The Homeless Conservative

Last week's indictment of James Comey for might be the most egregious use of law fare we've seen...so far. Say what you will about democrats' law fare against Trump, but at least the people at the top pretended to not be blatantly prosecuting their political opponents. But Trump is just out here posting on social media demanding his attorney general go after his enemies, mentioning Comey by name. Similarly, he's unilaterally declaring Venezuelan drug smugglers "enemy combatants" and using the military to blow up their (alleged) boats in the ocean. Should we reconsider the power we've given one person at the top of the executive branch? Is it appropriate for a president to name people he wants the DOJ to prosecute? Should presidents be able to use the military to strike anyone they deem a threat of any kind? Obviously, I think we should. NOTES:The Truth About Amelia Earhart - The AtlanticTrump Notifies Congress That the U.S. Is at War with Drug Cartels - Andy McCarthy, National ReviewTrump's New York fraud ruling sets precedent that lying about square footage is wrong? What's Wrong with the Jim Comey Prosecution? - Dan McLaughlin, National Review

A 31 year old husband and father was murdered because of his political beliefs. While we don't know who shot Charlie Kirk and ended his life yesterday, we do know that in the US, political violence has been accelerating at an alarming rate. There have been assassination attempts or attacks on Nancy Pelosi and her husband, the Republican Congressional baseball team, Governor Josh Shapiro and his family, Minnesota state lawmakers, Gabby Gifford, Donald Trump (twice), Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the United Health Care CEO, Congress on January 6th...and more I'm probably forgetting because of the unfortunate length of the list. Will any of us stop to reconsider the way we talk about our political rivals? Or will we continue to cheer on this kind of violence - as long as it's against 'the other side'?

Trump is using emergency powers to send the National Guard into DC to try and solve the crime problems, while Democrats are claiming there IS no crime problem. You won't be surprised to learn both are wrong and not serious about solving anything. Chapters:00:00 Trump's Takeover of D.C. and Crime Control10:59 The Complexity of Crime Statistics19:57 The Role of Prosecution in D.C.25:49 Addressing Gun Violence and Straw Purchases27:54 The Homelessness Dilemma in Major Cities30:19 Trump's Approach to Crime and Authoritarianism33:32 The Plea Deal Problem in Criminal Justice37:02 Distracting from Economic Issues39:54 Government Control in Private Industry47:09 The Dangers of Expanding Executive PowerNotes:Assessing DC's Violent Crime Trends - Jeff-alytics substackCrime Scene - Nick Catoggio: The DispatchDems About To Lose Again On The Issue - Pitches and Snitches substack

Everyone is shocked - SHOCKED - that the Texas GOP is trying to gerrymander congressional maps to advantage Republicans. As if Democrats hadn't already done their own gerrymandering in their states. Blake gets into the historical context of gerrymandering, the partisan nature of redistricting, and the challenges of achieving fair representation. The conversation then shifts to Trump's controversial firing of the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, exploring the significance of economic data and the political ramifications of manipulating such information.Yeah, these are boring things to talk about - but they're important! Promise. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Gerrymandering and Political Landscape02:44 Texas Redistricting: A Power Grab?05:56 The Impact of Gerrymandering on Representation08:38 Democratic Responses and the Role of Independent Commissions11:44 Proposed Solutions to Gerrymandering17:19 The Case for Increasing House Representation24:54 The Challenges of Governance in a Slim Majority26:49 Gerrymandering and Its Implications27:15 The Importance of Economic Data28:09 Trump's Controversial Decisions on Labor Statistics30:45 Understanding Job Reports and Revisions34:24 The Impact of Tariffs on the Economy37:31 Presidential Power and Economic Control42:07 Economic Uncertainty and Its Effects47:11 Trust in Economic Data and Its Consequences

