal On our agenda this week... The best is yet to come ... at least for newly anointed U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle. The now-spurned former finance of Donald Trump Jr. is headed halfway around the world compliments of The Don, but only because "Ambassador to Mars" isn't a thing yet. And there's so much more: Gold sneakers, gold coins, leather-bound Bibles, digital junk collectibles, red hats, camo hats, crypto currency, and now cologne and perfume. That's the current potpourri of products being shilled by the president-elect who once claimed he could be more presidential than any of his predecessor … while his current wife sells Christmas ornaments and a ghost-written book, and his son-in-law sells his soul to the Saudis for a tidy $2-billion and his son announces three new licensing deals with the Saudis. The next logical step for Donald Trump: getting his fans to part with their cash: reverse mortgages. Look out Tom Selleck And another first for Time Magazine: A “Person of the Year” story attached to a 2,300-word fact check debunking much of their cover story.The new administration's appointments by the numbers: 13 billionaires 3 family members, including sending Junior's ex-fiance halfway around the world 13 former Fox News on-air employees 15 one-time losing candidates for various elective offices In the world of actually governing — Three announced candidates for chair of the Michigan Democratic Party are meeting with county parties in the run-up to the February 22 state party convention. In contention to succeed Lavora Barnes as MDP chair: MDP Rural Caucus chair Mark Ludwig, MDP activist Al Williams, and former state Senator and Whitmer staffer Curtis Hertel Jr. Legislative Democrats are working overtime to take maximum advantage of their soon-to-be-lost trifecta control of state government Three Michigan natives gave their valedictory speeches on Capitol Hill in the last few days – all three examples of what's right with public service: Debbie Stabenow, Dan Kildee, and Mitt Romney. Jeff Timmer is off this week, with the always lovely Walt Sorg sitting in! =========================== This episode is sponsored in part by EPIC ▪ MRA, a full service survey research firm with expertise in • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management Anne Telnaes - Washington Post

Join Rick Wilson, Stuart Stevens, Ryan Wiggins, Jeff Timmer, and Maya May for a discussion on the state of the 2024 race.

SERIES 2 EPISODE 132: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (1:30) RICHARD, IN MEMORIAM: The day I met Richard Lewis, at a Los Angeles Lakers game in 1989 or 1990, we parted calling each other 'Brother.' It has been like that ever since. I want to tell you about my adopted brother, who despite his on-camera persona of dysfunction and self-absorption was in fact the most loving human being I have ever known. His support, his empathy, his caring, was endless. The total number of brothers and sisters he "adopted" was nearly so. I cannot imagine a world without him. B-Block (26:48) SPECIAL COMMENT: Of course the Supreme Court stepped in to delay Trump's trial for trying to overthrow the government and erase a valid election. It is comprised by five of Trump's judicial whores. It is yet another reason we must defeat Trump everywhere, including at the polls, so that a re-elected Joe Biden can appoint enough additional justices to the court to make Roberts, Alito, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett into living waxworks wailing impotently until they die. The good news about Trump is, simply, that he had to confess in writing that he is not the billionaire he claims to be but for all intents and purposes insolvent and incapable of paying the $465 million fine (with interest) he owes the state of New York. He offered 22% of his debt; the judge rejected it; the full appeals court almost certainly will, and if it actually leads to practical bankruptcy, that will kill Trump. And there was a hidden germ of good news inside Trump's underperformance in Michigan on Tuesday night. The former executive director of the state GOP there says ONE county result convinces him Trump - no matter what happens to Biden and protests and anything else - CANNOT win Michigan in November. Of course you didn't read that in The New York Times or the WaPo or see it on CNN or anywhere else because if there were any remaining doubts, they're gone now. There is a difference between "facts" and "truth." Telling the truth means blowback and controversy and having to stay late in the office. So our legacy media, as we saw again in Michigan, will hide behind meaningless "facts" and perfect its cowardice. C-BLOCK (49:30) With Richard Lewis at The 92nd Street Y in New York in April 2008, and on Countdown on MSNBC a few days later.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An election season defined by chaos comes to a close. Rick & Tara are joined by special guests Reed Galen, Stuart Stevens, Jeff Timmer, Trygve Olson, and Philip Germain with live results, breaking news, live analysis, and a deep dive into the next two years. Watch a special edition of The Breakdown, Tuesday at 8p ET.

The Breakdown is live w/ guest Jeff TimmerTonight's episode of The Breakdown is hosted by Tara Setmayer and Rick Wilson, who welcome special guest Jeff Timmer, Senior Advisor to The Lincoln Project. Jeff will help us catch up on the craziness of last week's holiday break and series of insane events within the Republican party. Watch now, share with friends on social media, and follow The Lincoln Project below! FOLLOW Jeff TimmerTWITTER: @jefftimmerFOLLOW LINCOLN PROJECTTWITTER: https://bit.ly/3zwZFva INSTAGRAM: https://bit.ly/31yyrHR FACEBOOK: https://bit.ly/3zCBHhT PODCAST: https://apple.co/3G7zr4L

Join us in this riveting episode of No Holding Back as we dive deep into the intricate web of possibilities surrounding the upcoming US presidential election. Our special guest, Jeff Timmer,  former Executive Director of the Michigan Republican Party, is a political, public affairs and communications strategist and a key figure in the Lincoln Project, brings his wealth of experience to the table.In this candid conversation, we explore the intriguing scenario of Donald Trump potentially securing a re-election and the various factors that could contribute to such an outcome. Jeff Timmer, known for his strategic insights and work with the Lincoln Project, shares unique perspectives on the current political landscape, shedding light on the twists and turns that may shape the future of American democracy.From dissecting key battleground states to analyzing voter trends, we leave no stone unturned in our quest to understand the maze of possibilities that lies ahead. Jeff's firsthand experiences and behind-the-scenes knowledge provide listeners with an insider's view of the dynamics at play in the world of political strategy.For more from Jeff, check out his podcast "A Republic, If You Can Keep It: Michigan Citizens for a Better TomorrowAll this and more on No Holding Back with Susan Estrich.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.noholdingback.fm/Produced by 1985 Productions

