PoliTalk - The Weekly Political Podcast

Episodes

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  Episode 123 - GOP 2012 Romney's to Lose, Bachmann's to Win?

  6/22/2011

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  Duration: 57:12

  Who is going to challenge Mitt Romney for the 2012 GOP Presidential Nomination? Will it come from the evangelical right, as conventional wisdom dictates, or with everyone so far to the right, will the challenge come from the left, through Huntsman? Are Pawlenty and the others positioned properly? Is there a hidden anti-Mormon vote that will sink Romney and Huntsman? Do the Republicans want to beat Obama so badly that they'll hold their nose and vote for anyone they think will win, including the chameleoon-like Romney? Does Ron Paul have a shot, and why does he keep winning straw polls? All these questions are dealt with in the show, plus the issue of remaining in Afghanistan and Pakistan, whether or not we should be declaring war on Libya, and what is it about the new Green Lantern movie that sends chills down our hosts spines? Always irreverent and informative, it's PoliTalk. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion...without the fighting!

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  Episode 122 - Obama Up Medicare In GOP Out

  5/27/2011

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  Duration: 49:14

  The Democrats turn the tables on Republicans and use health care to their advantage in winning a long-held Republican Congressional seat in New York. Why did things change? What does this mean for the 2012 elections? Are Republicans worried so much about singing to the choir that they're missing the tone of the electorate? As President Obama continues to climb in the polls, will Republican pot shots continue to pay-off, or will they backfire? With so many candidates leaving the race, what are the Republican prospects in 2012? Always entertaining and informative, it's Political -- the political podcast. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political talk...without the fighting. 

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  Episode 121 - Gas Prices Go Up, Poll Numbers Go Down

  4/30/2011

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  Duration: 57:28

  We all know there's fallout from the rise in gas prices, but in this episode Jeff and Glenn go beyond the rising numbers to talk about the larger political themes, from gas prices to big banks to big business, and look at the specific issues driving the politics and policies around gas prices. Leaving the gas behind, they also talk about the 2012 presidential primary process. Glenn explains why so many on the Republican side are waiting to get in, while Jeff chides them for waiting too long, and costing themselves a chance at a presidency that is within their grasp. Jeff explains how the electoral math has shifted for President Obama, leaving him vulnerable in key states and promising a close race...a race many Republicans seem reluctant to wage. Glenn closes the show with a passionate explanation about why the Royal Wedding, and specifically the British Monarchy it represents, shouldn't be the object of such media saturation here in the United States. Note to self: Glenn won't be invited to many Royal cocktail parties in the future. Always engaging and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast, co-hosted by Glenn Gaudet and Jeff Kimball.

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  Episode 120 - Budget Charade, Health Care Fixes and Presidential Politics

  4/13/2011

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  Duration: 1:02:12

  Jeff starts the show by talking about Donald Trump and the "birther" issue. He then explains why the recent "budget" passed by Congress was a total charade, and why they should not be fighting about the debt limit, but should actually be fighting about the budget going forward. Jeff then talks about the Senate race nobody is talking about -- Virginia -- and from there goes into a discussion on the Presidential campaign and why Mitt Romney is in trouble before he starts. At the 10:00 mark, Jeff welcomes Ty from Monroe, Georgia, a long-time listener and a voice of most people in America -- neither Republican or Democrat, but concerned about matters of politics and policy. The thoughtful discussion ranges from the talk about the budget and the debt ceiling to fixing the health care law and handicapping the Presidential race. Ty encourages us to repeal the health care law and engage in a genuine process to fix the system. Jeff and Ty, coming form different political perspectives, come to agreement on how to deal with social security. They close the show by talking about the Presidential campaign, why Romney is in trouble and why we should be keeping an eye on Herman Cain. Always engaging and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. 

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  Episode 119 - Corporate Taxes, Libya Policy and GOP Presidential Politics

  3/27/2011

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  Duration: 49:39

  This is the episode where everything gets turned on its head. It's Glenn who takes on the big corporations and their scheming ways this week, pointing out that GE in 2010 paid no taxes. Jeff takes on the big banks as usual, calling for the restoration of Glass-Steagall so that banks can start acting like banks again and pump money to small businesses and help grow the economy. Jeff also talks about some lobbying the banks are doing to protect their high fees on debit and credit cards, otherwise known as free money for banks, from being repealed or restricted. They then dive into the Libya policy and explain that it's really about payback for cheap gas for France and the UK for their support for our wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Finally Jeff offers up an interesting view of the average GOP caucus voter in Iowa, and how the IA party is in danger of marginalizing itself in 2012, with social issues taking the lead in Iowa, but not elsewhere. Gone are the days when as Iowa goes, so goes the nation? Always irreverent and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Hosted by Jeff Kimball and Glenn Gaudet. 

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  Episode 118 - Romney Care, Budget Votes and Entitlement Reform

  3/17/2011

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  Duration: 49:31

  In this episode, Jeff and Glenn get into an interesting discussion about Glenn's experiences with Mitt Romney's health care plan in Massachusetts. They discuss various aspects of the health care situation in Mass, and then how it can impact Romney's bid for the Presidency, and his criticism of ObamaCare. They then get into an interesting discussion of Michele Bachmann's run for the White House, and how it doesn't matter how many mistakes she makes on the way as long as she continues to stick her thumb in the nose of the establishment, because that's what her constituents want (as much as it makes Jeff sick). Keeping the theme of getting sick, your stomach will turn when Jeff explains what's really going on with the budget, CR and debt ceiling votes, and they close the show with an interesting talk about how we can achieve meaningful entitlement reform. Always engaging and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Hosted by Jeff Kimball and Glenn Gaudet.

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  Episode 117 - Gas Price Sham, Political Scams

  3/11/2011

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  Duration: 56:13

  Glenn takes us down the Rabbit Hole in this episode, berating everyone for the gas price increase sham, explaining how the laws of supply and demand have no relation to the increase in gas prices. The talk expands from there into those hedging the market, and how that drives up prices, and rather than tap into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the President could make a few phone calls to Wall Street and put the brakes on this. At the 15:30 mark, Jeff and Glenn get into a deep discussion of how technology and the new style of communication may have actually sent us backwards politically. As we are able to communicate en mass more easily now, we seem to be talking at each other, through posts and one way communication, but we're losing the ability to talk to each other, and that's so pervasive in our poiitics and policies (i.e. Wisconsin). At the 28:00 mark, another fascinating discussion of the 2012 race -- the positioning, the messaging and why so many in the GOP side are doing an awkward dance of 'will they get in or won't they?' The GOP, that used to have a habit of giving the nomination to the person who's next in line (i.e. Bob Dole) now finds its constituencies in disarray, and a bizarrely open nomination process. Always irreverent and engaging, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast, hosted by Glenn Gaudet and Jeff Kimball. 

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  Episode 116 - What the Huck! Huckabee, 2012 GOP Race and Wisconsin

  3/4/2011

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  Duration: 50:03

  What the heck is Huck doing? In his latest string of attacks, Huckabee has gone so far to the right, digging up untrue and misleading claims against President Obama. Is this the path to the Republican nomination? Is there any moderation left in the Republican party anymore? Are any potential Republican nominees talking about jobs? By this time in the 2008 cycle, Obama and Clinton had already announced their runs for the presidency, hired staff, tested messages and raised significant amounts of money. Where are the Republicans? By the time they get in, will they be too late and too far to the right? And on matters of foreign policy, just how do you spell Gadaffi's name? Is it with a G, Q or K? And if you're a dictator, why give yourself the rank of Colonel? Why not General or King? From the surreal to the serious, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Best Friends. Vast experience. Engaging political conversation with a few laughs...and without the fighting. Hosted by Jeff Kimball and Glenn Gaudet. 

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  Episode 115 - GOP Presidential Politics, Unions and Budget Shell Games

  2/24/2011

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  Duration: 51:52

  Jeff and Glenn make no friends this week in taking on everything and everyone. They first explain why the GOP field is thin and hurting its chances of victory in 2012 through an apparent lack of organizing, fundraising and hiring. With Sen. Thune out, Huckabee likely not running, Daniels slow to start and Palin in her own orbit, where is this field headed? They also take on Republicans in Congress for the imposter that is posing as a budget cutting bill, explaining that there is indeed no budget for this fiscal year. They chide the Republicans in the House for passing this bill, knowing that it would never become law, and take on all Members of Congress -- Democrats and Republicans -- for not working together to pass a budget and fund the government in a coherent and responsible manner. How would they like it if their livelihood was funded on the basis of a series of continuing resolutions? It's no way to run a business, or a government. They also explain why raising the retirement age and means testing Social Security needs to be discussed if we ever want to bring our fiscal house in order.  In a surprising move, Jeff -- the show's stalwart Progressive - takes on public employee unions, specifically teacher's unions - over the policy of tenure, and notes that FDR himself was opposed to public employee unions as standing in the way of the prudent operation of government. They understand why tenure was created, but forcefully argue why it is an outdated model now, especially in a struggling economy. A strong union backer, Jeff also chides Gov. Walker for elevating this issue to the point where there can be no reasonable discussion or conclusion that moves policy forward. Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion without the fighting...and with a few laughs. Hosted by Glenn Gaudet and Jeff Kimball. 

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  Episode 114 - Libertarian Love In and the Anderson Cooper Man Crush

  2/11/2011

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  Duration: 1:05:12

  PoliTalk welcomes Guest Blogger Jeff back to the show in a "Libertarian Love-In" chatfest. GBJ and Glenn discuss a plethera of issues including the Obama/O'Reilly Superbowl Interview in which both of our hosts thought that the interview was a missed opportunity for the President. GBJ also discusses his disenfranchisement with Fox News and his Man Crush for Anderson Cooper.  The two then delve into concerns that neither party is addressing details around the budget cuts that will have to take place. They explore the futility of repealing the health care law vs. changing components that should be changed.  They finish up with some predictions for the Tea Party and ask why we need to declare a political party affiliation with the government.

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  Episode 113 - Understanding the Florida Health Care Ruling, Ronald Reagan Liberal Icon

  2/2/2011

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  Duration: 1:01:18

  Is Ronald Reagan, Conservative Republican Diety, in fact a liberal icon? What would the 2012 GOP field say about a politician who raised taxes, grew the size of government, doubled the size of a federal agency he proposed to abolish (education), restored social security solvency instead of changing the program as promised and backed pro-union legislation? Could a candidate with those views survive the Republican Primary? What if that candidate was Ronald Regan? What does the ruling on health care reform mean? Is the individual mandate dead? What would people think if they knew the individual mandate was first proposed by Republican Senator Bob Dole in reaction to Hilary Clinton's proposed employer mandate?  Is the individual mandate a good idea on its merits? How did it find its way into health care reform legislation? The show is kicked off this week with a discussion of the politics of Egypt and what it means for U.S. politics and foreign policy. Always irreverent and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Engaging political discussion without the fighting...and with a few laughs. It's the Car Talk of Politics, hosted by former Biden, Rockefeller and Mitchell aide Jeff Kimball and Glenn Gaudet. 

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  Episode 112 - State of the Union: What's Next? Politics, Budget and Bachman

  1/27/2011

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  Duration: 58:53

  Now that we're on the other side of the State of the Union, what's really going to happen, and what will the Republicans and Democrats do next? What are President Obama's next steps? Did Rep. Paul Ryan offer an appropriate response? Why did Rep. Michelle Bachman offer a speech on the same night as Paul Ryan, and what did the Republican Leadership think about it? What message did she deliver? Was it obscured by her wildly inaccurate and off-base comments about the Founding Father's ending slavery? Is it okay for a United States Congressperson to be so misinformed when it comes to matters of US History and the constitution? Now that the speeches are over, what will happen with the budget negotiations and the debt ceiling? Oh, and by the way, the US Senate Filibuster Reforms? They went away quietly in the middle of the night just after the State of the Union. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Irreverent, engaging and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion without the fighting....and with a few laughs. Hosted by Glenn Gaudet and Jeff Kimball. 

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  Episode 111 - Obama Surges in Polls, Moves to the Middle, Where Will Republicans Go?

  1/21/2011

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  Duration: 58:01

  President Obama, through his response to the Tuscon Tragedy, the management of the Lame Duck Session of Congress and improving economic indicators, is moving to the political center and surging in the polls. The latest NBC News Wall Street Journal Poll shows a 15 point differential in his approval ratings, with most people seeing him as a moderate trying to work with Republicans. The poll also shows Republicans as being too inflexible right now, and with pushing things like the repeal of Health Care Reform and possibly anti-abortion matters, are they cowtowing too much to the base and losing the middle? And just who is running the once lockstep and disciplined Republican legislative and message machine? Could it be that winning just one House of Congress is the worst of all possible worlds for Republicans? What will happen at the State of the Union speech, and how will the President and Republicans handle it? Always irreverent and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Informative and engaging political discussion. 

