The podcast celebrated its two-year anniversary as Brian, Chris and Andy looked at the Trump Administration’s push to ban flag burning, discussing the First Amendment and disagreeing with the misguided Executive Order. They then moved to the Virginia gubernatorial election and a recent assessment giving Democrats a stronger likelihood of winning the governorship. They closed emphasizing the importance of individual action and advocacy for open markets, open minds, and a free society.
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This week, Brian, Chris and Andy focused on discussing current political and economic challenges in Virginia, particularly around Virginia’s economy and the upcoming gubernatorial election. The hosts discussed the impacts of federal layoffs, tariffs and other economic issues before transitioning to Governor Glenn Youngkin and the race between Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle Sears and Democratic nominee, Abigail Spanberger. They examined campaign strategies and polling data. The discussion concluded with broader conversations about the President's Executive Order on flag burning, a quick look at possible 2028 Presidential options, the need for political reform - including ballot access reform - and ended on a hopeful note about continuing efforts for a more free and prosperous Virginia and America.
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Brian, Chris and Andy focused on concerns about new age verification / internet censorship laws in the UK and their potential impact on internet freedom and free speech. The guys then touched on the National Guard deployment in Washington D.C., Northern Virginia schools pushing back on the Trump Administration’s pressure on transgender policy, and more.
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This week, Brian, Chris and Andy discussed gerrymandering, particularly in response to President Trump's push for redistricting in Texas to secure more Republican seats. Brian and Chris highlighted the irony of both Democratic and Republican governors engaging in redistricting efforts to gain political advantage, despite the negative impact on fair representation. They proposed proportional representation and ranked choice voting as potential solutions to minimize the politicization of redistricting and shared information about Virginia's Redistricting Commission as an example of a state attempting to reduce political influence in the redistricting process. The discussion then shifted to President Trump's actions in Washington D.C., including the federalization of DC police, the deployment of the National Guard and both concern and skepticism about the motivations behind these measures.
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In this 75th episode, Brian, Chris and Andy explored ideas in liberalism, including a recent article arguing that liberalism is more than solely striving towards greater freedom but also stands as the bulwark against abusive behavior. They also touched on Virginia’s upcoming elections while looking at the recent stand by Maine’s Secretary of State as she resisted Department of Justice efforts for state voter information. That, and the guys had a little fun as Chris had to make a critical choice on who he would fire first: Jerry Jones or Donald Trump?
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Virginia Politics: book bans and (lack of) election competition, plus reflections on Trump at six months. This week, Chris and Andy look at a recent report covered in the Cardinal News regarding book removals from Virginia school libraries and the broader issue of book bans in educational settings, emphasizing the importance of diverse literature and local decision-making. The report reveals that while most school systems in Virginia didn't remove any books, 223 different books were removed statewide over the past five years. Five counties, led by Hanover County with 125 removals, accounted for 75% of all book removals. In contrast, 63% of school systems, including Fairfax County, removed no books at all. They also examined the state of electoral competition in Virginia's upcoming elections, noting the lack of independent candidates and the need for ballot access reform to increase political choices. The discussion concluded with some thoughts on the Trump Presidency at six months and concerns about political division and partisanship, while maintaining hope for a better future. Hat tips to Cardinal News and VPAP.
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A More Attractive Alternative: Making the Economy Work for All of Us. Brian, Chris and Andy discussed a recent Charlotte Clymer article, which criticized the current economic system and expressed support for democratic socialist policies. The discussion explored alternative liberal approaches to address economic challenges facing young people and working-class individuals. They agreed that many people feel disconnected from traditional economic opportunities and debated the merits of free market solutions versus centralized planning, with particular focus on housing, healthcare, and regulatory barriers. They discussed the challenges of cronyism and proposed practical solutions verses utopian free market or socialist ideas. The discussion concluded with agreement on practical steps to improve economic opportunities through local initiatives and policy changes, emphasizing free market solutions and innovation to improve economic opportunities for all.