Host Reed Galen is joined by Lincoln Project Senior Advisors Trygve Olson and Jeff Timmer. They discuss the current state of the Republican party (especially the House GOP who's going on 3 weeks without a Speaker), the national security and foreign policy strength/leadership of President Joe Biden, and how to counter MAGA messaging targeted at Bannon-line voters. Plus, what recent news out of Michigan says about the GOP as a whole. If you'd like to hear more from Jeff Timmer, check out “A Republic, If You Can Keep It” and if you'd like to hear more from Trygve OIson, check out his weekly segment on “The Todd Allbaugh Show”. For more from Reed Galen, be sure to subscribe to “The Home Front”. If you'd like to ask a question or share a comment with The Lincoln Project, send an email to podcast@lincolnproject.us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is sponsored in part by EPIC•MRA Public Opinion Research Rep. "Gym" Jordan - the latest to fall in the U.S. House "Who Wants to Be Speaker" Reality Show Jim Jordan keeps going downhill in his quest to win the worst job in government. He's now lost 3 votes and 1 closed-meeting secret ballot with more Republicans opposing him each time. Jeff and Mark do a deep dive into the political implications in Michigan for the 2024 federal elections in our state. Also this week: Trump lawyers Sydney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro have flipped in the Georgia RICO case – bad news for fellow Georgia defendants Donald Trump, Mark Meadows and Rudy Giuliani. Mike Rogers tries to distance Senate campaign from his anti-abortion record The new campaign finance reports show two fundraising juggernauts in Michigan - Elissa Slotkin and John James. 3Q 2023 House fundraising reports roundup 3Q 2023 Senate fundraising reports roundup First-term congressman Shri Thanedar is a target for Detroit Democrats in the 2024 primary Surprise surprise: a major Republican donor is backing ultra-left presidential candidate Cornel West. And we also have an exclusive first-person update on covid in Michigan. Cases, hospitalizations and deaths from covid are continuing to decline – but we have proof positive covid hasn't disappeared. Jeff Timmer is in Day Five of a nasty case of covid, but managed to find his podcast microphone: a real trooper! In the words of philosopher Yogi Berra, "it ain't over until it's over" ... and for Jeff and his wife, it ain't over! =========================== EPIC ▪ MRA is a full service survey research firm with expertise in: • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management ===========================  

This episode is sponsored in part by EPIC•MRA Public Opinion Research Rep. "Gym" Jordan - the latest to fall in the U.S. House "Who Wants to Be Speaker" Reality Show Jim Jordan keeps going downhill in his quest to win the worst job in government. He's now lost 3 votes and 1 closed-meeting secret ballot with more Republicans opposing him each time. Jeff and Mark do a deep dive into the political implications in Michigan for the 2024 federal elections in our state. Also this week: Trump lawyers Sydney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro have flipped in the Georgia RICO case – bad news for fellow Georgia defendants Donald Trump, Mark Meadows and Rudy Giuliani. Mike Rogers tries to distance Senate campaign from his anti-abortion record The new campaign finance reports show two fundraising juggernauts in Michigan - Elissa Slotkin and John James. 3Q 2023 House fundraising reports roundup 3Q 2023 Senate fundraising reports roundup First-term congressman Shri Thanedar is a target for Detroit Democrats in the 2024 primary Surprise surprise: a major Republican donor is backing ultra-left presidential candidate Cornel West. And we also have an exclusive first-person update on covid in Michigan. Cases, hospitalizations and deaths from covid are continuing to decline – but we have proof positive covid hasn't disappeared. Jeff Timmer is in Day Five of a nasty case of covid, but managed to find his podcast microphone: a real trooper! In the words of philosopher Yogi Berra, "it ain't over until it's over" ... and for Jeff and his wife, it ain't over! =========================== EPIC ▪ MRA is a full service survey research firm with expertise in: • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management ===========================  

Three Michigan conservatives, Jeff Timmer, Michael Seltzer, and Hassan Nehme join Nick Austin to share their reactions to the Republican primary debate, how they felt about Donald Trump not being on stage, and what they make of the future of the Republican Party.

This week's guest: Trygve Olson from the Lincoln Democracy Institute on growing violence in politics. We now have an audio tape of Donald Trump committing a felony: sharing classified military information that he stole from the White House and giving the details to people with no security clearance. Despite that, Oakland Republicans hand him a certificate for a made-up award as "Man of the Decade" which Trump immediately "humbly" included in a fundraising email. Back in the real world, the administration launches an all-out campaign promoting Bidenomics ... with some snark aimed at Republicans who "voted no but take the dough." The Supreme Court wraps up this term with positive results on voting rights, and reversing precedent on affirmative action in college admissions. In Michigan, a new state budget is now on the Governor's desk — on time and balanced, with major new funding for education, and tax cuts for millions of Michiganders.The Legislature also sends a tranche of bills on everything from expanded civil rights to allowing beer at college football games.  And while the Michigan Legislature is passing laws to improve our elections process, there are warning signs about the potential for increased political violence. A new comprehensive national survey warns of an increasing appetite and tolerance for violence as a part of our political process. We talk with the onetime Mitch McConnell staffer who led the study … along with a collaborator on that report, the honorable and esteemed Mr. Jeff Timmer. =========================== This week's podcast is underwritten in part by EPIC-MRAEPIC ▪ MRA is a full service survey research firm with expertise in: • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management =========================== This week's news links Michigan Politics and Policy Lincoln Democracy Project Full Study Lincoln Democracy Project Summary Supreme Court ruling on online harassment angers victims, advocates - The Washington Post Michigan Legislature sends $81.7B state budget to Whitmer's desk - Detroit Free Press Michigan lawmakers approve record $82B budget plan - Detroit News Michigan passes $21.5B school budget with boost for at-risk students | Bridge Michigan Michigan budget has $950M in no-bid pork projects, some transparency reforms - Bridge Michigan Early voting, beer in college stadiums await Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's signature - Bridge Michigan Michigan set to become 22nd state to ban conversion therapy for LGBTQ youths - Bridge Michigan Michigan bill repeals Snyder-era law limiting state regulations - Detroit Free Press High-speed internet is a necessity, President Biden says, pledging all US will have access by 2030 - AP News Michigan to receive $1.5B to extend internet to 210,000 in rural areas - Bridge Michigan Dana Nessel: $10B PFAS settlement with 3M doesn't resolve Michigan's claims - Bridge Michigan Trump said EVs will ‘decimate' Michigan. Bridge fact-checks his claims - Bridge Michigan A return to the familiar as Trump kicks off Michigan campaigning for '24 - Detroit Free Press USS Carl M. Levin commissioned, going on active duty in US Navy - Detroit Free Press Across the nation Bidonomics - White House Embracing "Bidenomics," Biden seeks to turn an insult into a strength - The Washington Post White House touts legislative wins on the road, in GOP strongholds - POLITICO The public still has negative views of the national economy - AP-NORC Supreme Court rejects GOP in North Carolina case that could have reshaped elections beyon...