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  Episode 110 - Tuscon Tragedy, Gun Laws and Changing Political Talk

  1/12/2011

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  Duration: 59:30

  PoliTalk was created over two years ago by two best friends (on different sides of the political aisle) sick of the inflamatory, hyperbolic, hateful political rhetoric. Political talk continues to spin out of control. Tuscon may be the tombstone for civility in this country. Jeff and Glenn start the show by talking about the politics of hate and then find their way into a deep and provocative dialogue on gun control, maybe setting an example about how we can disagree without being disagreeable...and even laughing a few times. When it comes to the policies of tragedy, sweeping laws have been enacted in reaction to specific events (Brady Bill, TSA, Homeland Security, Warrantless Wiretapping). What laws, if any, need to be looked at in light of this tragedy? Or do we all need to take more responsibility in the way we talk with and to each other about the pressing problems we face as a country? Always irreverent and engaging, it's PoliTalk -- your weekly political podcast. 

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  Episode 109 - Out with the Old, In with the New, Same old Thing?

  1/7/2011

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  Duration: 52:57

  Starting off the show, Jeff, joined by Jeff Hine, Guest Blogger Extraordinaire, Sec. of Defense Gates has asked for over $100 billion in cuts at the Defense Department. How will the new Republican majority in the House react? Will they, as has been the case in the past, reject his wishes and fund local defense projects anyway? At the 6:30 mark, Jeff and Jeff discuss how this new Republican majority, which prides itself on fiscal responsibility and austerity, may deal with the debt limit and paying for the extension of the Bush tax cuts. They wonder how President Obama will square his vote against (and rationale) raising the debt limit in 2006 with his desire to see it increased in March? Ironically, they point out how the Republicans now are bargaining from a position of weakness on the Debt Ceiling. They also discuss who is going to fill in the communications void on the Republican side -- will it be the Speaker of the House? The Republican Leader of the Senate? Tea Party Republicans? A GOP Presidential Candidate...like Sarah Palin? This is when the Republicans might start losing their discipline and eating their young, so-to-speak. At the 26:30 mark the talk about the new members of the Obama administration. How will Daley's selection as Chief of Staff impact the political landscape and affect Obama's ability to get things done? They conclude with a discussion at the 36:20 mark with a very interesting discussion of the prospective GOP 2012 Presidential field, and how to think about the two camps that are forming: ideologues (Sarah Palin, Huckabee, Pence, Thune, Gingrich, maybe Romney depending on who he wants to be) and manager (Daniels, Huntsman, Haley, Pawlenty, Jindahl, Giuliani). There are likely to be 2-3 candidates emerging from the ideological side, and one from the "managers" side -- who will they be, and how will they impact the political discussions this year? Always irreverent and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. 

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  Episode 108 - Senate Dems Give Obama Holiday Gift, But Is It The Gift That Will Keep On Giving?

  12/23/2010

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  Duration: 41:06

  In the last episode of 2010, Jeff and Glenn explain why the recent flurry of legislative activity represents a huge gift to President Obama, but why it won't last very long. They Honeymoon, come January when the new Congress convenes, is likely to be over. Congress and the President should take credit for the passing of the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, the 9-11 First Responders Health Bill, the START Treaty and the tax cut extensions, but Jeff explains to the extent anything got done in the Lame Duck Session, most of the credit is due to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. He also argues that a majority leader should not hold that position during a re-election campaign, and cites as evidence Reid's role in the Lame Duck, unencumbered by a campaign, in moving legislation forward. Democrats, with only a few days left in this session of Congress, are finally acting like the Majority Party. Jeff also explains that how, post-election, a few Republican Senators, like Scott Brown of Massachusetts or Olympia Snow of Maine, fearing their own re-election in 2012, are now moving away from the lock-step positions they were forced to hold previously.  In other words, this was a perfect legislative storm -- one that we can hope will last, but with Republicans taking the House, it's going to get harder for the Democrats, not easier. Glenn jokes about China's role in our new era of debt-laden politics, and then seriously explains the role of the bond market in this process. He also wonders how businesses would function without a budget halfway through a fiscal year, as the government is doing since nobody can agree on a budget that was supposed to be passed months ago! Always irreverent and informative, it' PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political talk without the fighting...and with a few laughs. 

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  Episode 107 - A Compromise with No Compromises

  12/7/2010

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  Duration: 56:31

  In this episode, Jeff and Glenn discuss the recent compromise in the tax rate extensions and the results of the debt and deficit commission report with Jeff Thiebert. Jeff is the National Grassroots Director for the Concord Coalition. The Concord Coalition is a nationwide, non-partisan, grassroots organization advocating generationally responsible fiscal policy. Together, the PoliTalk Boys and Jeff Thiebolt discuss the potential results of unbridled spending on the economy and the country. They also explore the ramifications of a tax compromise that had no compromises. If you pay taxes, don't miss this fun and informative episode. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion without the fighting…and with a few laughs. It’s PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 106 - Lame Duck Session - Taxes, Treaties...or just Lame?

  12/1/2010

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  Duration: 50:42

  This show covers a lot of ground...maybe more than Congress has done in its Lame Duck Session! The show starts with an interesting discussion on the Bush Tax Cuts and the rich. Jeff points out that the wealthiest Americans used to pay taxes at a 94% rate, cut down to 77% under Lyndon Johnson, and then to 28% under Ronald Reagan. With Congress not cutting spending, and loopholes and breaks geared to special interests and the wealthy, Jeff and Glenn wonder how the tax cuts for the Lower and Middle Class Americans, and Small Businesses, will be paid for if not through higher taxes on the wealthy? Glenn points out the Warren Buffet came out this week and asked to pay higher taxes. Jeff pointed out that a study showed that in 2007, the 400 wealthiest Americans, due to tax breaks and loopholes, had an effective tax rate of 16.5%. They then talk about the prospects for the Start Treaty, and Don't Ask Don't Tell, now that the Pentagon has released a comprehensive 9-month study showing that the vast majority of those serving in the military do not care about gays serving along side them. They close the show with an interesting discussion of the WikiLeaks issue, pointing out that the one thing not being discussed enough is the actual technological breach of security -- and how something like this can be prevented from happening again. Always engaging and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Hosted by Glenn Gaudet and Jeff Kimball. 

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  Episode 105 - Grope, Scan and Taxes

  11/25/2010

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  Duration: 54:32

    In this episode, Jeff and Glenn have a difference of opinion over the current airport scanner technology implementation. The result is a passionate debate over Jeff's view of the money is well spent vs. Glenn's view that the terrorists will find other holes as they have done with ink jet cartidge bombs in the cargo hold. Later in the show, the dynamic duo get down and dirty over the impending tax rate hike. Finally in last shots, Jeff tells of his upcoming movie and both Glenn and Jeff discuss a commercial that they shot this past weekend. You definitely want to hear the big reveal that Jeff makes about a piece of clothing he had to wear on the commercial.    Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion without the fighting…and with a few laughs. It’s PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.  

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  Episode 104 - Obama Head of State vs CEO

  11/17/2010

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  Duration: 54:48

  With House Democrats considering Speaker Pelosi's election to Minority Leader, Jeff and Glenn wonder how President Obama and the Democrats will manage the Lame Duck session, and probe why President Obama's leadership style spells doom for Democrats. It isn't that the President needs to triangulate or find a new message, it's that he needs to listen to the words of Presidential Candidate Hillary Cliton, who in 2008 opined that the job of the President is to be Head of State and Chief Executive Officer of the government. Until President Obama and his staff start doing things differently, not just saying that they are, things will stay the same, and we're in for yet another change election in 2012. That the President isn't taking the lead of his party and calling for fresh faces, as he was in 2008, and new approaches, means the more things change, the more they stay the same. Republicans, for their benefit, need to get off the sidelines and into the game. Using a baseball metaphor, they find themselves walked to third and they're acting like they hit a triple. Politics used to stop at our borders, but Sen. Kyl's outright refusal to negotiate in good faith shows that the Republicans are more interested in political tactics than they are serious public policy. Always irreverent and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion without the fighting...and with a few laughs. 

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  Episode 103 - Debt Commission, Pelosi and Post Election Politics

  11/12/2010

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  Duration: 54:15

  A groundbreaking report was released by the co-chairs of President Obama's Debt and Deficit Reduction Commission. What does the report entail, and why is EVERYONE so upset about it? To make progress on the debt and deficit means doing more than the PR savvy and politically popular thing like cutting earmarks or reducing domestic or defense spending. Dealing with the debt and deficit means making real tough choices -- like putting everything on the table, including social security reforms and medicare. But to do this, one has to risk losing power and money in the guise of support from their own constituencies. Why is it that the Obama administration is backing off its engagement of tax cuts for the wealthy? What is the new post-election political landscape, and what do these actions from the Obama administration mean in terms of short and long term politics? And it seems the more things change, the more they stay the same, with Speaker Pelosi deciding to retain her leadership of the House Democrats. Jeff and Glenn wonder why leaders don't know when to step aside? With the Democrats losing a historic number of seats in House, why is it that everyone in leadership positions retains their jobs? Is that sending the right message to voters? Our co-hosts close by giving a plea to listeners to nominate PoliTalk for the podcasting award. Always informative and irreverent, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion without the fighting...and with some laughs. 

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  Episode 102 - This is Not 1994, The Midterms and the Future

  11/4/2010

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  Duration: 1:00:03

  You've heard about the elections, seen a lot of the analysis, but Jeff and Glenn have a different take on this than most folks. They explain why old fashioned ground games still matter, how Tip O'Neil's famous saying that all politics is local doesn't apply to this election, and most important why this is NOT 1994. Glenn and Jeff explain how President Obama's situation differs substantially from President Clinton's, and that for Obama to achieve a lot of what Clinton did, he needs to change his approach, his staff and his legislative focus. Jeff argues that a commission of all things, where most things go to die in Washington, might serve as the lifeblood of the Obama presidency, if he can wade into the details and get out in front of Republicans rather than standing back and letting Congress take the lead like he did with health care reform. Jeff also argues that the extension of the Bush Tax Cuts should not be handled by the Lame Duck session, but by the new Congress, while Glenn argues that the existing Congress is fine to handle this issue. Both agree that exempting those who make more than $1 million makes sense, but that soon-to-be Speaker Boehner and Sen. Republican Leader Mitch McConnell have their hands fuil in dealing with South Carolina Republican Sen Jim DeMint and those beholden to the tea party. Always informative and irreverent, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podicast. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging Political Discussion without the fighting...and with a few laughs. 

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  Episode 101 - Don't Ask Don't Tell and Election Predictions

  10/27/2010

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  Duration: 47:48

  In this episode, Jeff and Glenn welcome Emily Sussman of the Service Members Legal Defense Network, which provides free legal counsel to service members being investigated under the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. With so much changing in regard to the policy, including the pending 9th Circuit Review, we take a deeper look at this issue and what people like Emily do to bring relief to those serving in the military. At the 13:15 mark, Jeff and Glenn tackle their election predictions, forecasting a House GOP takeover, taking a look at key Governor's races in Florida, Ohio and Illinois, and analyzing a few key Senate races. Jeff and Glenn explain how Democrats would have been better off taking on issues like immigration reform and the Don't Ask Don't Tell repeal, and run strongly behind health care reform. Jeff shows how doing so could lead to more comfortable margins for Democrats in key states like Colorado. They also urge listeners to watch Connecticut and West Virginia, two key states in the Republicans' hope to take the Senate. Always irreverent and informative, it's Politalk. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging discussion...with a few laughs....and without the fighting. It's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. 

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  Episode 100 - Political Ads, God and PoliTalk Makes Its 100th Show

  10/22/2010

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  Duration: 56:40

  Join Jeff & Glenn along with Guest Blogger Jeff on the 100th episode of PoliTalk. In this episode, the gang talks about the top campaign ads from this election season. (Be sure to check out http://PoliTalkShow.com and see Jeff’s Most Interesting Ads of 2010 to help you understand the ads we cover.) They also discuss the role of God in politics and explore the effectiveness of the most recent challenge that Christine O'Donnell made to Chris Coons to  describe where the "Separation of Church and State" is mentioned in the US Constitution. The boys also discuss the impact of  Jack Conway's "Aqua Buddha" ad will have on his rival Rand Paul and himself. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion without the fighting…and with a few laughs. It’s PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.  