Blake and Patrick Trepanier discuss the themes of political engagement, federalism, and economic structures in America. Trepanier's book, 'American Restraint,' argues that hyper capitalism and wealth imbalances are significant issues facing the nation. They explore the role of Article 5 in proposing amendments to restore balance, the impact of the subprime mortgage crisis, and the challenges of housing affordability. The discussion emphasizes the need for civic engagement and the importance of understanding the complexities of capitalism and regulation in today's society. In this conversation, Blake Fischer and Patrick Trepanier delve into the complexities of manufacturing, immigration, and the middle class in America. They discuss the voluntary nature of job transitions, the impact of tariffs on consumer prices, and the evolving landscape of labor in the face of automation and immigration policies. The dialogue also touches on the historical context of economic shifts, the role of government regulation versus libertarian ideals, and the challenges facing the middle class today. Ultimately, they explore the need for a balanced approach to governance that fosters innovation while addressing the concerns of everyday Americans.NOTES:- American Restraint on Amazon- Patrick's Youtube Channel TakeawaysAmerica is broken and divided, needing structural reforms.Federalism is a solution to restore balance in governance.The political environment has become increasingly hostile and divisive.Many citizens feel disengaged from the political process.Article 5 offers a way for states to propose amendments.Hyper capitalism has led to wealth imbalances in society.The subprime mortgage crisis exemplifies government failure in regulation.Economic mobility is not static; people move between classes.Housing affordability is a significant issue for the middle class.Regulation at local levels impacts housing supply and affordability. People are leaving manufacturing jobs voluntarily for better opportunities.Tariffs can lead to increased consumer prices, affecting all Americans.The middle class has faced significant challenges over the past 50 years.Wages for workers have not kept pace with CEO compensation.Immigration policies impact the labor market and job availability.Consumerism drives demand for cheaper goods, complicating manufacturing jobs.Manufacturing today requires more skills than in the past due to technological advancements.The 1970s marked a significant shift in economic policies and individualism.Libertarianism and government regulation present contrasting views on economic management.The concentration of power in big business and government affects competition and innovation.Chapters00:00 Introductions00:25 Exploring 'American Restraint' and Its Themes04:34 Federalism: A Path to Solutions06:00 The Nature of Political Discourse06:23 The Us vs Them Mentality in Politics10:59 Engagement and Disengagement in Political Discourse13:58 Hyper Capitalism and Economic Imbalances27:13 Housing and Education: The Role of Government34:19 Competition vs Regulation in the Market35:48 Defining Capitalism and Its Restraints37:22 The Role of Corporations in Job Creation40:40 The Impact of Globalization on American Jobs43:08 Immigration and the Labor Market49:26 The Evolution of the Middle Class01:00:25 The Shift in Economic Dynamics Since the 70s01:06:39 The Debate on Common Good Conservatism01:09:41 Libertarianism and Economic Thought01:11:34 The Executive Compensation Racket01:14:59 Antitrust and Market Competition01:17:15 The Role of Government in Business01:20:29 The Impact of Government on Housing and Education01:24:58 Concentration of Power and Local Governance01:28:20 The Need for National Dialogue

Mackenzie is back to talk about the Trump administration's complete 180 on the Epstein conspiracies. After MAGA's full embrace and peddling of conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein, alleged client lists, and nefarious deep state connections, figures like Kash Patel, Dan Bongino, JD Vance, Pam Bondi, and Trump himself are now asking "why is anyone still talking about this?". Is the belief in these specific conspiracies something Trump can simply wave away, or will he lose support? Chapters00:00 Introduction to Epstein and Conspiracy Theories02:50 The Legal Proceedings Against Epstein05:31 The Impact of Epstein's Death08:21 The Role of Trump and MAGA in the Epstein Narrative11:23 Conspiracy Theories and Public Perception13:55 The Media's Role in the Epstein Case16:45 Trump's Response and Political Implications19:47 Concluding Thoughts on Epstein and Conspiracy Culture32:53 The Epstein Conspiracy: Murder or Suicide?35:07 Public Perception and Political Scandals36:36 Polling and Public Opinion on Military Actions37:57 The Role of Media in Shaping Narratives40:51 Accountability in Political Statements43:01 Conspiracy Theories and Their Impact49:00 The Future of Political Conspiracies53:09 Justice and Accountability in High-Profile Cases57:06 Conspiracy Theories: A Personal Perspective

In this episode I get into the intricacies of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, recently signed by Donald Trump. I unpack the bill's budgetary implications, tax reforms, and its impact on various sectors, including energy and healthcare. It's a mess of a bill, as you'd expect from any Congress these days, and unsurprisingly adds $3-4 trillion to the national debt - because Republicans are no longer fiscally responsible or conservative and aren't even pretending otherwise. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act02:40 Understanding the Reconciliation Process05:49 Key Provisions of the Bill08:29 Tax Implications and Fiscal Responsibility11:10 Energy Policy Changes14:17 Healthcare Reforms and Medicaid Changes26:23 Medicaid Expansion and Federal Spending32:33 Border Security and Immigration Enforcement36:36 Congressional Budgeting and Fiscal Responsibility42:24 Virginia's Regulatory Rollback Success52:19 Conclusion and Call to Action

Soon after last week's episode pondering if the U.S. would take action in Iran to take out their nuclear facilities, Trump gave the order to do exactly that. Both sides rushed to their respective corners (WWIII vs total obliteration and victory), but let's get into the nuance of it. Plus, the Supreme Court makes a ruling on district courts ability to issue nationwide injunctions on presidential executive orders.

