Dr. Jason Russell makes his hosting debut in this important episode on the proper role of religion in our politics. Joined by Dr. Marcia Bumgardner, they explore the historical context of church and state separation, highlighting pivotal moments from the founders' era and examining how these principles are interpreted today. They dive into contemporary issues such as religious requirements for public office and recent legislative measures in Texas and Oklahoma. Key events discussed include Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial Q&A at a Turning Points USA event and the implications of recent bills mandating religious displays in schools. The episode underscores the importance of protecting freedom of conscience while navigating the nuanced intersection of faith and governance.
00:00 Introduction and Host Transition
00:49 Diving into Politics and Religion
02:31 Current Events: Vivek Ramaswamy and the 10 Commandments Bill
04:07 Historical Context: Religion in Early American Politics
09:12 State Constitutions and Religious Qualifications
13:33 Madison's Perspective on Religion and Government
18:19 Federalism and Religious Freedom
25:06 The First Amendment: Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses
30:54 Jefferson's Views on Church and State
32:35 Cultural Shifts and Legal Cases
35:43 Modern Movements to Restore Christianity
36:44 Government Involvement in Religion
44:33 Balancing Majority and Minority Rights
53:55 Vivek Ramaswamy and Religious Qualifications
01:01:39 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
"God and the Founders: Madison, Washington, and Jefferson" by Phillip Vincent Munoz
https://www.amazon.com/God-Founders-Vincent-Phillip-Mu%C3%B1oz/dp/0521735793
Marcia's Substack "Political Vitality"
https://marciabumgardner.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips
In this episode of 'Politics in Perspective,' host Marcia Bumgardner is joined by Dr. Jason Russell and Dr. Charles McCoy to discuss the history and current use of the National Guard, with a focus on instances of federalization. They explore the legal framework, such as the Posse Comitatus Act, and examine historical examples like Little Rock in 1957 and the LA riots in 1992. The episode also delves into the recent deployment of National Guard troops in cities like Los Angeles and Washington D.C. analyzing the implications for federalism, democratic norms, and local law enforcement.
00:00 Introduction to Politics in Perspective
01:26 Current Use of the National Guard
04:47 Historical Background of the National Guard
09:45 Legal Framework: Posse Comitatus Act
16:38 Federalizing the National Guard: Key Historical Instances
22:29 Civil Rights Movement and the National Guard
25:44 1960s Turbulence: National Guard Deployments
27:42 Deployment of National Guard in Wilmington
28:48 Robert F. Kennedy's Speech in Indianapolis
30:47 Escalation vs. De-escalation Strategies
33:40 Historical Context of National Guard Deployment
35:45 Legal and Financial Implications
50:29 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement
In this episode of Politics in Perspective, Marcia, Jason, and Charles discuss the recent assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and the broader issue of political violence in the United States. They explore the historical context of political violence, the importance of having a national conversation about deescalation, and strategies for teaching children to engage positively with politics. The discussion also highlights the significance of maintaining a healthy media diet and promotes community connections as a means to reduce political tensions.
00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic: Political Violence
02:02 The Assassination of Charlie Kirk05:42 Historical Context of Political Violence
08:36 Responses and Reactions to Political Violence
13:26 Talking to Children About Political Violence
31:34 Deescalation Techniques and Final Thoughts
How to Raise a Citizen:
https://howtoraiseacitizen.com/
Politics in Perspective Podcast Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/politicsinperspectivepodcast/
Thanks for listening! We'd love it if you left us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Every review helps us grow.
In this episode of 'Politics in Perspective,' Marcia continues the conversation on propaganda with Dr. Jason Russell and Dr. Charles McCoy. The discussion delves into the overwhelming presence of propaganda in modern society and its sources, including government, media, and social media. They explore how propaganda has evolved from wartime efforts to current domestic political battles. The conversation covers visual propaganda, especially AI-generated images, and the role of social media in perpetuating misinformation. The hosts also provide practical advice on identifying signs of propaganda, such as overly simplified narratives and artificial dichotomies. The episode emphasizes the importance of being well-informed and critical of sources to combat the influence of propaganda. Listeners are encouraged to engage critically with information and to help others recognize potential manipulation.
00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic
00:55 The Overwhelming Presence of Propaganda
01:58 Historical Context: Wartime Propaganda
04:57 Modern Propaganda and Social Media
07:10 Cold War Propaganda Tactics
10:25 Art as a Tool for Propaganda
22:13 The Impact of Propaganda on Modern Politics
29:49 Analyzing a Powerful Visual: Uncle Sam and Illegal Immigration
31:31 Echo Chambers and the Illusory Truth Effect
33:21 The Role of Trusted News Sources in Propaganda
36:35 Recognizing Propaganda in News Commentary
40:44 Correlation vs. Causation in Propaganda
45:07 Simplistic Narratives and Artificial Dichotomies
50:44 Final Thoughts: Combating Propaganda
In this episode of Politics in Perspective, Marcia, Charlesand Jason discuss the use of propaganda, from the Civil War to World War II, examining the evolution of propaganda tools and their impact on society.
Charles highlights the differences between wartime andpolitical propaganda, exploring both its beneficial uses and potential harms. Marcia and Jason emphasize the importance of recognizing propaganda and understandingits underlying intentions to better navigate today's political landscape. The conversation sets the stage for a deeper exploration of modern-day propagandain the next episode.