The two biggest liars in politics had an especially bad week. It's 5-million dollars for one of the many crimes of Donald Trump followed by a 13-count felony indictment over the Congressman currently known as George Santos. It was topped off by a truly bizarre hour organized and broadcast by CNN, which called it a Town Hall but in reality should have been labeled a Trump campaign rally. On a much more positive note, Governor Whitmer's sister is running for Congress. Lynn Whitmer Gereghty is running in a suburban New York City district - for the seat held by new Biden buddy Republican Mike Lawson who upset DCCC chair Sean Patrick Maloney in 2022. And while Congress is in a stalemate over the budget and national debt (threatening an economic disaster), Michigan's legislature is quietly moving forward on enacting Governor Whitmer's budget. Sitting in for the vacationing Jeff Timmer this week is longtime political troublemaker (and this podcast's producer) Walt Sorg. Joining the conversation this week is Chad Livengood, politics editor and a columnist at The Detroit News. Chad was a political reporter in The News' Lansing Bureau from 2012 through 2016 before becoming a reporter and columnist at Crain's Detroit Business. He rejoined The News' politics team in May 2022. =========================== This week's podcast is underwritten in part by EPIC-MRAEPIC ▪ MRA is a full service survey research firm with expertise in: • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management =========================== Stories We're Following This Week Michigan Politics and Policy Michigan House passes $80.1B budget for 2024 fiscal year ⋆ Michigan Advance House Budget Proposes Record Funding For Education – housedems.com Michigan Democrats rethink how to fund special projects with competing plans Michigan's new roads plan: More money for big counties (that vote Democratic) - Bridge Michigan Michigan Senate lawmakers spar before passing $21 billion school aid budget - Bridge Michigan Michigan nears ban on handheld cell phone use while driving - Bridge Michigan Livengood - 7 areas to watch as Democrats wrangle over Michigan's next state budget - Detroit News Budget gives Michigan Republicans another opportunity for influence - Detroit News Livengood: Michigan architects seek reform of rise in 'dark' political money Livengood: 2024 may feel like Trump-Biden sequel, but wild cards remain Default Impact on Michigan - White House Fact Sheet Michigan commission finds ‘misconduct' by pro-Trump attorneys in 2020 lawsuit - Bridge Michigan AG Nessel Announces Distribution of $141 Million Settlement to Millions of Low-Income Americans Deceived by TurboTax Owner Intuit Michigan paid $10M before ‘red flags' froze ex-House speaker Jason Wentworth's pet project - Bridge Michigan GOP Voters Say Trump Has Too Much Baggage. They'll Vote for Him Anyway. - The Atlantic Whitmer signs bills negotiated in Ford plant spending deal - Detroit Free Press How Michigan hashes out big money deals with business - Lansing State Journal Voters Want Clarence Thomas to Resign and Support a Supreme Court Code of Ethics - Data for Progress Chasten Buttigieg's new book might help young adults - Detroit Free Press Campaigns and Candidates Benson urges legislators to support military families overseas, voters with disabilities, and parents seeking elected office Michigan may let candidates, officials use campaign funds for child care | Bridge Michigan Sister of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer enters New York congressional race - The Washington Post GOP Voters Say Trump Has Too Much Baggage.

Host Reed Galen is joined by Lincoln Project Senior Advisors Trygve Olson and Jeff Timmer. They share their thoughts on the recent tragic Nashville school shooting (especially given that according to research from the Kaiser Family Foundation, guns are now the leading cause of death for children in the U.S.), give their reactions to Donald Trump's Waco rally, and discuss the series of deals made by members of the Republican party that brings the GOP's transformation to full autocracy ever closer to completion. If you'd like to connect with The Lincoln Project, send an email to podcast@lincolnproject.us.  

Host Saeed Khan talks with guests, pr specialist and former Duggan Chief of Staff Alexis Wiley, Jeff Timmer, former chair of the Michigan Republican Party, veteran journalist Nancy Derringer and Deadline Detroit co-founder Allan Lengel.They talk about Biden's classified document mess;  GOP's Rules Committee and key changes; Hamtramck City Council okays animal sacrifice; Citizens Unite: What Trump may do if he doesn't get nomination; Ottawa County community members band together to resist new county commissioners; Michigan's likely GOP chair;  and  Schmuck of the Week

Host Reed Galen is joined by Lincoln Project Senior Advisors Trygve Olson and Jeff Timmer to look back on where our nation was on January 6, 2021 and where we are today, exactly two years later. Will we have a Speaker of the House before the first week of the 118th Congress is over? Will members of the pro-democracy coalition finally start to play the game they're in rather than the game they know? And what are the latest dynamics in Trump's 2024 run? Plus, we look ahead to what groundwork needs to be laid in 2023. If you'd like to connect with The Lincoln Project, send an email to podcast@lincolnproject.us.

