A variety progrum. Smug, Holmes, Duncan, and Ashbrook bring next generation conservative talk to the next level with RUTHLESS. There is no shelter for anyone as the fellas provide a lighter analysis of the news (and fake news) of the day.
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The American Idea explores America's Founding principles and their effect on American history and government. Through thoughtful conversations with renowned academics and public figures from across the country, we examine the history and political thought behind our country’s greatest documents and debates, as well as contemporary issues, American popular culture, and political statesmanship. The podcast is a production of the Ashbrook Center and hosted by Jeff Sikkenga.
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Creating Informed Patriots
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The Living Tradition of Byzantine Music in America
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Is Trump’s Trade Messaging Working?
1:47:09
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1:47:09🚨 Get ready for a 🔥 banger of an episode from the Ruthless Variety Program! 🎙️ Join Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook as they break down the latest on Trump’s trade strategies, tariffs, and the economy with a sharp, no-nonsense take you won’t find in mainstream media. 🇺🇸💰 We’re unpacking the genius behind Trump and Tr…
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VE Day at 80 Years - The End of WW2 in Europe
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42:53
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42:538 May 1945: Victory in Europe Day, the day after the armistice between the Allied powers and Nazi Germany goes into effect. Almost 5 years long, World War 2 in Europe destroyed millions of lives, burned ancient cities to cinders, displaced populations, and permanently changed the world order. How, then, did it come to end? How did the Allies defeat…
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What This Journalist's Stunning Career Change Reveals About The Media
1:11:27
1:11:27
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1:11:27Dive into this episode of the Ruthless Variety Program, where hosts Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook peel back the curtain on the cozy relationship between mainstream media and the Democratic Party. This episode is packed with jaw-dropping revelations, hilarious commentary, and unfiltered takes on the state of journa…
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🔥 The Hogg Wars continue! 🐗 This week, the DNC infighting hits a whole new level. David Hogg, vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, is under siege from within. Party insiders are trying to sideline him after he pledged to primary fellow Democrats — and now he’s facing a formal challenge from Caitlin Free, a Native American attorney accus…
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The Challenges of Creating an American Grand Strategy
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39:08
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39:08What is 'grand strategy' and how does it differ from strategy? What does grand strategy mean to a nation, its leaders and people? How is such a thing developed and revised over time? And why is it so difficult for America to create and settle on such a thing? Business and military strategy authority Dr. John Hillen discusses these topics with Jeff …
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Did Journos Really “Miss” Biden's Health Issues? - WHCA Dinner
1:28:25
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1:28:25🔥 This year’s White House Correspondents' Dinner 🏛️ revealed everything wrong with establishment journalism. Instead of honoring reporters who told the truth early — like Siobhan Hughes and Annie Linskey — the event rewarded those who played it safe. Fearless reporting was ignored in favor of those who went along with the narrative. 📸 Behind the sc…
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Dark Woke vs. Trump: Democrats Double Down on Derangement
1:01:20
1:01:20
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1:01:20Michael Duncan, Comfortably Smug and John Ashbrook unpack the Democrats' desperate "Dark Woke" strategy post-election loss! 🚨 From cringe-worthy attempts at authenticity with forced profanity to doubling down on divisive issues, are the Dems digging their own grave? 🤔 We break down the New York Times' take on this provocative shift, spotlight hilar…
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No Fun Anymore: What's Happened to the NBA?
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46:19Why have NBA ratings dropped by half over the last decade? How has the game changed in recent years and what does the proliferation of legalized sports betting have to do with it? Jeff takes a break this week from questions of history and politics and looks at a slice of our public life with author and journalist Oliver Lee Bateman and addresses th…
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IMPLOSION: Dems Anti-Trump Deportation Narrative Unravels
1:24:47
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1:24:47In today’s episode of Ruthless, Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook dissect the explosive Abrego Garcia case and the Democrats’ crumbling narrative. This episode pulls no punches, exposing how media spin and political missteps are unraveling the left’s strategy. 🔍 The Abrego Garcia Firestorm: The media branded him a “Ma…
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Will The DNC Spend MILLIONS To Tank 'Ineffective' Democrats?