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Virginia’s New 2025 Laws: more age restrictions, more tiny homes, cocktails-to-go and more! Brian and Andy discussed new laws in Virginia that took effect on July 1st. They started with new age restrictions and discussion on responsibility thresholds before looking at new rules in housing policies, social media regulations for child influencers, cell phone bans, cocktails-to-go, and pedestrian safety, while also examining unintended privacy implications of well-intentioned health data protection laws. T
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“Populism is a Cancer.” Due Process & the Big Budget Bill, with special guest, Jason Pye. This week, Brian, Chris and Andy welcomed special guest, Jason Pye, Vice President of the Due Process Institute. They discussed the erosion of due process rights and Constitutional protections under the Trump administration and covered hyper-partisanship, the current budget bill, concerns about authoritarian measures in legislation and more. The group emphasized the importance of fighting for civil liberties and fiscal responsibility while warning against the gradual erosion of rights by successive administrations.
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“Principles Matter.” Iran Strikes and the Virginia and NYC Primaries. The CLPVA team discuss recent US military actions against Iran, expressing concerns about constitutional legality and the lack of congressional oversight, while emphasizing the importance of adhering to constitutional principles and maintaining checks and balances - chastising Congress for a lack of Congressional oversight. The conversation then shifted to examining how a liberal government might approach international threats and conflicts, with emphasis on diplomacy, strategic sanctions, and cooperation with allies rather than unilateral military action. In closing, they shared some thoughts on recent primary elections in Virginia and New York City.
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ICE, Protests, and No Kings, plus Virginia politics and pizza! The Commonwealth Classical Liberal Podcast returned as Brian, Chris and Andy opened with some updates on the Attorney General's race before discussing last week’s ICE activity, the Los Angeles protests, and criticizing the President's response, including concerns about deploying the National Guard and Marines. The hosts then shared their weekend experiences including participating in the Leesburg No Kings protest and canvassing efforts in Virginia Beach. They concluded with a series of positive comments, and sharing some love for Virginia Beach’s best pizza.
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The Virginia Attorney General Election and the Los Angeles ICE Protests. Brian, Chris and Andy opened by discussing current events, particularly focusing on Los Angeles and also other protests occurring around the country. The main discussion centered on the Virginia Attorney General election, where they looked at the incumbent and GOP nominee, Jason Miyares, and the two candidates vying for the Democratic nomination, Jay Jones and Shannon Taylor. The hosts shared their preferences for the election and discussed how the AG may or may not push back against the Trump Administration after the election. The conversation concluded with discussions about political activism, the importance of understanding constitutional principles, and the need for better political representation to address polarization.
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Other items in the news: Trump voters call president's pardon of corrupt Virginia sheriff 'a terrific mistake'. "That's a terrific mistake," said Ken Green, a retired entrepreneur and three-time Trump voter, as he ate breakfast at the counter at Frost Cafe in downtown Culpeper. "It's a failure of our justice system. He was guilty as could be. He needed to go to jail, and he didn't. So what kind of signal does that send?"
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Ways the CLPVA differs from Republicans: Law and Order, Economics, Principles. The podcast returns from Memorial Day break to discuss areas where the modern right could improve, acknowledging that finding common ground has become more challenging due to a gap between words and actions. The panel explores various issues including police mission creep, economic policies, and the need for firm political principles, while emphasizing the importance of questioning motivations and evaluating policies objectively rather than based on tribal loyalty. Specific topics include:
The discussion concludes with an examination of political polarization and the need for political reform, including better voting systems and ballot access, to enable more diverse political representation.
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Ways the CLPVA differs from Democrats: championing abundance, free speech and immigration! This week, Brian, Chris and Andy focus on the differentiation of the Classical Liberal Party of Virginia (CLPVA) from the traditional Democratic and Republican parties. Andy outlines the plan to discuss how the CLPVA differs from both parties over the next two episodes. Brian opened with a discussion on abundance and housing. Chris focused on free speech and civil liberties. And Andy closed revisiting the topic of immigration. The discussion highlights the CLPVA's distinct positions, emphasizing that the Party is not centrist but rather aims to promote smart, responsible, classical liberal ideas.
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Brian on Abundance and Housing!