In this episode, Blake discusses various pressing political issues, including the recent political violence in Minnesota, the complexities of immigration policy under the Trump administration, and the ongoing military actions between Israel and Iran. He emphasizes the need for both sides of the political spectrum to denounce violence and the importance of coherent immigration policies. The conversation also delves into the implications of Israel's military actions against Iran and the broader context of U.S. foreign policy.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context10:21 Immigration Policy and ICE Raids23:32 Transition to Israel and Iran32:42 The Nuclear Threat: Iran's Capabilities and Intentions39:11 The U.S. Role and Public Perception in Foreign Policy45:10 Navigating Misinformation and Media Bias

Notes:Andrew Follett on XAnother Harvard Scandal Proves That Science is BrokenAndrew's other NR articlesBlake and Andrew Follett discuss the current state of science, focusing on the erosion of trust in scientific research, exemplified by a recent Harvard scandal involving a professor accused of fraud. They explore the issues of peer review, political bias in academia, and the pressures of funding that compromise scientific integrity. The discussion highlights the need for accountability and transparency in research, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has polarized public perception of science. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the intersection of politics, science, and integrity, focusing on the role of nudging in political campaigns, the integrity issues within scientific research, and the growing distrust in science among the public. They propose solutions for improving scientific integrity, such as pre-registration of trials and increased transparency in research funding. The conversation also touches on the impact of bureaucracy on scientific progress, the need for scientific rivalries, and the Trump administration's approach to science funding and accountability. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of demanding results from government-funded research and fostering a venture capital mindset in scientific endeavors. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the flawed incentive structures within government and educational institutions, the declining prestige of universities, and the crisis of scientific integrity. They emphasize the need for skepticism and open debate in science, the role of external forces in driving scientific advancement, and the impact of ideological biases on research outcomes. The discussion concludes with a call for better government policies to support scientific progress.Chapters00:00 The Trust in Science Dilemma01:25 The Harvard Scandal: A Case Study07:18 Peer Review and Accountability in Science12:49 Political Bias in Scientific Research17:14 The Crisis of Scientific Integrity22:36 Funding and the Future of Science29:34 The Role of Nudging in Politics and Science30:37 Integrity Issues in Scientific Research32:35 Trust and Distrust in Science33:44 Proposed Solutions for Scientific Integrity34:40 The Importance of Transparency in Research37:18 The Need for Scientific Rivalries39:55 Bureaucracy and Its Impact on Research43:28 The Trump Administration's Approach to Science Funding51:51 Demanding Results from Government-Funded Research55:07 The Incentive Structure of Government and Education58:07 The Decline of University Prestige and Enrollment01:00:48 The Crisis in Scientific Integrity and Public Trust01:02:43 The Need for Skepticism and Open Debate in Science01:05:34 The Role of External Forces in Scientific Advancement01:11:50 The Ideological Spotlight Effect in Research01:15:45 Conclusion: The Future of Science and Government Policy

I speak with Matt Diemer from Daily Crypto News about what's going on with crytpo currencies right now. How did the once crypto-skeptical Trump end up fully embracing the technology? Is his $Trump coin out-in-the-open corruption, offering "investors" a direct line to the president while making him wealthier? We tackle these questions and more in our conversation.Check Matt out at dailycryptonews.net or anywhere you get podcastshttps://dailycryptonews.netChapters00:00 Introduction to Cryptocurrencies and Trump02:37 The Shift in Trump's Stance on Crypto05:08 Understanding Different Types of Cryptocurrencies07:15 The Role of Stable Coins in the Economy11:39 Government Regulation and Cryptocurrency17:33 The Future of Crypto Regulation25:57 Trump's Involvement in Cryptocurrency30:14 The Global Perspective on Cryptocurrency and Politics39:10 Corruption in Politics: A Systemic Issue46:48 The Role of Influence and Money in Governance

After yet another Trump's Tariff Pause®, is it worth asking what exactly we got in concessions from China? Is our national security better? Did we re-shore manufacturing jobs? Have we changed our bilateral trade deficit with China into a surplus? I can't find anyone to explain it to me in a way that makes sense. So I talk about why it proves there's no plan here - there's no genius "Art of the Deal" style negotiation strategy happening. And then I talk about why Trump accepting a new Air Force One from *checks notes* a country that actively supports terrorism in the Middle East is peak absurdity.

