• 2025-1-10 Matters of Democracy Trump press: Fires; Sentencing; OH, Carter.
    Jan 10 2025

    The politicization of the Los Angeles fires, with Republicans focusing on blame rather than solutions.

    Donald Trump's impending sentencing in a New York fraud case, despite his efforts to delay it.

    Personnel changes and shifts in power dynamics within political and social media landscapes.

    A look at the political futures of both rising and fading figures.

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    17 mins
  • 2025-1-7 Matters of Democracy:
    Jan 9 2025

    Special Counsel Report: The Justice Department is set to release a portion of Special Counsel Jack Smith's report focusing on the January 6th attempted coup.

    Judge Cannon's Actions.

    Trump's Sentencing

    Hamas Hostages: Trump has demanded the release of hostages held by Hamas before his inauguration.

    The Democratic Party's Post-Election Challenges

    The Democratic Party's Post-Election Challenges, Cultural Issues, The Democrats' perceived elitism.

    Republican Party and Trump

    2026 Midterm Election

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    15 mins
  • 2025-1-8 Matters of Democracy Trump press:
    Jan 8 2025

    Trump's expansionist rhetoric, legal battles, judicial maneuvering, legislative shifts regarding immigration, and challenges in confirming presidential nominees.

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    26 mins
  • 2025-1-7 Matters of Democracy: Transition; DJT Priorities; Legal; Rudy; 2026 Senate
    Jan 7 2025

    Transition and Kamala Harris' Concession

    Donald Trump's Priorities

    MAGAnomics

    Legal Challenges and Trump

    Biden's Offshore Drilling Ban and the Supreme Court

    Rudy Giuliani's Contempt of Court

    2026 Senate Elections

    Justin Trudeau Resigns:

    Fun Facts about the 119th Congress

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    32 mins
  • 2025-1-6 Matters of Democracy: Happy J6; Legislative challenges; Net Neutrality;
    Jan 6 2025

    Donald Trump and the numerous legal challenges he faces, with a strong theme of luck influencing outcomes.

    Trump seeks a "HUGE" legislative victory by combining tax cuts, immigration, and energy policies into a single massive bill. This approach may face challenges due to a slim Republican majority in the House and the need for every Republican to agree on it, which is unlikely.

    Trump's Hush-Money Sentencing

    Net Neutrality Overturned

    Media Censorship

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    15 mins
  • 2025-1-2 Matters of Democracy: Economics and politics collide
    Jan 2 2025

    Inflation as the Central Theme:

    Inflation dominated the economic and political landscape in 2024, influencing market participants' decisions.

    Monetary Policy & The Federal Reserve:

    The Fed started lowering interest rates in September 2024, signaling a response to both inflation and a softening labor market.

    Labor Market Softening:

    The US unemployment rate has risen from 3.7% to 4.2% by November 2024, suggesting a weakening labor market.

    Political & Fiscal Policy:

    The 2024 elections saw inflation as a top voter concern.

    A new administration taking office could bring changes to trade, immigration, and tax policies, potentially impacting inflation and the economy.

    Market Volatility and Resilience:

    The 10-year Treasury yield experienced significant volatility due to uncertainty around monetary policy and fiscal concerns.

    2025 Outlook: A Mixed Picture

    Economists anticipate moderate economic growth of 2.1% in 2025, a slowdown from 2024’s estimated 2.7%.

    Potential headwinds in 2025 include geopolitical risks and overseas economic issues.

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    15 mins
  • 2024-12-31 Matters of Democracy: clemency; Jimmy Cater legacy
    Dec 31 2024

    I. Early Life and Formative Experiences

    Humble Beginnings:

    Exposure to Racial Segregation:

    Early Public Service & Love of Learning:

    II. Political Evolution and Ambition

    Pragmatism vs. Ideals: Carter’s political career reveals a pragmatic approach, even as he maintained deep-seated values.

    Strategic Political Maneuvering: Carter’s strategic shift on civil rights to win the Georgia governorship demonstrates a willingness to play the political game.

    "Straight Shooter" Image vs. Reality:

    III. Presidential Style and Policies

    The "Common Man" President:

    Attention to Detail:

    Progressive Stances:

    Innovative Use of Technology: T

    IV. Foreign Policy & International Relations

    Panama Canal Treaties:

    Camp David Accords:

    Voyager Program and Global Message:

    V. Controversies and Challenges

    Tris Ban and "Circle of Poison":

    Relationship with the Jewish Community:

    VI. Legacy and Reputation

    Friend to the Jewish Community:

    Though reputed to be humorless, Carter did in fact make a number of humorous remarks both scripted and unscripted.

    Rejection of Corruption:

    Lasting Impact:

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    39 mins
  • 2024-12-24 Matters of Democracy: clemency; Party Dysfunction; Grifting; Gaetz Ethics
    Dec 24 2024

    Joe Biden's Commutation of Federal Death Sentences. President Biden's continued opposition to the death penalty and the political considerations surrounding his clemency actions.

    Concerns About the Mental Fitness of Political Leaders. The increasing scrutiny of the mental and physical capabilities of political leaders, particularly older ones, and the challenges of addressing this issue.

    Republican Party Dysfunction and Trump's Leadership. The infighting within the Republican party, particularly around leadership and policy, and Trump's impulsive decision-making.

    Donald Trump's Geopolitical Ambitions. Trump's desire to change the world map, seemingly through impulsive and unrealistic plans, and the likelihood that these ideas are not going to be implemented.

    Trump's Continued Grifting. Trump's ongoing efforts to monetize his brand and presidency and the implications of this.

    The Matt Gaetz Ethics Report. The House Ethics Committee's scathing report on Rep. Matt Gaetz's behavior.

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    12 mins