Lame ducks, federal subpoenas re: Michigan's 2020 election, a Supreme Court hearing on ending democratic elections, another court hearing on the lawyers who pushed the BIg Lie in Michigan, a bizarre farewell speech from the top Republican in state government, and a new wrinkle in the Democratic Party's plans to shift the presidential primary schedule - a shift that could mean even better news for Michigan. And for the last few days Mark has been in the middle of some of some won't-change-anything recounts … which are really an effort to shore up the BIg Lie conspiracy theories from 2020. Jeff Timmer and Mark Brewer sound off on all of these issues ... and more Some links to help you follow all the crazy: Michigan board slams recounts as 'frivolous,' allows them to proceed - Detroit News Michigan recounts of ballot proposals underway: Here's why - Detroit Free Press Georgia becomes major roadblock to Biden's 2024 primary calendar plan - Axios Atlanta Trump's bad week is bad news for his comeback | CNN Politics Georgia Runoff Election Results: Warnock Beats Walker - The New York Times 'Very lame lame duck': Michigan lawmakers wrap up work for the year - Detroit Free Press Michigan GOP's reign in Legislature ends with a whimper: No spending deal | Bridge Michigan Michigan Senate GOP leader warns of push for 'one world governance Special counsel Jack Smith subpoenas Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin officials for Trump communications in Jan. 6 probe - The Washington Post Justice Department special counsel subpoenas Wayne County Officials - Detroit Free Press North Carolina redistricting case before Supreme Court could lead to profound change - The Washington Post How Right-Wing Groups Set the Stage for the Supreme Court to Rig Future Elections – Mother Jones Sen. Gary Peters issues sweeping report on government's COVID response - Detroit Free Press Senate Dems' victorious campaign QB reluctant to run it back - POLITICO Midwestern House Dems push for leaders between the coasts - POLITICO ________________________________________________ This week's podcast is underwritten by Practical Political Consulting and EPIC-MRA. We thank them for supporting "A Republic, If You Can Keep It."  

Host Reed Galen is joined by Lincoln Project Senior Advisors Trygve Olson and Jeff Timmer to discuss where our nation stands 28 days out from the 2022 midterms. Plus, the GOP is returning to a tried and true strategy that doubles as their original sin, pro-democracy voters may not be included in the latest polling, and a general sense of insanity seems to be exponentially increasing as election day draws closer. If you'd like to connect with The Lincoln Project, send an email to podcast@lincolnproject.us.

This week, our Tuesday Deep Dive podcast heads to Michigan - featuring two of our old friends, Jeff Timmer and Amy Chapman. Jeff and Amy know Michigan better than anyone -- Joe and Alex get their take on the races that matter in Michigan. Just how crazy is the Republican field? What other races besides the Big 3 statewides could matter just as much? And what kind of performance do down ballot Democrats need from Governor Whitmer to win a state Senate majority and flip a GOP-held House seat? And how do we guard against the Red Mirage? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By working people. For working people. Welcome to The Rick Smith Show.Tune in every weeknight from 9-11pm EST as we break down the news of the day and what that news means for working families across the country.Call-in at 1-866-416-RICK (7425) to join the show.Did you miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work? Download the podcast at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com.The Rick Smith Show also streams live every weeknight from 9p-11p EST on YouTube & Twitch, and you can also find us on Free Speech TV. Be sure to add the FSTV channel on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, on the FSTV iOS app, or find it in the regular channel lineup on DirecTV or Dish.Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Another week, more political turmoil providing mostly bad news for the Michigan GOP: Two petition drives go to the Michigan Supreme Court after Republicans refuse to accept the Reproductive Rights and Voting Rights petitions on seemingly spurious claims; Tudor Dixon's stealth campaign: no money, no events; Whitmer's polling lead grows to 13%; The Court of Appeals rules Michigan's 1931 abortion law unconstitutional; House Democrats Dare Daire; Bipartisan support for stricter gun safety laws in Michigan; Joe Biden returning to Michigan to talk e-powered cars Mark Brewer and Jeff Timmer hash it all out with some insider information and analysis based on decades in the trenches of partisan politics. A Tribute to Our Listeners! _________________________________________ This week's podcast is underwritten by Practical Political Consulting and EPIC-MRA. We thank them for supporting "A Republic, If You Can Keep It."

Sitting in with Jeff Timmer this week, guest co-host Walt Sorg, one of the founders of Voters Not Politicians and a longtime Lansing political presence. This week: A surprise Democratic victory in a New York special election. Is this a sign of things to come, or a strictly New York phenomenon? New polling shows shoring up of Joe Biden's approval numbers, and widespread support for the major elements of the Inflation Reduction Act. Tudor Dixon's running mate is a little-known former legislator ... who may be just what she needed to avoid a circus-like state party convention this weekend. Two GOP state house candidates face major questions about whether they actually live in the districts where they are running. Joining the conversation is Walt's onetime boss, Governor Jim Blanchard to assess the current Michigan political scene and how much the environment has changed in the 3 decades since Blanchard led the state. Blanchard first came to statewide prominence as a young member of Congress who helped guide through the hugely successful federal bailout of Chrysler Corporation  After serving two terms as Governor, he served as U.S. Ambassador to Canada, and has been a highly successful partner with the D.C. legal powerhouse DLA Piper, a global law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, Blanchard's two terms were highlighted by significant economic growth for the state, led by the state's manufacturing sector. _________________________________________ This week's podcast is underwritten by Practical Political Consulting and EPIC-MRA. We thank them for supporting "A Republic, If You Can Keep It."  

Host Reed Galen is joined by Lincoln Project Senior Advisors Trygve Olson and Jeff Timmer for the conclusion to their in-depth conversation about the 2022 midterm elections. The panel breaks down the November general election races they'll be targeting in key states including Nevada, Missouri, Florida, Texas, and Utah. Plus, are Democrats taking the completely wrong approach when it comes to talking with non-white voters?