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  Episode 99 - Election 2010 Theme: Money and Craziness

  10/14/2010

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  Duration: 54:53

  The show starts with a somewhat irreverent discussion of the Chilean miner's rescue, with Jeff and Glenn praising the relief efforts, but wondering if they would be left behind because of, well, their, um, excessive body mass. At the 7-minute mark, they dive into a serious discussion of how this scenario might play out in the US political system, and why the BP spill isn't making waves in the 2010 election. A very interesting discussion ensues about the themes of the 2010 race, and how they're playing in various races, with, typically, Jeff and Glenn taking different tacks on the same theme, but working to understand each other. At the 45-minute mark, Jeff and Glenn discuss the recent federal ruling on Don't Ask Don't Tell, and its impact on the election. They explain how this decision puts the President in a political box, and what was once a winning issue for a major constituency of his is now a lose-lose scenario. They close by unveiling a new "store" on their site, featuring PoliTalk tee shirts, sweatshirts and other gifts. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political talk...without the fighting...and with a few laughs. It's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. 

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  Episode 98 - O'Donnell Ad and the Minimum Wage Debate

  10/7/2010

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  Duration: 56:47

  Is Christine O'Donnell's new ad bizarre or brilliant? Is it reminiscent of Richard Nixon's "I am not a crook" or Ronald Reagan's Morning in America spot? Jeff explains how this ad is a metaphor for how the Republicans have gone off-track, and why they peaked too soon, and why it would have been better for them to do something, anything, rather than simply be the party of no and rest on the cult of personalities, that as of late have turned sour, weakening their brand. The hosts then launch into a discussion of the difference between campaigns to persuade and campaigns to organize, and how that's playing into the minimum wage debate. At the 32 minute mark, Glenn and Jeff launch into a spontaneous debate on the constitutionality of the minimum wage, and they close the show at the 49 minute mark with a hilarious discussion of the Fox News story on the Los Angeles Police spending $1 billion on Jet Packs. Sad, but true, Fox News was duped. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion without the fighting...and with a few laughs. It's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.   

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  Episode 97 - Boehner Pledge Problems Opens Door for Dems

  9/28/2010

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  Duration: 1:00:01

  Comparing the Boehner Pledge to America to the 1994 Contract with America that helped secure the Republican takeover of Congress, Glenn and Jeff explain why this Pledge relates more favorably to the movie Animal House than it does a substantive document (lots of laughs, lots of pictures, short on substance). In fact, the Pledge contains 15 pages of written copy versus 33 pages of really pretty pictures and elegant headlines. But if you're trying to punch someone in the political face, not a lot of substance is needed, so will The Pledge work as a political tool of it won't work as a substantive roadmap to a Republican Future? What does this Pledge say about how the Republicans see themselves and their role in the future? What is the reaction among Republicans to the Pledge? Jeff explains how the Pledge can be used in state and local races to define the Republicans, while Glenn warns that the Democrats don't know how to define their views in a way that resonates with voters, and continue to be reactive and operate from the defense. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion without the fighting...and with a few laughs. It's PoliTalk -- your weekly political podcast. 

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  Episode 96 - The Flat Tax

  9/20/2010

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  Duration: 58:56

  In this episode of PoliTalk, Jeff and Glenn wade deep into tax policy by exploring the Flat Tax with their special guest Alvin Rabushka who is the Hoover Institution's David and Joan Traitel Senior Fellow (emeritus).  Dr. Rabushka received his A.B. in Far Eastern studies from Washington University (St. Louis) in 1962, followed by his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in political science from Washington University in 1966 and 1968. In 2007, he was honored as a distinguished alumnus of the School of Arts and Sciences at Washington University. After Dr. Rabushka explains the Flat Tax in an informative (and entertaining) way, Glenn and Jeff discuss the political realities of getting this kind of policy passed. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion without the fighting…and with a few laughs. It’s PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 95 - Fringe Candidates Re-Brand Republicans

  9/16/2010

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  Duration: 57:21

  When stalwart old guard Republicans, like Karl Rove, start speaking derisively of their own party nominees, something has gone awry. With the nomination of statewide candidates Sharon Angle in Nevada, Rand Paul in Kentucky, Christine O'Donnell in Delaware, Joe Miller in Alaska and Carl Paladino in New York, what was once seen as an independent movement now threatens to re-brand the Republican Party at a time when its poised to make gains in the midterm elections. Could the Republicans win the short-term battle in the 2010 midterms, but lose the long-term war through such high-profile fringe candidates? In a culture geared towards personalities, these candidates threaten to overwhelm and define the party. What is the status of the "party" (and its leader Chairman Steele) when so many of its high profile endorsed candidates lose? Late in the show, Glenn and Jeff discuss Congressman John Boehner's recent appearance on CBS' Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer. They use Boehner's own words to highlight how he might be the exact wrong candidate for Speaker should the Republicans gain control of the House. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion without the fighting...and with a few laughs. It's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. See http://politalkshow.com for more episode information.

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  Episode 94 - What is Freedom?

  9/8/2010

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  Duration: 58:05

  Up late and wondering, Glenn started to ask himself just what freedom is...and the result can be heard on this show. Ever feel like you don't know what you have until it's lost? Maybe freedom is something we don't value until its sanctity is questioned. What's the difference between one's personal and psychological freedom and an a person or society's actions? Are we really free to express what we want to, or is it just an illusion? Is Glenn free to walk naked down the street? Is Jeff free to paint his stonewall pink and worship cow flatuance as a higher order? Are banks free to fail? Are some corporations free to fail? How much freedom do we really have? Late in the show, Jeff and Glenn discuss Arizona Governor's "mis-statement" about beheadings in the Arizona desert, as well as a possible reorganization of the White House. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion without the fighting...and a few laughs. It's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 93 - Republican Prospects and a Big Christian, Tea Party and Gay Tent

  8/26/2010

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  Duration: 1:00:15

  This week, the PoliTalk boys dig into the mid-term election primaries. Jeff delves into the numbers and draws a conclusion that is favorable to the Republicans, while Glenn sees an advantage for the Democrats. Jeff asks the question "What more can the government do for the economy?". Glenn takes this opportunity to describe why the government is not the solution, rather it is left to business and individuals. Glenn also describes why government debt actually hinders economic recovery. Jeff declares himself a fiscally conservative progressive. Glenn introduces the idea of a third party that is needed called the "Common Sense Party". Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion without the fighting…and with a few laughs. It’s PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 92 - Unmasking the Mosque: The Politics of Diversion

  8/21/2010

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  Duration: 49:52

  The talk about whether to build or not build the cultural center, the so-called "Ground Zero Mosque," is a brilliant political ploy with no grounding in constitutional law that is diverting the attention away from what no politician can focus on: jobs and the economy. So while this argument is fabricated to move independent voters and solidify cultural conservatives, the former "religious right," we spend a couple more weeks talking about something that will not result in a middle class family getting a job or getting off the unemployment line. Also in this episode, Jeff and Glenn discuss the politics of Congressional vacations. At the 31 minute mark, they discuss the stimulus package, bailouts and the status of several Congressional races. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging Political Talk, Without the Fighting...and with a few laughs. It's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. 

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  Episode 91 - Understanding the Reversal of California's Gay Marriage Ban; Google Threatens Net Neutrality

  8/5/2010

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  Duration: 56:20

  Supporting the reversal of California's Gay Marriage Ban (Proposition 8) is actually the "conservative" thing to do, argues co-hosts Glenn Gaudet and Jeff Kimball. Marriage is about two individuals who love each other, and the government's involvement should only be to acknowledge that from a legal and tax perspective. They explain how the politics of this ruling will play out at a federal and state level, and how President' Obama's position isn't likely to win him votes from his Democratic base. If the Supreme Court decides to take this case (and those in favor of the reversal should hope they don't), they caution listeners that this is not a slam dunk case, and that Kagan and Kennedy could very well be the swing votes. At around the 37 minute mark, Glenn explains why Net Neutrality is threatened by a potential Google-Verizon alliance. At the 48 minute mark, they close the show by talking about some Congressional races, including Sharon Angle, and races in Illinois, California and Pennsylvania. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion without the fighting...and with a few laughs. It's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. 

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  Episode 90 - Aliens, Leaks & Movies - A Very Special PoliTalk Episode

  7/30/2010

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  Duration: 1:09:06

  In this "very special" episode, Glenn and Jeff give you an inside look at the movie industry, as Jeff talks about his role in an upcoming feature film (www.ajmovie.com). Before the talk of movies, which happens at the end of the show near the 52 minute mark, Glenn and Jeff spend the first part of the show talking about Arizona's controversial immigration law. They deconstruct the Judge's ruling gutting most of the law, and the policy and political ramifications. They wonder why Democrats are so hesitant to get more out in front of this, and why a Republican Governor who's presiding over a sinking economy needs to shift the focus to something else (well, we know why she's doing it, but we're wondering if everyone else does too). At the 25 minute mark, they discuss the WikiLeaks controversy, and join together in calling this action irresponsible, unconscionable, and unfortunate. They explain that there are other more appropriate means to report wrongdoing that doesn't put people's lives at risk. Finally at the 46 minute mark, they talk about an interesting new posting of facts relating to the shrinking middle class in America. It is indeed a very special episode, and one you won't want to miss. With the popularity of PoliTalk rising significantly, we appreciate your support and ask that you send this show to your friends and your elected representatives. It's PoliTalk -- your weekly political podcast. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion without the fighting...and with a few laughs. 

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  Episode 89 - Debt, Deficit and the Concord Coalition

  7/22/2010

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  Duration: 1:01:22

  “The Accountants are Coming, The Accountants are Coming!” - It took an accountant to take down Al Capone, what will it take to bring down out of control government spending?  Our Guest Jeff Thiebert, National Grassroots Director for the Concord Coalition helps break it down for us as Glenn and Guest Blogger Jeff start building their bunkers for the coming financial apocalypse.  Mr. Thiebert tells us about Concord’s, “Fiscal Wake Up” tours, and how you can get involved as part of the solution. If you are yourself, or have ever dated an actuary, or wanted to date an actuary, then don’t listen to this show.   But, if you want to cold hard facts on what it will take to tackle the critical spending issues that face our nation, then tune in.  Don't spend another dime with your credit card until you listen to this show. PoliTalk – Refreshing political discussion…without the fighting…and with a few laughs. Hosted by Glenn Gaudet and Jeff Kimball.

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  Episode 88 - The One and Only Thing To Run on In November Is…

  7/19/2010

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  Duration: 56:59

  In the inaugural “Jeff-Squared” Episode, Jeff Kimball and Jeff Hine dive into the tome that is the Financial Reform bill and discuss why senators and congressman might change their compensation plan in the future to get paid “per page” based on legislation passed. Eighties movie trivia finds an odd synergy with the BP oil spill. Birthers’ unite around Senator Vitters – well maybe they’re just pandering.  And Robert Gibbs proclaims the November House elections lost – or at least that’s what you would think he said if you turned on any cable news channel this week.  Is there any chance for the Democrats in November, or is Nancy Pelosi just the main attraction at the White House piñata party? While of different political parties, the Jeff’s agree that there is one and only one thing that will drive the 2010 midterm elections and the 2012 Presidential election, and it is… Two Jeffs. Two Liberals (one Democrat, One Republican); It’s the Odd Couple of Politics on PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.   

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  Episode 87 - Dollars and Sense: Campaign Finance, Elections and Jobs

  7/9/2010

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  Duration: 51:36

  Jeff and Glenn break new ground in this episode, not sticking to what one would expect to be their usual positions as Jeff proposes abolishing campaign finance limits and Glenn justifies (but doesn't necessarily defend) the Obama Administration's messaging around jobs. They both agree that the best way to decrease the corrupting influence of money in politics is...to have no limits on money in politics, but more comprehensive transparency. Provocative? You Bet Ya, to paraphrase Sarah Palin. Early in the show, Glenn explores one of the themes, arguing that the two parties are, "two sides of the same coin." Jeff counters that his hope in voting for President Obama was to have a more stark contrast with Republicans, especially around issues like the public option in health care, off shore drilling (before the BP disaster), too big to fail and the so-called financial reform and the exclusion of the re-instatement of Glass-Steagal in the bill. Near the end of the episode, Glenn proposes a fascinating new theory about why the Obama administration is failing in its efforts to talk about jobs, but why that may indeed be a very calculated view. Always informative and engaging, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion without the fighting...and with a few laughs. Hosted by Glenn Gaudet and Jeff Kimball. 