1:20:20
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1:20:20Dive into the chaos rocking the Democratic Party 🚨 Trump’s landslide election win has left Dems in complete disarray, with infighting and a full-blown civil war erupting. The DNC is rocked by David Hogg’s shocking rebellion. We unpack how the left’s radical push led to their crushing defeat.💥 Hogg’s plan to spend $20M to primary “ineffective” Democ…
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Lexington & Concord at 250 Years: Stories from the American Revolution
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43:18On 19 April 1775, the American War for Independence began at the battles of Lexington and Concord. Take a step back in time this week to learn some of the forgotten stories of important and interesting individuals who were part of America’s revolution, of which the war, according to John Adams, was only a part. Download a free copy of the American …
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Unmasking Media Bias: The Truth About Left Wing Violence
1:49:13
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1:49:13On this episode of the Ruthless Variety Progrum, the fellas explore the left's spiral into depraved violence and whether or not the media can share the blame. From firebombing the Pennsylvania governor's mansion to praising Luigi Mangione, the fellas break it all down. Joining the Progrum is Americans for Public Trust's Caitlin Sutherland. To share…
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Trump's Surprising Tariff Pause Explained w/ Ted Cruz
1:09:11
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1:09:11In this episode of the Ruthless Variety Program, Senator Ted Cruz and Natalie Winters unpack the hottest topics in politics! From Donald Trump’s tariffs strategy - using leverage to lower global trade barriers - to the latest on tax cuts and economic policy, this episode is packed with insights. Senator Ted Cruz, host of the popular Verdict with Te…
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Do the Democrats Have an Ideology Problem?
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43:07The 2024 elections left the Democrats in crisis, soul-searching over why they not only lost the White House, but also multiple down-ballot races, as well. Are we entering an era of party realignment? How is the leadership of the DNC grappling with these losses, and what do they see as the reasons behind them? What has their public response been, so…
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How To Get The Trump Tariff Policy Back On Track
1:25:30
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1:25:30Get ready for a no-holds-barred take on the Trump administration’s tariff game plan in this unmissable episode of the Ruthless Variety Progrum! Hosts Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook tackle the tariff showdown—free trade warriors vs. protectionist champs—and reveal what’s at stake for American jobs, innovation, and g…
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What to know about Trump's brand new reciprocal tariffs. In this insightful episode of the Ruthless Variety Program, hosts Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook analyze Tump's new tariffs. What are the relevant details? How broad in scope are they? Why are they being implemented in the first place? Senator Dave McCormick …
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Lessons in Liberty: What We Can Learn From the Lives of 10 Extraordinary Americans
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45:03What can we learn from those who came before us? What life lessons can be gleaned from the ideas and actions of noteworthy Americans? Dr. Cara Roger Stevens discusses the lives of 10 extraordinary Americans, whose lives offer us wisdom and guidance, with teacher and author Jeremy Adams. You can find Adams' book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2GeECFi #le…
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Unveiling the REAL reasons behind the left's relentless attacks on Tesla cars, DOGE, and Elon Musk! In this explosive episode of the Ruthless Variety Program, hosts Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook analyze the rising wave of violence against Tesla owners—from fire bombings in Las Vegas to road rage in Arizona. Why ar…
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The REAL Story Behind The Signal Controversy
1:01:03
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1:01:03Today, the Democrats and the media attempt to create a crisis over signal. From fake outrage to calls for resignation, Democrats can't help but be-clown themselves. Jasmine Crockett makes a distasteful remark towards Governor Greg Abbott. The fellas provide a Hack Madness update. Find out the true power of America's oil and natural gas. Go to Light…
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What is statesmanship? What does it take to be a statesman? Is it possible to be such a leader during easy times, or only during the toughest moments in history? Jeff sits down with Dr. Greg McBrayer to discuss Ronald Reagan's political philosophy and how he applied in understanding and dealing with the Soviet Union - and why Reagan earned the titl…
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From deporting violent terrorists to interfering in the US military, activist judges continually hamper the Trump agenda. A woman drowns her dog in an airport bathroom. Alex Isenstadt joins the progrum. Tell your senator and member of Congress to work with President Trump and sell more spectrum. Go to EndTheCableopoly.org. Find out the true power o…
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Which Lib Journo is the Biggest hack? - YOU DECIDE - Hack Madness 2025
34:18
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34:18Join the fellas as they break down the brackets and seeds for all your favorite journo hacks for the fifth Hack Madness special episode of the Ruthless Variety Progrum.By Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook, Comfortably Smug
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Democrats’ TOP 5 Most Unhinged Anti-Trump Takes
1:40:06
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1:40:06What are the top 5 most unhinged anti-Trump takes? Will the champion finally meet his match in King of the Hill? ESPN's Tom Crean joins the progrum. Tell your senator and member of Congress to work with President Trump and sell more spectrum. Go to EndTheCableopoly.org. Find out the true power of America's oil and natural gas. Go to LightsOnEnergy.…
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Abigail Adams: John's Confidant, Partner, and Advisor
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43:32Lindsay Chervinsky, Director of the George Washington Presidential Library, joins Cara Rogers Stevens this week to discuss Abigail Adams and her impact on John's public life. Learn more about Lindsay: https://www.lindsaychervinsky.com/ Get her book: https://a.co/d/6OOF1ny Learn about the George Washington Library: https://www.mountvernon.org/librar…
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What Is Really Behind The Democrats’ Civil War?