Michael Steele, in for Nicolle Wallace, discusses Kansans' vote to preserve abortion rights. Plus, election deniers win several contested primaries, the DOJ subpoenas Cipollone, deleted DOD Jan. 6th texts, the RNC links up with “Stop the Steal” to train poll workers, and the Senate passes a health care bill for veterans.Joined by: Ashley Parker, Alexi McCammond, Donna Edwards, Jeff Timmer, Luke Broadwater, Joyce Vance, Katty Kay, Matt Dowd, Cornell Belcher, Heidi Przybyla, Jonathan Lemire, Jena Griswold, and Paul Rieckhoff

Host Reed Galen welcomes back Lincoln Project Senior Advisors Trygve Olson and Jeff Timmer for an update as to where our nation stands 100 days out from the 2022 midterm elections.  In “Part 1” of a two-part conversation, the panel discusses the latest in the “existential threat” races in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, what to look for in the upcoming primaries, and why it's so dangerous to underestimate the cavalcade of cartoonish, ultra-maga GOP candidates. Stay tuned for “Part 2”.

Saeed Khan, host of "The Week That Was," chats with attorney Mike Rataj, Jeff Timmer,  former executive director of the Michigan Republican Party and a senior adviser to the anti-Trump Lincoln Project, and Deadline Detroit staffers Nancy Derringer and Allan Lengel.They talk about the damning Jan. 6 committee evidence against ex-President Donald Trump, ex-Vice President Mike Pence's lame heroism, the troubles with Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, GOP gubernatorial front-runner Ryan Kelley and his FBI arrest and the nominees for "Schmuck of the Week."

Guest Jeff Timmer is the former executive director of the Michigan GOP, an advisor to John Kasich and a senior advisor to the Lincoln Project. He is an expert on the politics of the upper midwest and we'll talk about the mess around candidate signatures, the threats to Governor Whitmer and murder of a Wisconsin judge, as well as the latest revelations about John Fetterman's health. Download the Callin app for iOS and Android to listen to this podcast live, call in, and more! Also available at callin.com

Host Reed Galen is joined by Lincoln Project Senior Advisors Trygve Olson and Jeff Timmer for the conclusion to their in-depth conversation about the 2022 midterm elections. To start, the panel gives their criteria for how they score the upcoming 2022 elections and the unique decision to score them not on a scale of “Democrat to Republican” but rather on a scale of “Democracy to Autocracy”. Then, they do a deep dive into the races in the 4 most important states for the future of American democracy…also known as…the “WAMP” states (Wisconsin, Arizona, Michigan, and Pennsylvania). Plus, analysis into the upcoming races in Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Virginia, Alaska, and more.

Host Reed Galen is joined by Lincoln Project Senior Advisors Trygve Olson and Jeff Timmer for an in-depth conversation about the 2022 midterm elections. In “Part 1” of a two-part conversation, the panel discusses “the game we know vs. the game we are forced to play” and how it relates to the present state of our nation's democracy, the impacts of the 2022 political environment on 2024, and how we at the Lincoln Project uniquely view the different midterm races as interconnected and the strategies we plan to and are already deploying as a result. Stay tuned for “Part 2”.

Jeff Timmer on Twitter: @JeffTimmer Two Rivers Public Affairs website: TwoRiversPublicAffairs.com The A Republic, If You Can Keep It podcast can be found HERE. Chris Savage can be found on Twitter at @Eclectablog. MoReno Taylor II can be found on Twitter at @MI_MADE_Man. Support the pod by becoming a Patreon donor HERE! Give us a five-star review at iTunes! The GOTMFV Show Facebook page is HERE! Music clips Intro and transition music: Tell Me What I Want to Hear by Mike Wagner/Total Strangers Outro music: Complain (from the movie Bob Roberts) by David Robbins & Tim Robbins

Another bizarre week in Michigan politics: * former Michigan Republican chairperson Laura Cox is subpoenaed by Congress * the home of two top staffers of former House Speaker Lee Chatfield is raided by the state police * the Michigan Republican Party has an internal fight over how it will count votes at its state convention - will they continue to use the machines they bought from Dominion? Mark Brewer and Jeff Timmer analyze the political fallout. Then they are joined by Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist for a broad-ranging discussion of the Whitmer administration's priorities for 2022 and beyond. Lt. Governor Gilchrist's professional background is in technology, receiving his first computer at age five and setting up a computer lab in a Detroit community recreation center using computers that he built himself at age 16. He studied computer engineering and computer science at the University of Michigan, graduating with honors, and later had a successful career as a software engineer at Microsoft, helping to build SharePoint into the fastest growing product in the company's history. Lt. Governor Gilchrist spent the next several years of his career as a social entrepreneur and community organizer who helped people in communities across America realize their full economic and political potential. As part of the Whitmer Administration, Lt. Governor Gilchrist has sought to address injustice and inequity across our state at every level co-chairing the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration to leading the Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities. Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist and his wife, Ellen, reside in Detroit where they are raising their twins, Emily and Garlin III, and daughter, Ruby.  

What a week: A high-powered coalition launches a petition drive to thwart the Republican-lead voter suppression petition drive A third lawsuit filed against the Redistricting Commission's maps, even as another lawsuit loses in a divided state Supreme Court Two leaders of the Trump Electoral College fraud in Michigan get congressional subpoenas The former president is all-in for "his" candidate for Michigan Attorney General ... and his establishment-favored rival is in deep trouble over the what's turning into a major state capitol scandal Mark Brewer and Jeff Timmer sort it all out on this week's episode!