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  Episode 86 - Tea Party Politics, Republican Stances & Term Limits

  7/2/2010

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  Duration: 1:01:22

  In this very special episode, the PoliTalk boys bring on Guest Blogger Jeff as well as Contributing Editor to the Washington Monthly Zachary Roth. PoliTalk takes on the issues that others just skim over. In this episode, Jeff & Glenn get great perspective from Zachary on the Tea Party and its roots. They then delve into the role of the Tea Party in elections and specifically discuss the recent Nevada Republican Senate Candidate Sharron Angle. Guest Blogger Jeff makes a passionate plea for term limits as the only way to get out of the mess we are in. Zachary and Co-host Jeff beg to differ saying that term limits only places the power with non-elected staffers. The show then pivots into Republican stances on unemployment benefits and Wall Street Reform. Finishing up the show, Host Jeff calls an audible on Supreme Court Justice Nominee Elena Kagan.PoliTalk – Refreshing political discussion…without the fighting…and with a few laughs. Hosted by Glenn Gaudet and Jeff Kimball.

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  Episode 85 - In with Petraeus, Out with McChrystal and Crisis Management for Your Next Vacation

  6/25/2010

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  Duration: 1:01:22

  The PoliTalk team survives a Tornado; General McChrystal is taken out by Rolling Stone. Will Tony Hayward and Barack Obama survive an Oil Spill?  What lies ahead for the War in Iraq? Glenn and Guest Blogger Jeff analyze and critique the decision making process that led to replacing McChrystal with Petraeus.  Was Obama worried about a coup? Was he just thin skinned? Did Joe Biden actually end up biting anyone?  Later the team discusses the pros and cons of leaders taking vacations, as well the incompetence of the PR people who manage them.  And finally, as if you have not heard enough about the growing national debt, we decide whether Republicans are truly evil for denying the extension of unemployment insurance to out-of-work folks. Is this the beginning of politicians being straight with us about the fact that there is just no more money left, or do Republicans want people to hurt even more going into the mid-terms? PoliTalk - Refreshing political discussion…without the fighting…and with a few laughs. Hosted by Glenn Gaudet and Jeff Kimball.

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  Episode 84 - Midterm Elections, Women & Communication

  6/16/2010

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  Duration: 1:02:03

  Political convention gets turned on its head in this episode. Guest Blogger Jeff, a frequent contributor and friend to PoliTalk, joins Jeff and Glenn to discuss the sensitive issues of racism and women in politics in light of the recent primary elections. Was Matt Drudge being racist in saying that Obama was going "street" in using an expletive to talk about the BP oil spill? Are white male incumbent politicians the new "establishment" that needs to be voted out? Will the debt and deficit rule the next election, or will we find ourselves going to the lowest common denominator and just stoke voter anger to divide, rather than seek to substantively and honestly talk to voters about the serious problems we face? Always engaging and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion without the fighting...and with a few laughs!

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  Episode 83 - Pres. Obama: We Need a Leader, Not a Judge or Think Tank

  6/3/2010

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  Duration: 57:53

  In this episode, Glenn and Jeff dissect the qualities of leadership needed to get us through the crisis in the Gulf. They explain why President Obama is more suited to being a Supreme Court Judge or chief executive during boom times, rather than a leader during a crisis. They also talk about how the best of Obama's campaign/management staff didn't join the White House, and how the political and senior leadership in the White House act more like they're running a think tank than they are managing a crisis. While there clearly is a lot of work going on, the communications to date, and the President's preference to give speeches behind a podium with a teleprompter, have failed to provide the average person with confidence that he feels their pain, the way a Bill Clinton did.  At the end of the show, there is a quick discussion of the situation in Israel, and how domestic US politics are changing, which will likely affect the US response to Israel's blockade. Always irreverent and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging and informative discussion without the fighting...and with a few laughs. 

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  Episode 82 - Obama Fails on BP and Transparency

  5/31/2010

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  Duration: 51:37

  President Obama talks about BP and offering, or not offering, a job to Congressman Sestak to keep him out of the Senate primary in Pennsylvania against Arlen Specter. Jeff and Glenn talk about Obama, how he’s doing with the BP disaster, and why he’s failing when it comes to this issue, and the overall issue of transparency. While the Obama administration will point to its many successes, Jeff and Glenn explain why the ends don’t justify the means, and more thought needs to be giving to how things are done, not just what is accomplished. Clips to listen for: Time 24:30: a clip of President Obama from his White House press conference runs, and Jeff and Glenn talk about the Sestak job offer. Time 38:00: the PoliTalk guys engage in a discussion about South and North Korea, and why Secretary of State Clinton is the MVP of this political season. Time 48:00: with an entertaining clip of Helen Thomas, the long-serving reporter who asked a very interesting question of President Obama. PoliTalk: Best Friends. Vast Political Experience. Refreshing political discussion…without the fighting…and with a few laughs. Hosted by Glenn Gaudet and Jeff Kimball. You can get the PoliTalk Podcast on  iTunes and Zune Check out and join the following: Our Facebook PageOur Twitter Page

• Episode 81 - Pennsylvania Politics, Rand Paul and Why Wall St. Won't Be Reformed

  5/21/2010

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  Duration: 59:29

  What really happened in Pennsylvania, where incumbent Sen. Arlen Specter was defeated by Congressman Joe Sestak (as predicted on this show a YEAR ago) and where a conservative Democrat won a seat to Congress? Is Kentucky Republican Senatorial candidate Rand Paul crazy like a fox, or just crazy? With control of the Senate in the balance, we discuss Conn. Attorney General Richard Blumethal’s recent gaffes and why they might not cost Democrats the seat, or control of the Senate, but other issues in this race will. Finally, the Senate and House have now passed sweeping financial reform. Great. We will tell you why nothing can be called reform until 2 things are done. Always engaging and informative, it's PoliTalk. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Political discussion without the fighting and with a few laughs.

• Episode 80 - Group Think, Kagan, BP and Far Right Radio

  5/15/2010

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  Duration: 58:43

  Ever wonder why it seems like nobody talks to each other anymore? Why nobody really engages or learns? Thanks to the Cato Institute's Podcast on Epistemic Closure, the PoliTalk guys explain why Far Right Radio's closed network means that public policy problems can never really be discussed...without shows like PolitTalk. Glenn and Jeff talk about the future of PoliTalk, and why you won't be hearing the show on mainstream AM Talk Radio, but why we need more shows like this to populate the mainstream and change the nature of discourse in America. Jeff, who worked on the Senate Judiciary Committee and also worked on Supreme Court Nominations, explains why Kagan may be a less than inspired choice. Switching gears to BP, Glenn explains why this is a more spectacular failure than any of us recognize, not just because of lives lost, major environmental changes, but also because of the failure of the US to wean itself off foreign oil. Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Informative political discussion...without the fighting...and with some laughs. 

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  Episode 79 - BP: Beyond Paying for the Oil Spill

  5/4/2010

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  Duration: 50:57

  Episode 79 - BP: Beyond Paying for the Oil Spill. Here we are, in the midst of the biggest oil spill in the history of the United States, and according to federal law, BP is only on the hook for the first $75 million for what could cost more than $14 billion to remediate. From the 1:50 mark to 20:21, Jeff and Glenn talk about Arizona's new immigration law and explain the politics of the issue as it unfolds and how one clause in the bill encourages racial profiling that one might expect to see in Nazi Germany more than in the United States of America. After a brief discussion of Glenn's trip to Las Vegas and Sen. Reid's campaign, the boys dive into the oil spill at the 26:12.  They discuss the economic impact and political ramifications, especially for those who were once for drilling who are now thinking it's a not so great idea. Glenn reminds us that we're focusing on the wrong issue here in seeking additional oil production to ease the reliance on "foreign oil": the need for alternative sources of energy. PoliTalk: Best Friends. Vast Political Experience. Refreshing Political Discussion...without the fighting...and with a few laughs. Hosted by Glenn Gaudet and Jeff Kimball.  

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  Episode 78 - Obama Lacks Specifics on Wall St. Reform

  4/23/2010

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  Duration: 54:31

  President Obama gave a great speech about the need for financial regulatory reform, and then as he did with health care reform, left all the details up to everyone else. There's only one catch: this issue is all about details. The President acknowledges that some financial conglomerates are too big, and yet his solution is to leave them too big, and just assess a fee to bail themselves out if there's a problem. How about making them smaller, more clearly defined, where banks are banks, and those working in the shadows of the financial system continue to be allowed to do so at their own risk? Glenn and Jeff also take on the thorny issue of what exactly constitutes a bank, and how the problem can be better addressed by looking at what banks do, and don't do, and then coming up with solutions. They also explain why another financial task force or regulatory agency isn't needed --just more clear rules, the restoration of Glass-Steagall, more transparency, and maybe Glenn and Jeff taking the reins of the financial system. The PoliTalk guys have your back and watch your wallet on this episode of PoliTalk.

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  Episode 77 - Sarah Palin, Taxes and the Un-American Way

  4/16/2010

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  Duration: 1:00:07

  Sarah Palin, at a Boston Tea Party Express Rally, called the President's policies "un-American." Jeff and Glenn dissect the politics of Palin's comments and explain why the Tea Party movement isn't so much a movement as it is an organization of voters into a voting block. The amiable hosts take Palin to task for her rantings, and Jeff, the Progressive Democrat, explains how he holds some Republicans in very high regard for their substantive positions -- people like Bob Dole, Olympia Snow and Susan Collins. Palin, he explains, it a telegenic quitter, who spews soundbites but surfs over policy details, what we like to call that "brainy substancy" thing. Imagine Abe Lincoln at Gettysburg channeling Sarah Palin. Hard to put the two in the same sentence. And speaking of the absurd, Jeff and Glenn take on the tax system. Incredibly, Jeff defends the payment of taxes, and interestingly Glenn points out that in what we hope would be a fair system, only 47% of Americans actually pay taxes. Glenn offers up a simple alternative: establish a rate along a sliding scale -- one that is actually doable and fair, and then pay the tax. Period. everyone in. No deductions. No loopholes. It’s PoliTalk, your source for political information. PoliTalk: Best Friends. Vast Experience. Political Discussion without the Fighting…and lots of laughs.

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  Episode 76 - Long Live Unions! The Unions Must Go!

  4/7/2010

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  Duration: Not Available

  Confused? Don't be. Glenn and Jeff explain why some unions are badly need to protect the safety and economic security of workers, and without the unions people will suffer. They also explain why one union in particular represents the single biggest obstacle to reaching one of our country' most important policy objectives. Can you think of any job where you can't be fired for poor performance? In fact, you most likely will be rewarded? Where there are high expectations but little accountability? The answer may surprise you. The solution is exceptionally easy, but politically impossible for Democrats. Refreshingly civilized, irreverent and informative political talk...with a few laughs. It's PoliTalk, your source for political information.

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  Episode 75 - Fair Tax to the Rescue

  3/31/2010

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  Duration: 1:08:04

  A liberal supports the idea of a Fair Tax, Obama supports the idea of oil drilling off the east coast and in Alaska, and a Republican may actually support Cap & Trade legislation. It's a week where politics gets twisted around -- where cat people and dog people may actually get together!  A significant portion of the show is spent discussing an idea proposed by a caller who supports the "Fair Tax." Our resident experts take on the tax system, but explain why politics, money and power stand in the way of any meaningful reform. They also talk about the politics of President Obama's proposal to open up oil drilling in waters off the East Coast and in Alaska. Jeff, upset by this announcement, foreshadows potential trouble with those in the Progressive movement who already lost out on the public option in health care reform and may now lose out when it comes to meaningful environmental legislation. Will the Progressives stay home in November, or will the chance to have any kind of environmental legislation bring them out to vote in the fall?  Glenn explains why the drilling is a good idea and may actually engender true bipartisan support -- the key being South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsay Graham. They close the show by highlighting a few key Senate races -- in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Arizona. They both break with the conventional wisdom and explain why Sarah Palin's presence at John McCain's rally was a complete disaster.  PoliTalk: Best Friends. Vast Political Experience. Refreshing political discussion...without the fighting...and with a few laughs. Hosted by Glenn Gaudet and Jeff Kimball.

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  Episode 74 - How Do We Fix Social Security?