Chris on the First Amendment, free speech and civil liberties!
Andy on Immigration!
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RESISTANCE WORKS! Fighting back against the Trump - Miller assault on the Constitution. Brian and Andy address recent news and threats to the U.S. Constitution and Republic, focusing on comments from President Trump and Stephen Miller regarding habeas corpus and lavish foreign gifts, both flying in the face of the U.S. Constitution. They emphasize the importance of upholding Constitutional norms and the rule of law, closing with a call to continue to RESIST the un-American and anti-Constitutional actions of the Trump Regime.
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Virginia’s Lt. Governor’s race: A MAGA, An Independent, and six Democrats walk into an election… Brian, Chris and Andy discussed the Virginia Lieutenant Governor's field, and the introduction of ranked choice voting in Charlottesville, with Brian expressing pessimism about its potential impact due to the single-party dominance in these areas. Chris, on the other hand, was more optimistic about the possibility of real choice and more dynamism in elections. They looked at John Reid, the Republican candidate for Lt. Governor and a striving independent candidate, Marlow Jones, before reviewing the Democratic field. The conversation concluded with a call for voters to be involved, to exercise their rights and to consider all options. The podcast will come back to look at Virginia’s Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General races in the months ahead.
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Trump’s terrible polls and terrible assault on the Bill of Rights. Brian, Chris and Andy discuss immigration actions, judicial arrests, President Trump’s continued assault on the Constitution, violating at least five Bill of Rights amendments. They also discussed the President's historically low approval rating, the Justice Department memo on the Alien Enemies Act (which allows for warrantless home searches without judicial review) and the slippery slope of reckless authoritarian actions. They also discussed the arrest of Milwaukee County judge Hannah Dugan, who is accused of obstructing immigration enforcement, and the importance of encryption as a technical safeguard against legal rights violations. The team emphasized the need for Congress to take its power back, the judiciary to hold the executive branch accountable, and the importance of protecting democracy and the Constitution.
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Debate: If we’re anti-MAGA in Virginia, do we have to vote Spanberger? Virginia’s gubernatorial election: Making history, making choices. Focusing on Abigail Spanberger and Winsome Sears, and discussing the potential implications of the race as a referendum on President Trump. Brian, Chris and Andy debated the merits of supporting major party candidates versus seeking alternatives, with Andy expressing his intention to vote for Spanberger to oppose MAGA and the GOP. They noted the historical significance of the race, as Virginia is set to elect its first female governor, and potentially its first black woman governor. The CLPVA team also touched on the importance of grassroots movements and voting reforms beyond just elections, and the need for humility in political discourse.
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Episode 61: Bullshit & Buffoonery: Trump, Tariffs & Torture Camps. Brian, Chris and Andy discussed President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff plan (no-plan-at-all), his nonsensical rhetoric about foreign nations "looting, pillaging, raping, and plundering” America and how it doesn’t match the reality of Americans’ high living standards and quality of life. They also spoke on inaccuracies about American manufacturing and tariffs, criticizing the idea that tariffs will bring back manufacturing jobs or improve national security as they explained the CLPVA’s position for free trade. The team then addressed the on the ongoing detention of individuals in El Salvador and the President’s White House comments on putting Americans in El Salvadorian torture camps. The conversation also covered freedom of speech – even when it's lousy speech, the upcoming Virginia gubernatorial election, concerns about democracy, and more. Relevant links to today’s episode:
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Crime and deportations (the “homegrowns” are next…)
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Trump Unconstitutionally Seeks to Defund Libraries + Tech, Tariffs & Trans Visibility. Brian, Chris, and Andy discussed the ongoing (often unconstitutional) antics coming out of Washington, DC, and their impact on Virginia, including a recent executive order targeting libraries. They expressed concern about the erosion of congressional authority and the potential for commercial entities to limit access to information. They also addressed the potential consequences of Trump’s tariffs and the negative impact on the economy. In closing, they emphasized the importance of celebrating positive experiences, advocate for responsible government and noted Trans Day of Visibility and the importance of supporting the trans community. The podcast will be off next week, resuming in two weeks.
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