Jeff Timmer of The Lincoln Project discusses the precarious position that America is in, who's to blame, and what we have to do to make sure the Trump Cult doesn't end democracy on our watch.Call-in at 1-866-416-RICK (7425) to join the show.Want more #RickShow? Go to https://www.thericksmithshow.comThe Rick Smith Show streams live every weeknight from 9p-11p EST on YouTube & Twitch TV, and the show runs every night in prime time on Free Speech TV starting in January 2022. Be sure to add the FSTV channel on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, on the FSTV iOS app, or find it in the regular channel lineup on DirecTV or Dish.Radio listeners – You can find us in most major markets, including New York City on WBAI 99.5 FM, Los Angeles on KPFK 90.7 FM, Chicago on WCPT AM 820, Columbus on 98.3/92.7 FM, Minneapolis on AM950, and many others. Check your local listings.Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Trump promises to pardon the 1/6 insurrectionists, we discuss the state of democracy in America, those who would destroy it for personal gain, and what is at stake for working families. That and more on tonight's #RickShow Our guests tonight are:Jeff Timmer of The Lincoln ProjectAustin Keyser of The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)Tim Hogan, Executive Editor at Heartland Signal (WCPT 820)Robert Lord of the Institute for Policy StudiesCall-in at 1-866-416-RICK (7425) to join the show.Want more #RickShow? Go to https://www.thericksmithshow.comThe Rick Smith Show streams live every weeknight from 9p-11p EST on YouTube & Twitch TV, and the show runs every night in prime time on Free Speech TV starting in January 2022. Be sure to add the FSTV channel on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, on the FSTV iOS app, or find it in the regular channel lineup on DirecTV or Dish.Radio listeners – You can find us in most major markets, including New York City on WBAI 99.5 FM, Los Angeles on KPFK 90.7 FM, Chicago on WCPT AM 820, Columbus on 98.3/92.7 FM, Minneapolis on AM950, and many others. Check your local listings.Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Trump promises to pardon the 1/6 insurrectionists, we discuss the state of democracy in America, those who would destroy it for personal gain, and what is at stake for working families. That and more on tonight's #RickShow Our guests tonight are:Jeff Timmer of The Lincoln ProjectAustin Keyser of The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)Tim Hogan, Executive Editor at Heartland Signal (WCPT 820)Robert Lord of the Institute for Policy StudiesCall-in at 1-866-416-RICK (7425) to join the show.Want more #RickShow? Go to https://www.thericksmithshow.comThe Rick Smith Show streams live every weeknight from 9p-11p EST on YouTube & Twitch TV, and the show runs every night in prime time on Free Speech TV starting in January 2022. Be sure to add the FSTV channel on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, on the FSTV iOS app, or find it in the regular channel lineup on DirecTV or Dish.Radio listeners – You can find us in most major markets, including New York City on WBAI 99.5 FM, Los Angeles on KPFK 90.7 FM, Chicago on WCPT AM 820, Columbus on 98.3/92.7 FM, Minneapolis on AM950, and many others. Check your local listings.Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Trump promises to pardon the 1/6 insurrectionists, we discuss the state of democracy in America, those who would destroy it for personal gain, and what is at stake for working families. That and more on tonight's #RickShow Our guests tonight are:Jeff Timmer of The Lincoln ProjectAustin Keyser of The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)Tim Hogan, Executive Editor at Heartland Signal (WCPT 820)Robert Lord of the Institute for Policy StudiesCall-in at 1-866-416-RICK (7425) to join the show.Want more #RickShow? Go to https://www.thericksmithshow.comThe Rick Smith Show streams live every weeknight from 9p-11p EST on YouTube & Twitch TV, and the show runs every night in prime time on Free Speech TV starting in January 2022. Be sure to add the FSTV channel on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, on the FSTV iOS app, or find it in the regular channel lineup on DirecTV or Dish.Radio listeners – You can find us in most major markets, including New York City on WBAI 99.5 FM, Los Angeles on KPFK 90.7 FM, Chicago on WCPT AM 820, Columbus on 98.3/92.7 FM, Minneapolis on AM950, and many others. Check your local listings.Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the first time ever, Michigan's new congressional and legislative district maps have been drawn by non-politicians: the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, created by the 2018 ballot proposal 2. What does it mean for Michigan's political balance of power? And will the maps survive inevitable court challenges? Mark Brewer and Jeff Timmer are both experts on partisan redistricting from previous battles. They are joined by longtime Lansing political columnist Bill Ballenger to analyze what's happened. Ballenger is a former state Representative and state Senator. For more than 40 years he's been one of the state's most respected commentators on the Michigan political scene. He founded the insiders' newsletter Inside Michigan Politics, and later started his Ballenger Report Blog and weekly podcast. Here are the final maps approved by the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission on December 28th: Congressional: Chestnut State Senate: Linden State House: Hickory

Gerrymandering: Depending on where you stand, it's either the cause of, or solution to, many of America's political problems. Here's what that fight looks like — from the outside looking in, and from the inside looking out. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza dives into the subject with GOP strategist (and former gerrymanderer) Jeff Timmer, Common Cause North Carolina executive director Bob Phillips and Politico's Ally Mutnick. Jeff Timmer  is a senior advisor for the Lincoln Project. Bob Phillips is the executive director of Common Cause North Carolina. Ally Mutnick covers House campaigns and redistricting for POLITICO. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO audio. Carlos Prieto is a producer for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

Gerrymandering: Depending on where you stand, it's either the cause of, or solution to, many of America's political problems. Here's what that fight looks like — from the outside looking in, and from the inside looking out. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza dives into the subject with GOP strategist (and former gerrymanderer) Jeff Timmer, Common Cause North Carolina executive director Bob Phillips and Politico's Ally Mutnick. Jeff Timmer  is a senior advisor for the Lincoln Project. Bob Phillips is the executive director of Common Cause North Carolina. Ally Mutnick covers House campaigns and redistricting for POLITICO. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO audio. Carlos Prieto is a producer for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

Jeff Timmer and Mark Brewer take a look at an under-reported effort by state Republicans to bring potential chaos to the 2024 election: stacking local boards of canvassers with "Big Lie" disciples. The end game: instead of voters deciding the outcome, Michigan's Legislature decides who gets the state's electoral votes. They are then joined by outspoken conservative commentator Charlie Sykes, a lifelong Republican who was one of the first never-Trumpers. Sykes is founder and editor-in-chief of the website The Bulwark and host of the Bulwark podcast. From 1993 to 2016, Sykes hosted a conservative talk show on WTMJ in Milwaukee. He was also the editor of Right Wisconsin. Sykes did not support the Donald Trump presidential 2016 bid, campaigning against him and instead choosing to cast a write-in vote for independent conservative candidate Evan McMullin. (Jeff) In December 2016, Sykes wrote an op-ed for The New York Times suggesting that the conservative movement had lost its way during the 2016 campaign, saying "...as we learned this year, we had succeeded in persuading our audiences to ignore and discount any information from the mainstream media. Over time, we'd succeeded in delegitimizing the media altogether — all the normal guideposts were down, the referees discredited."  