  3/27/2010

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  Duration: 1:07:13

  Join us this week as we put Guest Blogger Jeff on the show via phone (Jeff Kimball is on vacation this week). Glenn & Jeff discuss all things Social Security. They talk about how it came into being, the financial burden that faces the country and one possible approach to fixing it. Warning, there is no sugar coating this problem. However, as with all PoliTalk episodes, we approach a dry issues like Social Security and make it fun and understandable to the masses. PoliTalk: Best Friends. Vast Experience. Political Discussion without the Fighting…and lots of laughs

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  Episode 73 - Lucy Pulls the Football from Charlie Brown: The Final Health Care Negotiations

  3/19/2010

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  Duration: 1:01:59

  Episode 73: Lucy Pulls the Football from Charlie Brown: The Final Health Care Negotiations   Health care reform is in its final tumultuous hours, and financial reform is just beginning. Jeff and Glenn clear through the rhetoric and provide useful information on how to consider these hugely important issues. What is the CBO? Why is its “scoring” of the health care bill so important, and what does it mean from both a political and policy perspective? What is the process health care reform will take going through the House? How will a reconciliation bill be handled? As financial reform takes off, what is the single biggest idea that needs to be addressed for it to be successful (hint: it has to do with restoring a little known law called Glass-Steagal). It’s PoliTalk. A refreshingly fun, informative look at politics. It’s PoliTalk – your weekly political podcast featuring Jeff Kimball and Glenn Gaudet. PoliTalk: Best Friends. Vast Experience. Political Discussion without the Fighting…and lots of laughs

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  Episode 72 - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

  3/9/2010

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  Duration: 1:03:50

  Democrats consider a ban on earmarks. Sarah Palin admits that she went to Canada to get health care. Sen. Durbin considers forcing Republicans to actually physically fillibuster, rather than just announce their intentions to do so, Republican Rep. Paul Ryan talks policy, health care reform rests on the brink of passage, without a public option and likely through reconciliation, the White House goes off message, again, with stories about internal strife, President Obama focuses on jobs...health care...the economy...and future plans for NASA. Politicians carp about national security, scoring political points, while their remains no head of the TSA, thanks to Republican objections. Will the President's new nominee fare well? Congressman Massa shows how to burn every bridge on his way out of Congress, RNC fundraising sinks to a new low, disparaging their own contributors and mocking the President of the United States. Reaching a new low, our Reactionary Lunatic of the Week Award goes to Liz Cheney, who so far has been rebuked by 19 members of her father's administration over her comments disparaging Justice Department lawyers. Glenn and Jeff explain the Good, The Bad and The Ugly this week. It's PoliTalk. A refreshingly fun, informative look at politics. It's PoliTalk - your weekly political podcast featuring Jeff Kimball and Glenn Gaudet. 

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  Episode 71 - I Object: Sen. Bunning vs. The Senate

  3/3/2010

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  Duration: 59:27

  Confused by what's really going on in the Senate as Sen. Bunning objects to funding unemployment benefits, payments to physicians through Medicare and certain highway construction projects? Well, Jeff and Glenn explain what's really going on, and what the ramifications are, both politically and from a policy perspective. They're in a firing mood this week, calling not only on Sen. Bunning to stop grandstanding, but also on NY Gov. Patterson to step down and NY Congressman Charlie Rangel to relinquish his Chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee due to violations of the House ethics rules. They also have a completely new idea about why President Obama's team is struggling, and explain how that relates to the upcoming health care reform vote. Everything you needed to know about Washington politics, you'll find here in this convenient, fun episode. PoliTalk: Best Friends. Vast Experience. Intelligent political discussion without the fighting...and with some laughs.  A refreshingly fun, informative look at politics. It's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. 

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  Episode 70 - The Great Divide: The White House Health Care Summit

  2/26/2010

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  Duration: 1:04:16

  We take over 6 hours of partisan bickering and posturing, cut through the hyperbole, and tell you everything you need to know about the historic health care summit, helping you make a more informed decision about the proposed health care plans. Glenn explains why President Obama was a the top of his game in deconstructing Republican arguments and presenting a clear, forceful case. Jeff explains why President Obama won the battle but lost the war, solidifying his reputation as the Conciliator in Chief, and warning that the summit needs to be judged not by what was said today, but what will be done tomorrow. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Political Discussion without the Fighting...and with some laughs. It's PoliTalk. 

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  Episode 69 - The Omission of Commissions

  2/19/2010

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  Duration: 1:03:00

  In this episode, Jeff and Glenn don't kick their responsibilities to the curb -- they dive right into controversial issues, like the formation of a deficit reduction commission, the far-right primaries against center-right candidates: Rubio vs. Crist in Florida, Hayworth vs. McCain in Arizona. They explain how all this ties together with Sen. Bayh's retirement, and what it means to the respective parties. They also dive into the emergence of Las Vegas as the political epicenter of the 2010 elections. Other shows boost their ratings by tearing people down, they consider divisive inflamatory rants a placeholder for discussion.  We seek to inspire and inform. At PoliTalk you get a refreshingly fun, informative look at issues, not the usual polarizing political rhetoric.

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  Episode 68 - Cryin' over Ryan: The GOP's Budget?

  2/10/2010

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  Duration: 1:07:40

  Glenn and Jeff have loads of fun in this episode, dissecting Republican Congressman Ryan's budget proposal. They discuss the political implication of Ryan's plan to substantially change Medicare and privatize portions of Social Security. Will Seniors stand for cuts in their beloved health care program? Will they like rationing their care? Will the Republican Leadership continue to walk away from Ryan's proposals, and offer no alternative of their own? Politically, is there any way we will be able to deal with issues like Social Security and Medicare without politicians from all sides bolting for the doors? Finally, the Palin-Free zone has been lifted, and Jeff and Glenn briefly discussing Palin's foray back into public discourse. Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Congressman Ryan's Budget Proposal

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  Episode 67 - Everything You Wanted to Know About the Budget, but Were Afraid to Ask

  2/3/2010

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  Duration: 1:03:57

  No need to read the budget -- we read it for you. Yes, it is possible to laugh and be entertained as you learn everything you need to know about the President's budget and the process in Congress. Glenn and Jeff first explain how you should think about the budget -- what its purpose is and how the Obama budget is different than the Bush budget. Then they explain the context for the budget -- where the debt stands, what the deficit is and why we have it, and what it means to you -- how much money you personally owe. They also explain how the President re-prioritized the budget. Did you know that he calls for the Department of Education to get a 55% raise? Or that he wants to spend more money on research than ever before? Did you know that if we cut every dime of discretionary spending, we would still have a deficit? Jeff and Glenn explain why the single most important thing that we need to do in budgeting -- that nobody is willing to do (the President or Congress) is serious entitlement reform, including real health care reform. It's the budget explained, and it's fun. Finally, they call on their listeners to petition Phil Griffin at MSNBC to give the guys from PoliTalk their own show. Won't that be refreshing! Always informative and entertaining, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 66 - The State of Obama

  1/25/2010

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  Duration: 1:05:27

  Listen to this episode before you think about watching the President's State of the Union address. Glenn and Jeff will tell you everything you need to know about this speech before it's given. They also explain why you should consider reading the full text of the speech the next day, and spend your time hanging out with friends or family instead of watching it. That's certainly not what you're going to hear on every other political show! You don't need someone to "spin" you and tell you what you heard, how great it was, or how bad it was. If you're unemployed or struggling to make ends meet, you're more interested in what is done, not just what is said, and that can only be realized in the coming days and months. So read the speech...listen to PoliTalk and help us hold them accountable, and then watch what Congress and the President do to make the rhetoric a reality. Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Check out and join the following: Our Blog - http://politalkshow.com Our Facebook Page - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=31376636318&ref=ts Our Twitter Feed - http://twitter.com/politalkpodcast

•    
  Episode 65 - Brown MASSacres Coakley, But it's About Change, Not Health Care or the GOP

  1/20/2010

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  Duration: 1:00:20

  Counter to the conventional wisdom, Glenn and Jeff explain why Sen. Scott Brown's victory in the Massachusetts Senate Race is about understanding the dynamics of change in the 2008 election and how that relates to the economy. Seeing this race as a victory for the GOP and a rejection of the President's Health Care plan would be a tragic mistake, and Jeff explains why Democrats should run and embrace health care reform (real health care reform) while Republicans should reach to the middle politically and focus on jobs. Glenn, a Massachusetts resident, also explains the dynamics and idiosyncrasies of Massachusetts politics and how that impacted the Senate Special Election. Jeff takes on the Coakley campaign, based on his personal experiences working with them and drawing on his experience running a Senate campaign, for how it unknowingly positioned itself as the institutional candidate and defined itself as the heir apparent to Sen. Kennedy, and did not engage in Rule 1 of politics: define or be defined. The also explain why Steve Pagliuca or Alan Khezi would have been better candidates and more likely to win a race against Scott Brown. Finally, before Brown becomes the new brand of the Republican Party, Jeff explains why he shouldn't get too far away from his pickup truck and he should reject all offers to become the GOP's Poster Boy, and bear down to quietly work on behalf of the people of Massachusetts, or find himself out of a job in 2012, when he has to run again...with a presidential candidate on the top of the ticket. Always engaging and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 64 - Reid on Race, Obama on Transparency & Glenn on Taxing Fat

  1/13/2010

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  Duration: 54:39

  Should Senator Reid resign? Will his comments on President Obama's race effect his ability to lead the Senate? How does President Obama reconcile the inconsistency with the pledges made by Sen. Obama? Will the health care negotiations be broadcast on C-Span? Is a tax on fat the savior of health care reform? All those questions answered and more, in this episode of PoliTalk. Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political Podcast.

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  Episode 63 - The War on the War on Terror

  1/4/2010

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  Duration: 1:01:07

  Glenn and Jeff explain and take issue with the so-called "war on terror", in light of the attempted terrorist attack by the "underwear" bomber. They explain the politics of the war on terror, and why a shift in perception and in policy needs to take place for the safety and security of the country to be preserved. Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 62 - Ending the Health Insurance Monopoly

  12/23/2009

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  Duration: 1:00:22

  In what might be the most lively and engaging episode of PoliTalk, Jeff and Glenn debate the merits of a tax on generous so-called "Cadillac" health insurance plans. Glenn takes on the insurance companies in explaining why their anti-trust exemption needs to be removed, and Jeff argues for the merits of the health care legislation in Congress, but against health care "reform."  Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. From all of us here at PoliTalk, we wish you a very happy holiday season. PoliTalk will return with new episodes in January of 2010.

•    
  Episode 61 - Taxing Wall Street, Going for the Gold

  12/10/2009

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  Duration: 52:47

  Glenn and Jeff engage in a healthy debate about the value of Britain's new plan to levy a one-time 50% tax on bankers' bonuses. Glenn argues that this unprecedented move is better solved by first changing the regulations surrounding the financial industry. Jeff argues that these bankers wouldn't have bonuses without taxpayer money, and that taxpayers deserve a fair share of the bonus income for the year in which Wall St. profited so handsomely from the government bailouts. Glenn and Jeff strongly agree on the need for banks to start acting like banks again, providing credit to small businesses and entrepreneurs, which can be done by restoring Glass-Steagal -- a little known law whose repeal had an enormous impact on the financial crisis. Glenn also explains why some radio personalities are strongly advocating investments in gold, and Jeff takes on Glenn Beck for backing these investments while not revealing his unethical relationship with advertisers pushing investments in...gold! Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 60 - War! What is it good for? Afghan Troop Surge Examined

  12/2/2009

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  Duration: 1:04:26

  The great Bruce Springsteen song comes to mind in thinking about this week's episode. Glenn and Jeff tell you the things you need to know about the President's speech on the Afghanistan troop surge but didn't hear from him or some of the other political pundits. While the President was clear about his goals and objectives, are we missing the point? Is the premise flawed, the objectives off-base and the effort too costly during these difficult economic times? What would Senator Obama think about what President Obama is doing? You need to come to your own conclusion about the war in Afghanistan, and the PoliTalk guys give you the information you need in an engaging and informative way. It's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Visit http://PoliTalkShow.com

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  Episode 59 - The Politics of Process

  11/26/2009

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  Duration: 1:02:15

  Did you ever think it was possible to argue about arguing? Well, that's what the Senate just did in voting to start the health care reform debate. Jeff and Glenn explain the politics of this vote and how the arcane Senate rules can impact the likelihood of reform. Always entertaining and informative, its PoliTalk, the weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 58 - Debating Debt, Deficits and Job Creation

  11/16/2009

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  Duration: 58:35

  In this episode, Jeff and Glenn continue to the spirit of their National Debate Series and have a constructive argument over the national debt, annual deficits and how more jobs can be created. Is the Stimulus working as promised? Can it be expected to create jobs, or does that burden fall to the private sector? Are the banks, flush with cash from the bailouts and a record year on Wall Street, lending to small businesses or are they hoarding the money and making risky bets on financial instruments? In the end, they find common ground...and then wade into the politically explosive abortion issue.  Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 57 - Pick an Option... Any Option

  10/30/2009

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  Duration: 1:02:41

  This episode of PoliTalk offers lots of options for listeners. The first half of the show features a discussion of the options facing the President for the war in Afghanistan. Glenn explains why there are no good options, and Jeff tries to completely change the discussion by offering up a totally different option. The options get more clear when it comes to health care reform and the future of the public option. Glenn explains why the public option, as positioned now, will ultimately work for the President...and Jeff explains why it might not...and why Hillary Clinton may have been a better option to lead this debate. Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk, your  weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 56 - Goldman Sachs and the State of Financial Regulation

