The gang discusses what to make of the almost but not quite yet final results of the midterm elections. Intro music: "O Fortuna" (Carl Orff)

On this episode, we tried to discuss everything that's been going on in the U.K. over the past few months, including the appointment of the country's third prime minister this year, the death of the Queen, a self-inflicted financial crisis, and why everyone can't stop talking about lettuce. Intro music: "Panic" by The Smiths

Recording in the same room for the first time since Devin moved to L.A., the podcast sought to deliver what it originally promised: arguments. On this episode, we tackled three topics that have polarized the discourse: the public hearings of the House Select Committee on the January 6th attack, what to make of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, and debates on the left around how to respond to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Intro music: "Feud" by Band of Horses

Two-ish years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., we discuss what we've learned, the big policy successes and failures, and which variants to keep an eye on in year three. Warning: lots of ambivalence and frustration, per usual. Note: this was recorded in March 2022. Intro music: "These Days" by Nico

Both podcast hosts live in states with 2021 gubernatorial elections, so on this episode Kevin reports from the field on the situation in Virginia. What happened? How much trouble are Democrats in heading into the midterms? Does anyone remember the week in 2019 when every statewide elected official in the commonwealth almost resigned? (59:16) - leaked audio from the McAuliffe election night party Intro music: "Mr. November" by The National

On the first episode in awhile, we catch up on the effort to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom ahead of the September 14th election (2:30) and discuss the latest on the wide-ranging "infrastructure" legislation currently making its way through Congress (39:35). Intro music: "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas & The Papas

We reflected on the recently passed American Rescue Plan and delved into the outlines of the Biden administration's next legislative push: a (broadly defined) infrastructure package. Where should all this federal money be directed over the next ten years? Does a massive investment in electric cars make sense? And why is it being framed as necessary to "compete" with China? Articles referenced: “Senate Parliamentarian Rules in Favor of Democratic Reconciliation Effort” (Wall Street Journal) Larry Kudlow comments after passage of the American Rescue Plan (via Jeff Stein) White House — “Fact Sheet: The American Jobs Plan”“There’s One Big Problem with Electric Cars” (New York Times) “White House dramatically increased tax proposal as it sought to address tensions over next big spending plan” (Washington Post) “President Biden’s second big bill may be China package pushed by top Senate Democrat” (Washington Post) Intro music: "April Come She Will" by Simon and Garfunkel

(...and low-wage workers) The American Rescue Plan/COVID-19 relief round whatever is making its way through Congress, and so the gang tackled two aspects of the proposed legislation: expansion of the child tax credit to be fully refundable and a gradual hike in the minimum wage to $15/hour.  Article mentioned:"A Year of Hardship, Helped and Hindered by Washington" (New York Times) Intro music: "Logan's Loop" by Andrew Bird

Recorded just before Inauguration Day, Kevin and Devin discuss the key questions facing the incoming Biden administration. Is bipartisanship back on the menu? Will the pandemic end? Are there any reasons for hope? Intro music: "Maestranza” by Fleet Foxes

We talked about the reports of deal in Congress to provide a second round of economic relief during the COVID-19 recession. The short version is that it's not big enough and comes months after it was needed, though is perhaps better than nothing. Caveat: this was recorded before the actual legislation was made public, please forgive us if anything is out of date!