Sen. Stabenow highlights her new initiative to fill gaps in Michigan's mental health and addiction treatment systems. And a conversation with "Ratf**ked" author David Daley and former Michigan GOP gerrymanderer Jeff Timmer about what they're seeing from the state's new Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.

The Big Lie lives on in Michigan and nationally. Mark Brewer and Jeff Timmer comment on the latest efforts to disrupt our democratic system through Trump's core mendacity. They are then joined by columnist and military historian Max Boot, a self-described former conservative Republican who now says the overriding issue today is preserving our democratic republic. Boot has been called one of the “world's leading authorities on armed conflict” by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. He is the Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Senior Fellow in National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and a columnist for the Washington Post. He has written five other best-selling books, including The Road Not Taken: Edward Lansdale and the American Tragedy in Vietnam, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Biography.  Boot was a senior foreign policy adviser to John McCain's presidential campaign in 2007–08, Mitt Romney's campaign in 2011–12, and Marco Rubio's campaign in 2015-2016. He served as an adviser to U.S. commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has lectured on behalf of the U.S. State Department and at many military institutions, including the Army, Navy, and Air War Colleges, the Australian Defense College, the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare School, West Point, and the Naval Academy.  

President Biden launches a national blitz for his agenda in Michigan. Jeff Timmer and Mark Brewer analyze the President's choice of location, and the impact of Build Back Better on Michigan Politics. Then they are joined by political scientist and new-age campaign consultant Dr. Rachel Bitecofer. Bitecofer is founder of the STRIKE-PAC. The mission: Where Democratic electioneering is now slow and reactive, STRIKE PAC makes it fast and proactive. With STRIKE PAC and other key innovators like Stacey Abrams leading the way, Democrats will be able to campaign more effectively in a polarized, hyper-partisan environment where “who votes” determines “who wins” and effective messaging and branding strategies are crucial to a party's success. Dr. Bitecofer earned her Ph.D. in political science and international affairs from the University of Georgia. In 2015 she became a lecturer at Christopher Newport University and assistant director of the Wason Center for Public Policy where she conducted polling. In 2019 moved to the Niskanen Center, a centrist think tank in Washington, D.C. Her analysis has appeared on multiple media platforms including MSNBC and The New York Times. She wrote the 2017 book The Unprecedented 2016 Presidential Election on the election of Donald Trump and runs a podcast titled The Election Whisperer.

Mark Brewer and Jeff Timmer offer their take on Donald Trump's intrusion into the Michigan GOP races for Secretary of State and Attorney General. Will his backing of far-right "Big Lie" promoters overcome the private hesitancy of party chair Ron Weiser? The two of them are also veterans of multiple battles over redistricting. They analyze the first draft maps published by the new Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. Michigan loses one seat in Congress. Which party is more likely to prevail with the proposed boundaries? In the second segment they are joined by international affairs expert and best-selling author Dr. Tom Nichols. Nichols is the author of the newly published best seller Our Own Worst Enemy: The Assault from within on Modern Democracy. His previous 7 books includes The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established Knowledge and Why it Matters, published in 2017, a study of why people mistrust established knowledge and how this damages democratic stability. … a title even more relevant 4 years later. Nichols is an academic specialist on international affairs, currently a professor at the U.S. Naval War College and at the Harvard Extension School. His work deals with issues involving Russia, nuclear weapons, and national security affairs. He was previously a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Nichols describes himself as a Never Trump conservative and a former Republican. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Nichols argued that conservatives should vote for Hillary Clinton, whom he detested, because Trump was "too mentally unstable" to serve as commander-in-chief. Nichols continued that argument for the 2018 midterm elections.

This week Mark Brewer and Jeff Timmer discuss in depth three of the issues that are driving politics: The Texas ban on virtually all abortions, 49 years after Roe v Wade The red-blue divide on voter suppression laws The new, organized far-right effort to control school boards through intimidation and organization Along the way, we get their analysis of why the upcoming state Republican summit on Mackinac Island is losing speakers. Mike Pence and Nikki Haley are "out" - are others also suddenly developing "scheduling conflicts"?

How does the new John Lewis Voting Rights Act - passed Tuesday by the House of Representatives - offer the potential for breaking the Senate deadlock over the filibuster? Mark Brewer explains changes in the bill and tells why it could convince Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema to support bypassing the filibuster to enact the bill. Then, Mark and Jeff Timmer are joined by the co-founder of Michigan's top polling company, Bernie Porn of EPIC-MRA. Now in its 36th year, the company is ranked as Michigan's top polling firm by FiveThirtyEight.com. Porn has nearly a half-century in public policy research, beginning as a staffer for the Michigan House of Representatives. EPIC·MRA is the most quoted polling firm in Michigan and regularly cited by both national and state media outlets. Michigan media clients include Detroit Free Press, WXYZ TV7, WOOD TV8, WJRT TV12 and WLNS TV6. The company's most recent poll, conducted for the Free Press, is at the heart of today's discussion.