  10/23/2009

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  Duration: 1:02:14

  2009 is proving to be a very good year for Wall Street, but times are still tough for people on Main Street. While the Dow passed the 10,000 mark and Wall Street bonuses will be very big, unemployment remains very high and businesses, especially small ones, are hurting. Jeff and Glenn explain why financial reforms may hold the key to encouraging economic recovery helping Main Street! And why the Administration needs to focus more on helping small business and less on Wall Street pay packages and Fox news. Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 55 - Politics of Afghanistan, Health Care Reform and Las Vegas Room Rates

  10/15/2009

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  Duration: Not Available

  Following up on last week's in-depth discussion of Afghanistan, the PoliTalk boys turn their sights back home to talk about the political implications of what's happening over there. They wonder what our end game is, and how various options will play politically back home. Moving to discuss the politics of another hot button issue, they explain how room rates at Las Vegas hotels are tied to the fate of health care reform.  They also explain why they are on a crusade to counter the hate-filled sensational bombastic rhetoric found on most political talk shows, and encourage their listeners to invest in and help re-brand the nature of political discourse. Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Join us in Boston on November 10, 2009! Register now, visit http://nationaldebateseries.com

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  Episode 54 - Afghanistan Explained

  10/7/2009

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  Duration: 55:10

  In what might be the most substantive and engaging episode of PoliTalk, Lt. Col. Joseph Alessi Ph.D., chair and professor of Military Science at the University of Pittsburgh, walks us through what is really going on in Afghanistan. To understand the current political decisions, you have to understand the complex history of this country, and to do that, you need to listen to Joe. The McCain campaign had "Joe the Plumber." At PoliTalk, we have Joe the Scholar, who offers a fair, balanced view of the region and explains why if you don't learn from history, you're doomed to repeat it...and nowhere is that lesson more vital than Afghanistan. Always engaging and informative, it's PoliTalk -- your weekly political podcast. Join us in Boston on November 10, 2009! Register now, visit http://nationaldebateseries.com

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  Episode 53 - Iran Goes Nuclear

  10/1/2009

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  Duration: 1:05:59

  Just when you thought it was safe to talk about the Middle East, Iran drops a bombshell… almost literally. Between the announcement of a new nuclear plant and the testing short and medium distance ballistic missles, Iran has put itself back on the world stage. Join Jeff and Glenn as they discuss the region, the implications of Iranian actions and their take on possible outcomes.Always informative and entertaining, it's straight-forward political analysis on PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Join us in Boston on November 10, 2009! Register now, visit http://nationaldebateseries.com

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  Episode 52 - Amendments, Sausage Making and a Few Laughs

  9/24/2009

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  Duration: 59:34

  It may not seem possible, but Jeff and Glenn actually have fun explaining the Senate Finance Committee health care amendments. No, we're not kidding. They go into the substance, but offer up a lot of laughs in this new episode of PoliTalk. Listen as they substantively explain what you need to understand about the process and about what's in the bills, and laugh while they rip on each other, and clear through the blizzards of acronyms and legal-ease.  Tired of people screaming at each other on political shows? Always informative and entertaining, it's straight-forward political analysis on PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Join us in Boston on November 10, 2009! Register now for Early-Bird Special Pricing, visit http://nationaldebateseries.com

•    
  Episode 51 - I’m Sorry, So Sorry

  9/16/2009

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  Duration: 59:26

  We want to apologize up front for this episode. No, literally. Because in this one, Jeff and Glenn dive deeper into the issue of political apologies. Why are they done? What is their purpose? Why do innocent family members get dragged out into public? And maybe most important, do they actually change anything (I mean, after all, they are apologizing for a reason...).  Our co-hosts not only look at the recent apology by Congressman Joe Wilson, but also President Bill Clinton, Senator David Vitter, Senator John Edwards, Governor Mark Sanford and Governor Eliot Spitzer. Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.Check out our upcoming event: http://nationaldebateseries.com

•    
  Episode 50 - Obama Health Care Speech to Congress: Reality Check

  9/10/2009

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  Duration: 1:07:44

  Glenn and Jeff react almost immediately to President Obama's speech to Congress, putting the speech in context, reminding listeners what they should watch from the President and Congress over the next week, and explaining the politics and policy ramifications of the speech.  They offer praise for the broad objectives met through the speech, dive deep into a discussion on the proposed health care exchanges and the effect on small business. Jeff reacts strongly to Congressman Wilson's outrageous outburst during the President's discussion on immigrants and Glenn takes heed of President Obama's closing words and offers his strong views on the need for more reasoned and rational debate of issues. Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk -- your weekly political podcast.Join us in Boston on November 10, 2009! Register now for Early-Bird Special Pricing, visit http://nationaldebateseries.com

•    
  Episode 49 - Twitter's Role in Politics, Congress Returns & the Mass Senate Race

  9/3/2009

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  Duration: 1:04:04

  Glenn explains his popular blog post on how twitter is changing political communication and events, and Jeff finds a way to liken it to Aristotle, calling its use with cell phones the new era of political mass personalization. Moving beyond Twitter's role in politics, they also talk about a fascinating blog post from an Army veteran who served 2 tours in Afghanistan, who explains what's really going on there and why. They close by talking about the upcoming Senate race in Massachusetts and what is likely to happen to health care reform when Congress comes back from recess next week. Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast. Keep PoliTalk coming every week. Donate your support to http://tinyurl.com/mgr9hw

•    
  Episode 48 - Afghanistan & Health Care: Do they have an end game?

  8/25/2009

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  Duration: 55:01

  Glenn quickly gets to the central question regarding the anticipated troop surge in Afghanistan...what's the end game? Jeff challenges us to look at history and understand how we can successfully combat the Taliban in a country with so little stability and a history of coup, with power driven by tribal warlords rather than a central government. Moving to health care, they also ask what the end game is there, and respond to listener questions on health care. Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 47 - Senate Ethics Cools Down, Health Care Hyperbole Heats Up

  8/10/2009

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  Duration: 1:01:55

  Dodd Cleared by Senators, in Political Peril with Public; Health Care Hyperbole: While Limbaugh & Palin Engage, We Talk Policy...Glenn and Jeff take measure of the 2010 campaign (itâs not too soon) and try to ascertain its character while discussing Rep. Sestak's race against Sen. Specter and Sen. Dodd's political problems with his Countrywide mortgage and backroom deals made during the Stimulus negotiations. They also rail against the hyperbole in what is now the health "insurance" reform debate (guess we're not reforming health care anymore) and actually complain that they don't have legislation to read. Wow, these guys need a summer vacation. Thankfully for you, you can enjoy yours while they distill what's really going on in Washington. Take PoliTalk to the beach with you on iTunes. Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 46 - Birthers, Clunkers & Misinformation

  8/5/2009

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  Duration: 52:29

  This is the show for the conspiracy theorist in you. In this episode, Glenn and Jeff raise all the bizarre allegations that are swirling around, from President Obama not being a US Citizen to government workers coming to tell you how to die as a part of health care reform. They explain the politics of misinformation, or why these myths have such power, and what's really going on behind the scenes. They also explain what's really going on with the Cash for Clunkers program -- why its working, and why you should fear Congress' vacation if you're a fan of that program. This is the episode where it all gets explained, and of course they do it in their own fun and irreverent way. It's politics for the rest of us, in a style not seen or heard on political talk radio. It's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.

•    
  Episode 45 - Calling the Political 911 on the Gates Arrest & Health Care

  7/28/2009

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  Duration: 59:40

  In this episode, Glenn and Jeff make their own 911 calls to help explain what really should be talked about when President Obama has a beer this week with arrested Harvard Professor Henry Gates and Cambridge Police Sgt. Crowley. Was this a case about racism in America, or police tactics gone awry? Can one be arrested for yelling from their front porch, and if so, are there enough police cars in the country to haul everyone in? Can a police officer be expected to maintain his or her cool when being verbally abused in public? How much did President Obama's engagement in this affair distract us from efforts to reform our nation's health care system? Why is Jeff drawing parallels to the 1994 effort in Sen. Baucus' secret meetings of the Senate Finance Committee? Finally, Glenn offers a new idea around Open Source Legislation -- something talked about in theory, but not in practice. All these issues addressed, and more, in the latest installment of PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 44 - Health Care Reform 101

  7/22/2009

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  Duration: 1:07:14

  All you ever wanted to know about health care reform can be found in this episode of PoliTalk. Glenn and Jeff put the politics aside as they walk through the bizarre evolution of health care as a business and explain why all the efforts of reform are meaningless unless we can learn from history. Irrespective of your -- or their -- political affiliation, listen as Jeff and Glenn clinically dissect the issues facing Congress and explain what needs to be done to address the ills of the current system. Always informative and entertaining, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 43 - Biden Time for the Economy

  7/13/2009

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  Duration: 1:05:21

  With unemployment reaching its highest level in 26 years and Vice President Biden's recent comments that the administration misread how bad the economy was that they inherited, Jeff and Glenn, in one of their most passionate and provocative episodes ever, question why there is no consistent focus on the economy from all branches of government. Glenn offers a dramatic and creative idea to add an immediate stimulus to the economy, while awaiting the long-term systemic effects to kick in. Jeff wonders if we're in a jobless recovery, where a select few -- Wall Street, certain corporations like WalMart, McDonalds and Philip Morris and banks will do well while the rest of the economy stagnates. Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk -- your weekly political podcast.

•    
  Episode 42 - Quit Happens!

  7/8/2009

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  Duration: 1:05:58

  Channeling Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and FDR, Sarah Palin stood on the banks of an Alaskan Lake to proclaim her unwavering dedication to our country and her desire to take politics to new heights by announcing that she will…quit her job and make speeches. Unprecedented in American Politics, Sarah Palin’s announcement sent shockwaves rocketing skyward over 4th of July weekend. Beyond the strong reactions, what does her announcement mean practically for an already damaged Republican party? We ask former McCain campaign consultant Ben Davol, a straight-talker in his own right, and an incredibly wise and seasoned political professional for his reaction. Always entertaining and informative, it’s PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 41 - Now What? Iran, The Economy & Health Care

  6/24/2009

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  Duration: 49:03

  Glenn captures the essence of this week's show by asking the ultimate question in response to the many issues we face this week: now what? What happens next in Iran? What are the political ramifications of the attacks on President Obama? Where does the insurgency go? With the economy still in shambles, what next? There's talk of a second stimulus bill, but is the first one working? Is President Obama taking on too much and losing his focus on the economy? When it comes to health care "reform," Jeff asks what's next? Now that most of what calls for reform has been abandoned, is it time to pull the plug on this hugely important effort? They close with seasonal cooking tips, and as always, invite your response and participation. Always informative and entertaining, it's PoliTalk: your weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 40 - Twitter, Iran and Healthcare

  6/15/2009

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  Duration: 1:07:29

  Let's get social for Episode 40 of PoliTalk. In this show, you'll hear not just about what is happening in Iran, but why, and how social media has been a driving force behind the political reforms in Iran. Glenn and Jeff debate the ramifications of using social media in a dictatorial regime, and its role in the future of Iran and other such states. They also explain the parallel behind its use in Iran and how it plays into the current health care reform debate. Getting to the root of the policy discussion, they explain what isn't being talked in this debate, how social media might influence the health care reform discussion, and why you can't call it "reform." Always informative and entertaining, it's PoliTalk, your weekly political podcast.

•    
  Episode 39 - GM, Lies and Audiotape

  6/3/2009

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  Duration: 1:09:18

  Glenn, who has been calling for GM to go into bankruptcy since December 2008, and Jeff de-bunk the spin surrounding GM's bankruptcy during Episode 39. They explain what this really means for consumers, why you shouldn't be worried about buying a GM car, and why you should be worried now that the federal government owns 60% of the "new" GM.  Even as a progressive Democrat, Jeff worries about the federal government over-reaching in trying to protect GM, and wonders if thee company is too big to fail. Listen as the wheels come off Illinois Sen. Burris' lame defense of his indefensible claims under oath regarding his appointment to President Obama's Senate Seat. Glenn and Jeff peel back the ugly truth behind fundraising and lobbying, and offer a new context to understand the Burris situation. Ending with passion, they both enthusiastically endorse Congressman Sestak's bid for the Democratic Senate nomination in Pennsylvania, taking on flip-flopping Sen. Arlen Specter. They probe Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell's harsh comments towards Sestak made on MSNBC's Ed Shultz Show in which he boasted that Sestak would get "killed" in a primary and would end up in political oblivion for challenging Specter, and that he best just keep his Congressional seat. Jeff reminds listeners that President Obama was in the same exact situation when he took on then Sen. Hillary Clinton, and wonders why Senate Democrats and the people of Pennsylvania wouldn't want a member of the Democratic caucus who is loyal and dependable, unlike Specter. So much intrigue to read through, so many lies and distortions to unfold. It's another great episode of PoliTalk -- always informative and entertaining -- it's your weekly political podcast.