1:02:04
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1:02:04The left is turning on Chuck Schumer. Democrats are infighting while the party sinks to an all-time low approval rating. Trump uses the Alien Enemies Act to deport some bad hombres. The fellas play the most challenging game of Dem or Journo yet. Tell your senator and member of Congress to work with President Trump and sell more spectrum. Go to EndT…
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Will Democrats Shutdown The Government?
1:16:23
1:16:23
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1:16:23Democrats can't decide on whether they want to shutdown the government. Trump buys a Tesla. Space X embarks to rescue trapped astronauts. King of the Hill gets very dark. AFP's Megan Novak joins the Progrum. Stop Dick Durbin's government takeover of credit cards before it's too late. Learn more at: GuardYourCard.com Tell your senator and member of …
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Daylight Savings Time: nobody seems to enjoy switching their clocks twice a year, and recently there has been another push to eliminate it altogether. But as a policy issue it’s far more complicated than it might seem at first glance. Dr. Cara Rogers Stevens is joined by columnist Rachel Lu, Associate Editor at Law & Liberty, to discuss the many la…
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Democrats’ Money Problem: The Fall Of ActBlue
1:27:03
1:27:03
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1:27:03Democrat fundraising program Act Blue is experiencing internal upheaval. Elon Musk blames George Soros and Reid Hoffman for funding protests against Tesla. The inside scoop on how Trump saved the Panama Canal. A Southwest passenger strips naked mid-flight. Scientists breed woolly mice. Rep. Andy Barr joins the progrum. Be ready for what's down the …
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Amy and Richard visit with Patrick Haddad of St. Nicholas Antiochian Cathedral in Los Angeles and George Zain of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Brooklyn, founding members of the Byzantine choir The Sons of Antioch. Patrick and George talk about the choir’s origins and mission as an ensemble, the group’s liturgical and concert-related activitie…
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Is This The End Of The Democrat Party?
1:19:20
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1:19:20President Donald Trump delivers an impeccable speech in his address to Congress. Democrats react to all of the positive patriotic messaging in the worst ways possible. The media proves there is no level to which they won't stoop. Senator Tommy Tuberville joins the progrum. Call Congress and urge them to end the Biden pill penalty. Call 202-224-3121…
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A Speech That Mattered - Lincoln's Second Inaugural
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32:55Today e ask you to take a moment to look back at an inaugural address that was also given in a time of high political division and partisanship, in fact eclipsing our own. What can we learn from Abraham Lincoln, and from the words of his Second Inaugural Address? Jeff is joined by Dr. Jason Stevens to discuss this essential American document, explo…
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What are the top five wins of the Donald Trump presidency so far? Will Cheri Jacobus finally be unseated as champion in this episode's King of the Hill game? Chairman of the House Budget Committee Jodey Arrington joins the progrum. Call Congress and urge them to end the Biden pill penalty. Call 202-224-3121 Be ready for what's down the road. Go to …
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How Trump is Battling the Liberal Media w/ Karoline Leavitt
1:06:44
1:06:44
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1:06:44Karoline Leavitt joins the progrum to discuss her role as White House Press Secretary and to play a friendly game of Dem Or Journo. Senate Majority Leader John Thune joins the progrum to talk about the record-breaking pace of the Senate and the achievements in implementing the President's agenda. The fellas play a game of dem or journo. Call Congre…
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Adding the Lone Star - The Annexation and Statehood of Texas
42:39
42:39
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42:39How and why did the short-lived Republic of Texas seek admission into the United States and become the 28th state? Historical Jordan Cash joins Jeff for this episode, wherein they discuss how the state of Texas came about, why it factored so prominently in 19th Century American history, and why it still matters today. #texas #texashistory #alamo #a…
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Elon asks federal workers to list their accomplishments, but the left can't stand it. President Trump fired the chairman of the joint chiefs, and journalists melted down. Joy Reid's MSNBC show was canceled. Discount airlines are out of control. Call Congress and urge them to end the Biden pill penalty. Call 202-224-3121 Let's build a better future …
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Ruthless 500th Episode Spectacular!