What does the census mean for upcoming Michigan elections? In the opening segment Mark Brewer and Jeff Timmer, both veterans of redistricting wars, analyze the changes in Michigan's population. And they discuss the re-emergence of John Engler on the Michigan political stage. In segment two, they are joined by Amanda Carpenter. Carpenter is an American author, political advisor, and speechwriter. She is a former senior staffer to Senators Jim DeMint and Ted Cruz. She was a columnist for The Washington Times from 2009 to 2010 and regularly appears as a political contributor on CNN. Carpenter grew up in Montrose, Michigan. She worked as a congressional correspondent for Human Events from 2005 to 2007 before going to Townhall.com to become its national political reporter. In July 2015, Carpenter returned to her journalism career. She is a contributor for CNN. She is known for critiquing President Trump, in particular his treatment of women. Carpenter has said that she agrees with some of his policy decisions, but that the scandals surrounding his presidency make it "very difficult" to defend him. In her 2018 book Gaslighting America: Why We Love It When Trump Lies to Us, she critiques Trump's propensity for lying.  

In the opening segment, Mark Brewer shares his thoughts on his longtime friend and colleague, Sen. Carl Levin. Then Mark is joined by Jeff Timmer and political commentator Tara Setmayer. A llfelong conservative, Tara is a former CNN political commentator, contributor to ABC News and a former Republican Communications Director on Capitol Hill. She has appeared on ABC's The View. ABC's Good Morning America, and on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher. In  2020, she was named as a Harvard Institute of Politics Spring 2020 Resident Fellow. Also in January 2020, she joined The Lincoln Project as a senior advisor and hosts the live show "The Breakdown" along side co-founder Rick Wilson, on the organization's streaming channel, LPTV.  In 2017, Setmayer was named as a board director for Stand Up Republic, a non-profit organization formed in the wake of the 2016 election of Donald Trump to unite Americans behind the defense of democratic norms, ideals and institutions. Setmayer focuses her "tell it like it is" commentary and analysis on political issues that impact America's future. During the 2016 presidential election cycle, she earned the reputation of being an outspoken conservative critic of Donald Trump and challenged his surrogates on the veracity of their claims. Vulture.com recognized her as one of 2016's "Top 20 Election Coverage Stars" on TV.

In the opening segment, Jeff Timmer discusses how the departure of Michigan Republican Party executive director Jason Roe hurts the party as the internal RINO cleansing continues, and details his campaign finance complaint against soon-to-be-official gubernatorial candidate James Craig. Jeff and Mark Brewer are then joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Tom Hamburger. He is an investigative reporter on the national desk of The Washington Post who has covered the White House, Congress and regulatory agencies, with a focus on the intersection of money and politics. He joined The Post in early 2012, having worked previously for the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, McClatchy Newspapers, The Minneapolis Star Tribune and The Arkansas Gazette.  His writing has received numerous national awards and citations, including the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for national reporting for work with a team of Washington Post reporters for coverage of the Trump campaign's ties to the Russian government (what Trump calls the “Russia hoax"). Hamburger has contributed to several books on national politics and policy and was the author, with Peter Wallsten, of the 2006 book "One Party Country," which described the Republican quest for political dominance on the state and national level during the presidency of George W. Bush.

Jeff Timmer and Mark Brewer are joined by outspoken attorney George Conway. Conway, a lifelong conservative, was considered by President Donald Trump for the position of Solicitor General of the United States, and a post as an assistant attorney general heading the Civil Division at the United States Department of Justice, but withdrew himself from consideration.  He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard, and was Law Journal editor at Yale.  In 2018 Conway emerged as a vocal Trump critic. During the 2020 presidential election, Conway was notably involved with the Lincoln Project, a coalition of former Republicans dedicated to defeating Trump, which prompted the former president to call him “a stone cold LOSER”. "America and the Republican Party need more losers just like him." - Jeff Timmer

Michigan's Oakland County, once a Republican stronghold, is turning blue. Playbook's Eugene Daniels and Zack Stanton (also a Michigan native — he's from the "knuckle"), talk about whether shedding these suburbs is a warning light for Trumpism. Plus: Former Michigan GOP leader Jeff Timmer on what he thinks losing this stronghold says about the strength of a Republican electoral map. Eugene Daniels is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Zack Stanton is Playbook deputy editor for POLITICO. Jeff Timmer is a longtime GOP strategist who was executive director of the Michigan state party from 2005-2009. Adrienne Hurst is a producer for POLITICO audio. Annie Rees is a producer for POLITICO audio. Jenny Ament is the senior producer for POLITICO audio. Irene Noguchi is the executive producer of POLITICO audio.

Highlighting this week's discussion: Jeff Timmer and Mark Brewer take note of the Trump Education Secretary's recent high visibility in Michigan GOP events ... and ask longtime political consultant/analyst Matthew Dowd if the west Michigan billionaire may be angling to take on Gretchen Whitmer in 2022. A native of Detroit, Dowd began his political career as a Democrat, as a member of Senator Lloyd Bentsen's Senate and campaign staffs. In 1999, he switched parties to become a Republican. During the 2002 midterm elections, he was a senior adviser to the Republican National Committee; in the 2004 presidential election, he was chief strategist for George W. Bush's re-election campaign; in 2006 was the strategist for Arnold Schwarzenegger's reelection campaign. Dowd is currently a founding partner of ViaNovo, a strategy consultancy. He has taught at the University of Texas Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and is also a visiting Fellow at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics. He is co-author of the New York Times bestseller Applebee's America: How Successful Political, Business and Religious Leaders Connect with the New American Community. His book, A New Way: Embracing the Paradox as We Lead and Serve, was released in 2017.  

Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons argues why she doesn't believe the 2020 election was "stolen." Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Jim Stamas describes the chief reason on why striking a final budget deal this week would be a "long shot." Also, Adrian Hemond of Grassroots Midwest and Jeff Timmer of Two River Strategies talk about the redistricting of the state Senate and what Democrats need to hope for in a redraw.

Lincoln Project powerhouse trio Chip Felkel, Fred Wellman, and Jeff Timmer discuss the increasingly Autocratic Old Party and how Democrats can be more competitive in the 2022 midterms.