•    
  Episode 38 - It's the Economy, Stupid!

  5/26/2009

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  Duration: 56:25

  Can two political podcasters do the work of an entire nation? Reviving one of the most famous political catch phrases of the last 50 years, Jeff and Glenn do their best to re-focus the political discourse of the entire country. With all the talk of torture, closing or not closing Gitmo, Colin Powell taking on Cheney taking on Obama taking on Cheney (which we talk about in this show), we have completely lost focus on the single most important thing the President and his team SHOULD be doing right now: dealing with once-in-a-lifetime systemic changes needed in our economy. Yes, we passed the stimulus. Now we’re in the weeds on a budget, and it looks like health care reform may be on the horizon. All well and good, but it's time to take a step back:  what got us into this problem in the first place? How are we going to systemically fix it? Was the repeal of Glass Stegal, which allowed financial institutions to get into any financial business, a mistake?   Good old boring banks went from being banks to insurance companies and hedge funds. Should we put some regulations on the derivatives industry, which grew from a $1 trillion market in 1999 to $33 trillion today? Most important, we as a country have been living beyond our means since, ironically, the days of Ronald Reagan. We are now an over leveraged society that consumes more than it produces and borrows more than it has the ability to repay and spend. We want a more effective, responsive, efficient, smaller (and Jeff would like a more liberal) government. With the economy rebounding and President Obama focused on other things, we're losing our chance to make the changes needed to fix the economy going forward.  Our names are Glenn Gaudet and Jeff Kimball, the co-hosts of PoliTalk, the weekly political podcast. While the rest of the media in this country has fallen asleep, or been sidetracked by entertainers like Rush Limbaugh or issues like closing Gitmo, we're here to tell you that your moment awaits, President Obama. But that moment won't last forever, and it will never be found if you continue to argue with Dick Cheney, or if we’re mired in discussion about torture photographs and wiretaps.  James Carville's words echo across time, like ripples that crest into rhythmic waves, repeating the mantra again, and again and again: it’s the economy stupid...

•    
  Episode 37 - Credit Cards, Guns, Gays and Gas

  5/20/2009

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  Duration: 54:27

  If you own a car, use a credit card, or plan on visiting a national park, you need to listen to this episode. Glenn explains why supporting President Obama's new mpg standards is the fiscally prudent and conservative thing to do. Jeff, going against his liberal tenancies, rails against Sen. Dodd and the new credit card bill of rights. Listen and learn what credit cards and concealed weapons have in common. Speaking of guns, they both argue for scrapping the don't ask don't tell policy towards gays in the military. It's the week where PoliTalk turns conventional wisdom on its head. Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk - your weekly political podcast.

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  Episode 34 - Is Gay the New Conservative?

  4/27/2009

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  Duration: 54:06

  Glenn and Jeff get very provocative this week, asking what it really means to be a "conservative." They argue that a true conservative would actually embrace gay marriage. Politically, while unconventional, fiscal conservatives should back gay marriage in order to separate from their "conservative" brethren, and build a new party build on new conservative principles of limited government, fiscal discipline and social responsibility. Inexplicably, under the last "conservative" government, Medicare and Medicaid spending, the budget deficit, the national debt and federal spending per household all grew to their highest levels ever -- all trendlines which should have been going down. Even the rate of growth of government, which one would expect to slow under conservatives, increased. With the party polling at its lowest levels in decades, it's  time for them to take bold, and yes, even irrational steps. The definition of insanity is repeating the same mistakes and thinking you're going to get a different result. We think the Republican Party, in its present form, has gone insane. You want the best of inside the beltway politics, listen to MSNBC's Hardball. You want great political commentary? watch Ed Schultz, Keith Olberman or Rachel Maddow. But if you want Washington politics explained to Main Street, listen to PoliTalk -- always entertaining and informative. It's PoliTalk: your weekly political podcast.

•    
  Episode 33 - Tax Day, Tea Parties and Tomorrow

  4/14/2009

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  Duration: 52:14

  Are you a fan of the tax revolt tea parties, or do you find them revolting? Glenn speaks in favor of them, and praises their supporters for their passion and their desire to reign in government spending. Jeff finds the gimmick revolting, and wonders why it was conveniently on hiatus during the years when Republican leaders were in control of Congress and spending was out of control? They also look at the issue of the piracy off the coast of Somalia, but not from the usual viewpoint, more for what it means for a country in chaos and its global implications for other hotspots like Pakistan and Afghanistan. They then compare the "surgical" bankruptcy of GM to the country's colonoscopy -- ugly, uncomfortable, but necessary. Finally, Jeff broaches a topic for a future show by diving into the equally uncomfortable but nonetheless important discussion of money in politics. Always informative and entertaining. It's inside the beltway politics for the masses, it's the beltway brought to Main Street talked about by two business and political pros. It's PoliTalk.

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  Episode 32 - PoliTalk Fist-bumps the Queen

  4/6/2009

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  Duration: 1:10:21

  Glenn and Jeff take on the absurdity of the celebrity culture that has us obsessing more over whether or not a gift is appropriate for the queen or that she can be touched instead of how we can rescue the world from its economic crisis. They also take on the absurdity of the budget process, and wonder how any good policy can actually come out of something so arcane and confusing? Finally, they talk about the politics of the Former Senator Ted Stevens case and why Senators Dodd and Bunning are in danger waters for their re-election campaigns (it's not what you think). Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk: where you get the inside scoop on what's really happening in Washington from two guys outside the beltway.

•    
  Episode 31 - GM Driven to the Brink

  3/31/2009

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  Duration: 53:54

  What we have in GM and its bailout is a failure of imagination, a failure to communicate and a failure of execution. At PoliTalk, we keep our egos in check, but we take pride in bringing our substantial experience in politics and business to bear in communicating what's really going on in Washington, and what it means for us. To this end, kudos to Glenn for predicting exactly what happened this weekend with GM months ago. In this episode, Glenn continues to call for GM to go into bankruptcy. Jeff and Glenn also speak passionately about the double standard being applied, where auto execs get fired and workers are asked to renegotiate their contracts, but financial services execs keep their jobs, and their bonuses, and we're told their employees get to keep their bonuses because they were under contract. They also explain why Alberto Gonzolez won't be traveling to Spain anytime soon, and why Sarah Palin may not be including John McCain on her Christmas Card list. Get the real scoop here on PoliTalk: the place where political insiders come to get the outside the beltway view on how their politics and policy gets traction, and where those on the outside come to get a real inside view on politics and policy in Washington. Always informative, entertaining and authentic, it's  PoliTalk, featuring Glenn Gaudet and Jeff Kimball -- two seasoned political and business pros.

•    
  Episode 30 -The Tax Man Cometh

  3/24/2009

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  Duration: 53:08

  In honor of the upcoming Tax Day, Glenn and Jeff dig deep into what the history of taxes are and why we should or should not be paying them. Kicked off by a listener’s question, this special episode is sure to get the water cooler talk flowing around how and why we should pay Uncle Sam. In the spirit of Oprah’s book club, we invite you to listen to this and other episodes of PoliTalkk with friends and family, then debate the issues amongst yourselves. We call it the PoliTalk Living Room Club… you and your friends and family listen to PoliTalk separately, then get together with good people, great food and your favorite beverages to kick up the conversation and debate. PoliTalk is refreshingly honest, informative and always entertaining. It's PoliTalk -- your weekly source for political news and current events.

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  Episode 29 - PoliTalk vs. AIG & Big Media

  3/17/2009

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  Duration: 1:07:15

  Is there anyone Glenn and Jeff don't take on in what might be the most spirited episode of PoliTalk. The boys of PoliTalk dig deeper than the alluring media headlines about the AIG bonus, explaining exactly what happened, and the systemic issues that need to be addressed to avoid another AIG type problem. Then they turn their fire on some in the media, who have failed to live up to the high journalistic standards set by... Comedy Central's Jon Stewart (yes, that's right). They ask the interesting question of how Dick Cheney's recent interview would go had Jon Stewart conducted the interview, and wonder why there isn't more true investigative reporting anymore?  It's refreshingly honest, informative and always entertaining. It's PoliTalk -- your weekly source for political news and current events.

•    
  Episode 28 - Stem Cell Politics

  3/11/2009

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  Duration: 1:03:54

  Glenn and Jeff dive right into the political minefield in Episode 28, revealing what's really going on with the reversal of the Bush Stem Cell research ban, and the Congressional appropriations package. Jeff offers support for the budget bill, and they both call for more transparency in the process. Glenn offers a simple plan to get that transparency (maybe they'll hire him to do it). They also discuss the role of journalism and podcasts, and why The Daily Show's Jon Stewart might just be the best journalist in the business. In a bombshell, Jeff reveals which Senate Democrat is most vulnerable in 2010, how to beat that person, and that that person needs to do to win. PoliTalk: entertaining, informative and refreshingly honest.

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  Episode 27 - Rush to Judgement

  3/3/2009

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  Duration: 1:06:09

  How can Rush Limbaugh present himself as the titular head of the Republican Party? As podcasters extraordinaire, Glenn and Jeff decide to anoint themselves head of their respective parties, poking fun at the turmoil in the Republican ranks. Moving to more serious topics, Jeff cautions against a rush to judgment on health care reform, noting that the new ads launched by conservative Richard Scott threaten to devalue a much needed health care reform debate. Jeff opens up about his experiences with the health care system, and what we really need to focus on in this coming debate. Glenn, proving that the guys aren't just fun and games, proves the PoliTalk policy chops by unveiling the Politalk Energy Plan. Well, actually, it's Glenn's brilliant idea which Jeff just rips off. Informative, entertaining and always refreshingly honest. Insightful political analysis, not from Washington insiders pushing their agendas, screaming at each other on talk shows, but from political veterans living outside the Washington beltway, like the rest of us.

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  Episode 26 - Purging The Politics

  2/24/2009

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  Duration: 1:06:50

  The Republican party seems to be sitting out this game called "getting the country back on its feet". Glenn and Jeff discuss this along with the the idea of nationalizing the banking system. In this episode, listeners start to become part of the show through the new listener feedback number - 1-800-834-9711.  Listen to Glenn and Jeff on PoliTalk -- see why people are calling them the Car Talk of Politics -- and get an unbiased, informative, entertaining view of what's happening today. news and information -- from two guys you'll enjoy listening to, rather than the screaming matches you hear every night on political talk TV..

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  Episode 25 - Surviving Self-Stimulation

  2/17/2009

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  Duration: 1:01:25

  Now that the Stimulus package is signed into law, what happens next? What does this mean for us and the US economy? With $2.5 trillion taken out of the economy due to failing industries, will the $600 billion stimulus help, or do we have to deal with other issues? Glenn and Jeff talk about the pillars of the US economy that must be dealt with for the economy to recover...the auto, energy and finance  industries. They also talk about why Sen. Burris needs to resign, how to deal with the use of steroids in baseball, and why New Hampshire's possible efforts to limit alcohol use in bars to one drink per hour is a horribly bad idea. Episode 25 is packed with lots of laughs and plenty of information. Listen to Glenn and Jeff on PoliTalk -- see why people are calling them the Car Talk of Politics -- and get an unbiased, informative, entertaining view of what's happening today. news and information -- from two guys you'll enjoy listening to, rather than the screaming matches you hear every night on political talk TV..

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  Episode 24 - The Senate Stimulus Bill

  2/10/2009

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  Duration: 49:35

  After last week's thorough investigation of the 413-page Senate bailout bill, Glenn digs deeper into the latest 700+ page bill, questioning the justification for a number of programs. Jeff, on the other hand, has gone from an all-out frontal assault on the pork provisions in the bill last week to lending his overall support, now that the bill has been stripped of many extraneous provisions. Policy aside, the bailout politics prove more interesting. Jeff postulates that the Conservative Right may have won a battle in their attempt to reposition the bill, but they have so far lost the war. Interestingly, he offers that the bill does indeed represent a step towards the "moderate middle" and thinks that the political ramifications will be  felt for years to come. Glenn, meanwhile, tosses a  hand grenade into the works by engaging in a discussion on universal health care. Sparks fly in Episode 24 of PoliTalk -- your source for unbiased, unfiltered information about what's really happening in Washington. Want talking heads screaming at each other? Watch Fox and MSNBC. Want interesting perspective on issues that really affect the lives of those on Main Street America? Listen to PoliTalk now.

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  Episode 23 - New Deal or Raw Deal?