2:02:47
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2:02:47Ruthless celebrates the Progrum's 500th episode! In this spectacular edition of the show, Mary Katharine Ham, Katie Pavlich, Senator Cotton, Senator Kennedy and Governor Brian Kemp join the progrum. Join the fellas for classic and new Ruthless games! Please consider supporting our great sponsors: Call Congress and urge them to end the Biden pill pe…
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The Conductor: America's Forgotten Father of the Abolition Movement
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41:44Rev. John Rankin is, arguably, America's founding abolitionist, and yet he is virtually forgotten today. A conductor on the Underground Railroad, a writer and preacher, he laid the intellectual, moral, and organizational foundations of what would become the mainstream abolition movement in the mid-19th Century. Jeff is joined today by author Caleb …
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The Real Reason Democrats Hate Elon Musk
1:04:40
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1:04:40Elon cleans up corruption, and Democrats are furious. A military jet slams into San Diego Bay. A man who lost 8,000 bitcoins wants to buy a landfill. FOX News Channel's Will Cain joins the progrum. Call Congress and urge them to end the Biden pill penalty. Call 202-224-3121 Let's build a better future together. Go to API.org Stop Dick Durbin's gove…
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Why The Collapse Of The Left Is Accelerating
1:02:26
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1:02:26Democrats and their media allies continue to spiral as they fail to slow Trump down. Goldman Sachs abandons racism. Disney rebrands away from DEI. The fellas play a friendly game of King of the Hill. Progrum favorite convenience store chain ditches infamous brand. Call Congress and urge them to end the Biden pill penalty. Call 202-224-3121 Let's bu…
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America's Foreign Policy Challenges as of Early 2025
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33:33What foreign policy challenges does the Trump Administration face as of February 2025? Where are the potential flashpoints of global conflict and strife? What 'bad actors' are out there, and are they working together? Defense Policy expert Rebeccah Heinrichs discusses these serious issues with Jeff, and offers some ideas for how America can defend …
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What Is Driving Trump’s Historically High Approval Rating?
1:17:36
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1:17:36Donald Trump is experiencing historically high approval ratings. Liberal judges seek to thwart the President's administration at every turn. What mystery variety leaves the fellas speechless? Austin Bishop CEO of N.A.I.A. joins the progrum. Call Congress and urge them to end the Biden pill penalty. Call 202-224-3121 Be ready for what's down the roa…
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This Is Why Democrats Can’t Stop Trump
1:29:35
1:29:35
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1:29:35The Democrats melt down into hysterics with the restructuring of US AID. Will the reigning champion be defeated in today's King of the Hill? Alex Bruesewitz joins the progrum! Let's build a better future together. Go to API.org Join the fight in reigniting the American dream. Go to ProtectProsperity.com Call Congress and urge them to end the Biden …
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1
Lincoln and the Presidential Pardon Power
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48:34The presidential pardon is the most sweeping and unchallengeable of a president's powers, and it seems that each time someone leaves the White House, pardons generate at least some level of controversy. Why did the Founders include this power? How was its use originally envisioned, and how has it evolved over time? Historian Jonathan White joins Ca…
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How Trump Is Destroying The Legacy News Media - Trump Chief Strategist Chris LaCivita Joins The Progrum!
1:33:39
1:33:39
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1:33:39The President's press room paves the way for new media, and the mainstream media is furious. Trump can't help but rack up more wins for securing the border. Panama agrees to concessions. Venezuela releases American hostages. Macaques are back in the news. 2024 Trump campaign manager Chris LaCivita joins the progrum. Let's build a better future toge…
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The Deep State responds to Trump. A Judge halts freeze on federal aid. Doge offers to buy out federal workers. RFK has his confirmation hearing. Trump bans transgender surgery for minors. Lyft is sued because the rider couldn't fit into the car. King of the Hill returns. Let's build a better future together. Go to API.org Join the fight in reigniti…
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Jimmy Carter - His Presidency, Politics, and Legacy
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49:30Jimmy Carter, a one-term Democrat president from Georgia, recently passed away after a long and impactful and sometimes controversial post-presidential life. From governor of Georgia to president to self-appointed ambassador and highly successful proponent of global relief efforts, Carter broke with many presidential traditions, for better and wors…
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Can Trump Deport 30 million people in 4 years?
1:39:46
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1:39:46Trump wins an immigration standoff against Colombia in only hours. Dr. Phil rides along with Tom Homan for ICE raids. Vice President JD Vance continues to dominate the media. Deepseek AI craters American markets. Eagles fans celebrate their victory with a negligent discharge. Chairman Jason Smith joins the progrum. Let's build a better future toget…
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Trump’s Most Important Executive Orders
1:18:43
1:18:43
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1:18:43Trump has had a historic first few days as President. A leftwing "bishop" chastises Trump during a national prayer. A company forms to spend $500 billion on the AI race. A cruise ship goes wild with the costumes... Stop Dick Durbin's government takeover of credit cards before it's too late. Learn more at: ElectronicPaymentsCoalition.org Let's build…
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John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Reconciliation
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29:30As we mark another peaceful transfer of presidential power in America - and after an ugly, rancorous political campaign season - it's worth looking back at perhaps the greatest story of political and personal reconciliation in our history. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson: allies, then friends, then rivals, then political enemies, and then friends a…
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Donald Trump sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. Biden disgraces himself one last time as he leaves office. Join the fellas as they celebrate Liberation Day in America! Stop Dick Durbin's government takeover of credit cards before it's too late. Learn more at: ElectronicPaymentsCoalition.org Let's build a better future together. Go…
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