Is Trump just confused... or losing it? And why is the media only willing to admit one side’s slipping?This week, I’m digging into the media’s selective outrage over cognitive decline — calling out how they covered for Joe Biden for years, only to pivot after his disastrous debate… while staying weirdly silent on Trump’s own spiral into boomer Facebook uncle energy. We’ll walk through Trump’s latest unhinged ideas (reopening Alcatraz? tariffing movies?), why he genuinely seems to believe a photoshopped gang tattoo is real, and how the press helped build this mess — then blamed everyone but themselves.This isn’t about left vs. right. It’s about how both parties are running old men past their prime, while their media allies play PR flack instead of doing journalism. And if we can’t admit when a president is mentally unfit, what happens when real decisions need to be made?Let’s talk about it.🧠 Chapters00:00 – Why does the media suddenly care about mental fitness now?02:24 – Is Biden declining... or was the press just covering for him?12:17 – When the media sort of admitted it — too late15:36 – Trump’s recent ideas: Alcatraz, movie tariffs, and total nonsense23:03 – Did Trump really believe the MS-13 tattoo was real?26:08 – Is he lying… or just gullible and declining?31:16 – Why Trump can’t let go of 2020 (and what it might mean)35:55 – The press won’t ask hard questions — again39:43 – Trump’s policy worldview: nostalgia in a MAGA hat42:58 – What if both guys are losing it — and no one will admit it?

Donald Trump is back in the White House, and his first 100 days of Term Two were anything but normal. In this episode, I break down what his early moves tell us about the direction of his second administration — and what it means for the future of governance in America.We get into the surge of executive orders, the shift in voter expectations around presidential power, and the economic shockwaves from Trump’s revived tariff policies. I explore how immigration became almost entirely a White House issue, why businesses are bracing for impact, and what centralized power in the executive branch is doing to the constitutional order.This isn’t just about Trump — it’s about how we, the voters and the media, have changed what we expect from a president… and how that shift could backfire.⸻Key topics: • Executive power in Trump’s second term • The economics of Trump’s tariffs • Immigration as a presidential-only issue • Voter appetite for strongman leadership • Trade wars and economic uncertainty • Erosion of checks and balancesChapters00:00 Trump's First 100 Days: A Unique Perspective02:52 The Role of Executive Orders in Trump's Administration06:05 Voter Expectations and the Impact of Short Attention Spans08:48 The Immigration Debate: Trump's Approach and Its Consequences11:57 Economic Policies: Tariffs and Their Implications18:01 The Uncertainty of Trump's Leadership and Future Prospects26:46 The Political Landscape Post-Liberation Day29:08 Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty32:56 The Impact of Trade Wars on American Consumers36:39 China's Role in Global Trade Dynamics39:57 The Consequences of Centralized Power43:41 The Erosion of Constitutional Governance52:58 Looking Ahead: The Future of American Politics

Let's talk about the challenges of engaging with politics in today's evolving media landscape. Too many reasonable individuals are disengaging from political discourse and I think it's important to stay informed amidst a rapidly changing media environment. So let's talk about the need for honest communication and the value of diverse opinions in political discussions. If all the reasonable people check out of politics, only the unreasonable ones will be left dictating the future of the country. - cartoon credit Signe WilkensonCHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to The Homeless Conservative01:04 Engagement with Political Discourse03:30 Challenges of Staying Informed05:54 The Evolving Media Landscape12:03 Generational Trust in Media18:20 Navigating Information Sources24:34 The Importance of Honest Discourse27:22 Understanding Antisemitism in Political Violence30:15 Media's Role in Political Narratives33:31 The Importance of Accountability in Political Discourse37:42 Trustworthiness in Media and Information41:30 The Value of Diverse Perspectives in Conversations45:12 Navigating Bias in Media Consumption49:50 Engaging in Constructive Political Dialogue

I don't love the blanket attack that Trump is "dumb". It's lazy. But in some situations, I think it's fair to point out his intellectual deficiencies in specific policy areas. In this case, I think it's apparent he has absolutely no idea how domestic manufacturing actually works, and understands global supply chains and trade about as well as my 8 year old.