  2/3/2009

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  Duration: 52:58

  Jeff and Glenn take on Congress, asking if it's time to bail out the  bailout? What was once an economic recovery and jobs program has now become a huge spending bill. Democrats lost the spin war on this one.  But what is in this bill? Do we really need $650 million for the  digital-to-analog converter program? Or how about $1 billion for the  census? $25 million for Indian tribal courts? What about $1.4 billion  for the Colorado River Fund? Important? Yes. Should it be funded?  Possibly. As a part of an economic recovery program? No. In this  episode, Glenn offers up the PoliTalk criteria for any economic stimulus bill: does it involve lending or spending that will make a difference in the next 6-12 months? If not, don't put it in the bill. The economy is in a shambles, and Glenn explains that the banks are hoarding money while businesses, large and small, are going bankrupt and people are losing their homes. While there are many worthwhile programs in the bill, help is needed now. On the Republicans side, can they stop the demagoguery long enough to constructively participate in this debate? Can Congressional Democrats, specifically House Democrats, drunk on their new power, sober up long enough to strip the appropriation provisions out of the bill to reposition it as a true economic stimulus package in line with what Glenn and Jeff recommend? It's time for President Obama to take the lead and spend some of the political capital he's earned to focus this debate.  Tune in now to PoliTalk -- your unbiased, honest, irreverent source for political discourse. 

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  Episode 22 - Stimulating Discussion on the Stimulus

  1/26/2009

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  Duration: 1:01:41

  How did President Obama do in his first week?  How is the economy driving debate in DC and in our lives? What happened when the senior staff went to the White House for the first time? We know who's spending $350 billion through the stimulus package, but who's looking after our money? When it comes to spending stimulus money, why did former Labor Secretary Reich make inflammatory comments to Congress? It's politics brought to main street, it's policy made simple, it's PoliTalk: your weekly source for what's really going on in politics

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  Episode 21 - Obama's First 100, Bush's Last One

  1/19/2009

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  Duration: 39:09

  What would you like to see President Obama do during his first 100 days in office? That is, if the inauguration will ever actually gets here (it seems like the lead up to this one will last forever).  Will you remember President Bush as a "single threaded" President, as Glenn  offers, or just a "total waste," according to Jeff? If you had $600 million dollars, how would you spend it? Would you give it to something like cancer research or disabled veterans, or would you  spend it on notifying people about the switch to High Definition  television? We offer up our own unique PoliTalk solution to this problem. Is the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas politically motivated? Is the cease-fire between the conservative columnists and Barack Obama politically motivated? Listen to Episode 21 to get the answer to these questions, and our reviews of The Wrestler and Defiance -- two must see movies. PoliTalk -- where politics, policy and good conversation meet.

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  Episode 20 - Starting the New Year with a Bang

  1/6/2009

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  Duration: 1:02:04

  Most people ease into the new year. At PoliTalk, we jump right into it. From the legality and ethics of the Burris Senate appointment, to the wisdom of the Richardson and Panetta nods to the morality of war in Gaza, there isn't an issue that Glenn and Jeff aren't afraid to tackle. But unlike the screaming theater that is pretty much every other political talk show, Glenn and Jeff offer up their brand of talk in a genuine, irreverent even humble manner. Rather than the next breed of political talk show, they're more like the “Car Talk” of Politics.  Tune in and then spread the word. Welcome to the next generation of political talk: PoliTalk.

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  Episode 19 - A Very Special PoliTalk Christmas

  12/24/2008

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  Duration: 43:54

  Jeff drops in from "off the grid," having spent a week away with no access to news and information. Listen in as he's filled in on the week's events with stunned audacity: how is it possible that $1 billion of our bailout dollars was spent on bonuses for bankers? Does Caroline Kennedy have the experience to be a US Senator? And what about the victim's of Madoff's Ponzi scheme? If they paid taxes on something that didn't exist, should they get their money back? Kind of like the financial version of, 'if a tree falls in the woods and nobody hears it, does it make a sound?'  In this case, it made a big crash, but what is the fallout?  Listen in to learn more.

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  Episode 18 - Shoe-a-cide Watch

  12/16/2008

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  Duration: 1:06:47

  An Iraqi reporter hurled a shoe at George Bush in a fit of frustration, while Jeff and Glenn hurl all they've got at the Washington Elite in the 18th Episode of PoliTalk. Unlike the Iraqi, however, the PoliTalk guys hit their mark this week: Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich for his outlandish fraud; Caroline Kennedy for her lack of credentials (does it really matter); the "Big 3" car companies for ponying up to the trough, and the politicians for filling it; Bernie Maddoff for his unbelievable, unscrupulous $50 billion ponzi scheme that hurt countless innocent people, and the makers of really bad television for leaving Glenn and Jeff off the political talk circuit for yet another week.  Get your real political analysis here at PoliTalk.

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  Episode 17 - Survival of the Weakest

  12/9/2008

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  Duration: 45:59

  Elected officials again show profiles in political weakness by buckling to pressure to bailout the big 3 auto manufacturers. As if the lessons of the financial bailout weren't disastrous enough (fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me...). As if caught in a web of bizarre reverse Darwinism, only the weak shall survive. If you're strong enough to run your business well, you only have to worry about banks freezing credit, the economy crippling your business and making ends meet. But if you fail spectacularly, I mean really, really badly, well, then you are rewarded. John Thain, CEO of Merrill Lynch, is reportedly seeking at $10 million bonus this year. The car makers, who have essentially run their dinosaur-of-a-business into the ground, are now seeking $35 billion in federal money to prop them up.  AIG... well, we know the story there. So the lesson to all you kids out there: don't work too hard, take your private jets whenever possible, seek out-of-this-world compensation for something you really haven't done, and if you fail, don't worry, the federal government will be there to bail you out. But if you're one of those who live lives of quiet desperation, who live a decent, unremarkable life, but maybe you're on the brink of financial disaster -- you get screwed. Welcome to the new world economy. We're mad as hell, in a funny, intellectually, riotous, quirky, lovable kind of way. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll ask for more. Catch the latest episode of PoliTalk: where politics and policy meet real people.

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  Episode 16 - Who is in Charge of the Economy?

  12/2/2008

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  Duration: 59:38

  Like a bizarre kabuki dance, nobody seems to be taking the lead infixing the economy. Oh, and thanks to the Government for finally acknowledging what we all knew: we are, in fact, in a RECESSION. Want more bad news? The folks from the auto industry are now driving to DC to ask for their $25 billion in bailout money, while AIG spends our money on "cash awards" (that's corporate weasel language for big bonuses, as in $3 million to one person). More bad news? Jeff and Glenn still don't have a morning show on MSNBC (or any cable outlet). Won't you help? Someone in MSNBC… take charge, this show will make your career!

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  Episode 15 - Tech Boom in the White House

  11/24/2008

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  Duration: 1:03:44

  A laptop in the Oval Office? The Obama campaign employing new proprietary software which literally changed the way Election Day was managed...now and for the foreseeable future? Technology gets tackled in this episode of PoliTalk. In addition, Glenn and Jeff wax poetic about possible cabinet picks, political appointments and the possible uses for $700 billion in bailout money. Wouldn't it be easier if we just cut every taxpayer a check? Can we ever stop talking about Sarah Palin? Not as long as turkeys are getting impaled while she's doing press conferences. What's next, a live moose hunt while talking budget appropriations and subcommittee assignments? Hey, anything for attention. Finally, Glenn and Jeff imagine a future, with your help, hosting a morning political talk show. Remember...Not every informative political discussion has to be boring -- PoliTalk: the podcast where substance meets humor.

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  Episode 14 - Bailout Goes Bust - Bush left in the Dust

  11/18/2008

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  Duration: 1:00:12

  Glenn excoriates the Bush Bailout, and explains why bankruptcy isn’t bad for the US auto industry. Jeff, on the other hand, rails against the bankrupt ideas that brought us this economic mess, and wonders what kind of thinking will lead us out? Hilary Clinton for Secretary of State? Is that akin to sending your political opponent on a four-year paid vacation, incredibly adroit politics, sound policy, or a mixture of all three? Why haven’t we heard more about other cabinet positions?...and why that’s a good thing. Finally, we make our annual pilgrimage to the bar of political unrest for our last shot: Synecdoche New York.

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  Episode 13 - The Baker's Dozen

  11/10/2008

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  Duration: 59:05

  Why the Baker's Dozen? Because you get an extra treat in this post-election edition, with talk of President-elect Obama's cabinet, the future of the Republican Party, and how the passage of Proposition 8 in California sets a dangerous precedent. Put the children to bed early, call the neighbors, tell your friends: The Post-Election team of Glenn and Jeff is here for the long haul-- your source for unbiased, informed, entertaining discussion of American politics and policy. Glenn and Jeff: Fair and Challenged!

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  Episode 12 - And the Winner is...

  11/3/2008

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  Duration: 1:02:33

  On this Election 08 eve, Glenn and Jeff offer their predictions, and their own insights into how to look at results election night. John McCain's first positive TV ad features...Barack Obama? Are you kidding? Did you wonder who would be on the final Meet the Press before the election? Maybe Sarah Palin or Joe Biden? Did you miss it? Glenn and Jeff gleefully re-enact their own Shakespearean drama: Fred Thompson meets Tom Brokaw.  Note to Central Casting: send a bottle of No-Doze to the fellas at PoliTalk. Oh, and they have an interesting little discussion about re-writing a provision in the Constitution of the United States. And Glenn passionately weighs in and boldly declares that he's going to vote for... It's all right here in Episode12 of PoliTalk.

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  Episode 11 - Is the Election in the Bag?

  10/28/2008

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  Duration: 1:08:34

  In this episode, Glenn and Jeff discuss the happenings of campaign messaging and strategy. They cover the $150K wardrobe of Sarah Palin, the socialism charges and of course the now famous B Girl. Jeff still asks why the two of them are not on MSNBC and reaches out to Karl Rove to intervene. Jeff and Glenn also take credit for bringing Ted Stevens down. All this and much, much more! Download and listen to PoliTalk today!

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  Episode 10 - Channeling Colin Powell

  10/20/2008

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  Duration: 1:06:18

  In this episode, Glenn and Jeff explain why Colin Powell's endorsement is so meaningful. It wasn't just what Gen. Powell said, but why he said it that may prove to be the proverbial last straw that breaks the McCain campaign. They also discuss Obama's fundraising prowess, and the real issue in featuring Joe the Plumber in the last Presidential Debate, which speaks to how horribly the McCain campaign has been run. Finally, they turn the clock back a little and look at how the campaigns could have been different, and where things may go over the last 16 days.

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  Episode 9 - Is the Religious Right for McCain?

  10/13/2008

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  Duration: 1:07:16

  With McCain’s campaign suffering from political schizophrenia, Jeff and Glenn channel Freud and put the situation on the couch, dissecting  the right side of the brain, a tenuous and incomplete alliance with the conservative religious evangelicals vs. the left side of the campaign’s brain, the more socially libertarian and fiscally conservative. In breaking down the campaign, Jeff and Glenn review the following: How does McCain build a winning coalition in under 30 days that’s true to whatever basic values he has?What would a 4 or 8 point swing in the polls mean to McCain’s chances?How right is the right, and can they win even in losing? (think of all the fundraising and organizing they can do off a Democratic sweep)How do fractures in the campaign effect the way McCain will handle the next debate? Will he rip him a new ____hole, as he reportedly told campaign workers according to today’s New York Times. Or will he offer serious economic policy prescriptions, as suggested by Republican Senator Lindsay Graham? And finally, the most important question of all… Why aren’t Jeff and Glenn hosting a morning talk show yet?  Today’s broadcast of Morning  Joe on MSNBC practically brought the co-hosts to blows — it was more uncomfortable than watching a McCain-Obama debate. Talk about cranky.  Tell us how you think we can make this happen — we’re asking for your help in promoting our show to your friends and family — and give us some ideas for the show’s name…something other than Glenn and Jeff  in the morning… This is your wake up call, America. A new day is dawning and it’s time to get moving. Listen to the current installment of PoliTalk and get yourself informed, inspired, entertained and ready for the day… spread the word… tell two friends, and so on and so on…

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  Episode 8: The Second Presidential Debate - Talk Amongst Yourselves

  10/8/2008

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  Duration: Not Available

  With a debate lacking policy specifics and, well, kind of boring, our hosts channel the humor of some great comedians, and aggressively dive into some deep policy discussions in the 8th episode of PoliTalk. What is the nature of life? Is health care a right or a responsibility? To Whom? Why aren't Jeff and Glenn hosting a morning show on MSNBC? These are the vital questions debated this week in a show that's sure to generate a lot of buzz.