We're a little more than two months into Trump's second term, and even though I was nowhere near what anyone would call optimistic about how it would go, even I've been surprised just how off-the-rails it's been. From the unexplainable on-again, off-again tariff threats causing uncertainty in the U.S. economy, to his shocking attacks on judges and private law firms who dare rule against him or defend his enemies, or the straight up gaslighting his administration is attempting with Signalgate, it's been one bad thing after another. It's not that there aren't some good things happening, it's just that they are drops in the bucket compared to the long-term damage I believe he's doing to the country that will take us generations to undo. So, yeah, this one isn't exactly sunny and optimistic to listen to. NOTES:Tariff Myths, Debunked – Scott Lincicome – Cato Institutehttps://www.cato.org/commentary/tariff-myths-debunkedTrump’s Tariffs Mapped by Voter Impact –  – The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/03/15/business/economy/tariffs-trump-maps-voters.htmlAmericans Paid for the Trump Tariffs—and Would Do So Again – Clark Packard, Scott Lincicome, Alfredo Carrillo Obregon – Cato Institutehttps://www.cato.org/blog/americans-paid-trump-tariffs-would-do-so-againThe State of the American Middle Class – Rakesh Kochhar – Pew Research Centerhttps://www.pewresearch.org/race-and-ethnicity/2024/05/31/the-state-of-the-american-middle-class/Inside Trump’s Campaign Against Law Firms – Charlotte Lawson, Grayson Logue, James P. Sutton – The Dispatchhttps://thedispatch.com/newsletter/morning/inside-trumps-campaign-against-law-firms/60% of Republicans Think the Trump Administration’s Military Leak Is a Very or Somewhat Serious Problem – Taylor Orth – YouGovhttps://today.yougov.com/politics/articles/51888-republicans-think-the-trump-administrations-military-leak-is-problemHere Are the Attack Plans That Trump’s Advisers Shared on Signal – Jeffrey Goldberg, Shane Harris – The Atlantichttps://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/03/signal-group-chat-attack-plans-hegseth-goldberg/682176/

Last night, Trump gave a campaign speech - wait, sorry - an address to a joint session of Congress (basically the State of the Union for Inaugural years). Its 100 minute length did not match its substance. In fact, I mostly think what mattered is what Trump didn't say during the speech.

Yesterday Trump "paused" all military support to Ukraine after Friday's Oval Office spat between Trump, Vance, and Zelensky. And then he announced 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico. How will these decisions affect Americans economically and geopolitically? NOTES:Trump Suspends Military Aid to Ukraine After Oval Office Blowup -0 NYThttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/03/us/politics/trump-ukraine-military-aid.htmlTrump Will Impose 25% Tariffs on Canada and Mexico - NYThttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/03/business/economy/trump-tariffs-china-mexico-canada.htmlBlame Trump for the Oval Office Fiasco with Zelensky - Andrew C. McCarthy - National Reviewhttps://www.nationalreview.com/2025/03/blame-trump-for-the-oval-office-fiasco-with-zelensky/My Expectations for the Economic Effects of Tariffs - Dominic Pino - National Reviewhttps://www.nationalreview.com/corner/my-expectations-for-the-economic-effects-of-tariffs/The End of ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’ - Nick Catoggio - The Dispatchhttps://thedispatch.com/newsletter/boilingfrogs/trump-derangement-syndrome-zelensky-ukraine/Dishonor and Incompetence in the Oval Office - Jonah Goldberg - The Dispatchhttps://thedispatch.com/newsletter/gfile/trump-vance-zelenksy-oval-office-2/Zelensky was the true instigator of the Oval Office fracas - not an ‘ambush’ from Trump - Miranda Devine - NY Posthttps://nypost.com/2025/03/02/opinion/zelensky-was-the-true-instigator-of-the-oval-office-fracas-not-an-ambush-from-trump/Ukraine Oversighthttps://www.ukraineoversight.gov/Funding/