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
01:15 Purpose of the Podcast
02:44 Meet Dr. Jason Russell
04:52 Meet Dr. Charles McCoy
08:57 Understanding Propaganda1
2:18 Historical Examples of Propaganda
18:25 World War I Propaganda
29:33 Visual Propaganda and Emotional Appeals
34:43 Lenin's Propaganda Strategies
36:03 Visual Propaganda in World War II
39:07 The Role of Radio in Propaganda
42:28 Racial and Cultural Propaganda
49:42 Positive Propaganda: Rosie the Riveter
52:03 The Fine Line Between Propaganda and Truth
57:26 Modern Day Propaganda and Its Recognition
In this episode of Politics in Perspective, hosts Charles McCoy, Jason Russell, and Marcia Bumgardner discuss recent high-profile deportations under the Trump administration. The discussion focuses on the resurgence of the Alien Enemies Act, a historical law allowing expedited deportation, and its modern implications. They explore the background and historical context of the Act, the specifics of the Trump administration's use against alleged gang members, and the potential legal and ethical issues surrounding it. The conversation also delves into the importance of due process and the potential consequences of bypassing it, illustrated by the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man deported under questionable circumstances. This episode sheds light on the complexities of immigration policy and the significance of historical context in understanding contemporary political actions.
00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic
01:35 Overview of Recent Deportation Actions
05:11 Historical Context of the Alien and Enemies Act
11:13 Political Implications and Historical Usage
17:17 Modern Applications and Legal Challenges
24:15 Case Study: Kmar Abrego Garcia
27:57 Court Orders Deportee's Return
28:40 Trump Administration's Resistance
29:35 Supreme Court's Involvement
30:57 Debate on Immigration Policies
34:36 Gang Members vs. Terrorists
37:33 Importance of Due Process
42:19 Historical Context and Lessons
46:00 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Charles's recommendations:
"Chaos"
https://www.netflix.com/title/81482892
"Waco"
https://www.netflix.com/title/81396979
Marcia's recommendations:
"The Siege" by Ben Macintyre
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/08/books/review/the-siege-ben-macintyre.html
We would love it if you left us a review! Each review helps us grow. Thanks for listening!
~Marcia, Charles and Jason
Marcia and Jason discuss the recent executive orders targeting prominent law firms that have opposed the Trump administration. The episode discusses the implications of these orders and highlights President Trump's unprecedented use of executive power to penalize specific firms and their clients. The discussion includes the motivations behind these actions, the reactions from the legal community, and the broader ramifications for presidential power and the rule of law.
00:00 Welcome to Politics in Perspective
01:17 Introduction to Today's Topic: Executive Orders Targeting Law Firms
02:50 Trump's Unusual Speech at the Department of Justice
05:21 The Impact of Executive Orders on Law Firms
07:47 Specific Executive Orders and Their Implications
10:37 Consequences for Law Firms and Their Clients
11:44 Paul Weiss: A Case Study
15:46 Legal and Ethical Ramifications
21:33 The Broader Impact on the Legal Community
23:26 Paul Weiss Settlement with Trump Administration
24:47 Criticism and Support for Settling
27:51 Impact on Legal Profession and Firms' Responses
29:15 Trump Administration's Strategy and Legal Implications
35:38 Presidential Power and Historical Context
45:09 Final Thoughts
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/addressing-risks-from-paul-weiss/
In this episode of Politics in Perspective, host Marcia Bumgardner is joined by political scientist Jason Russell and historian Charles McCoy to explore NATO's role in U.S. foreign policy. The discussion delves into NATO's origins and significance post-World War II, the Berlin Airlift, and the Cold War dynamics. The conversation also covers more recent events, including the U.S. shift in policy towards Ukraine and Russia following a fallout between President Trump and President Zelensky. The episode debates the merits and challenges of NATO membership, explores the U.S.'s historical and current role in global politics, and examines the potential consequences of withdrawing from NATO.
00:00 Introduction and Today's Agenda
01:12 Current Events: US Foreign Policy Shift
01:41 US-Ukraine Relations and Recent Developments
03:48 Social Media Influence and Intelligence Sharing
08:52 Historical Context: Post-WWII Europe and NATO Formation
17:30 The Berlin Airlift and Its Impact
27:32 NATO's Formation and Soviet Response
30:07 Cold War Tensions and Nuclear Arms Race
32:27 The Dangers of Nuclear Alliances
34:31 Reagan's Cold War Legacy
36:00 Shifts in Republican Foreign Policy
40:25 Debating U.S. Involvement in NATO
54:07 The Strategic Importance of Ukraine
01:02:41 Final Thoughts and Reflections
In this episode of Politics in Perspective, Marcia, Jason and Charles discuss the US's current foreign policy toward Ukraine and how historical events from World War II, such as the Munich Agreement and European appeasement strategies, hold lessons for today. The conversation explores parallels between Hitler's actions pre-WWII and Putin's moves in Ukraine, debating whether modern diplomacy with Russia can realistically result in peace. The hosts discuss whether the US should continue support for Ukraine or if isolationism is a viable strategy.
00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic Overview
02:11 Recent Developments in US-Ukraine Relations
07:55 Historical Context: Munich Agreement and World War II
09:22 Hitler's Rise and Early Aggressions
16:47 Appeasement and the Munich Agreement
22:15 The Aftermath of the Munich Agreement
26:26 The Outbreak of World War II
32:41 The Fall of France and Early Nazi Conquests
35:15 The Rapid Fall of Nations
36:12 France's Struggle and Surrender
39:30 Hitler's Rationality Questioned
49:33 Putin's Vision for Russia
58:05 Why Americans Should Care01:07:11 Concluding Thoughts on Foreign Policy
In this episode of 'Politics in Perspective,' Marcia, Charles, and Jason discuss the recent upheaval in the Department of Justice, dubbed the 'Thursday Night Massacre.' They delve into the implications of Mayor Eric Adams' bribery indictment and its controversial dismissal, drawing parallels to the Nixon-era 'Saturday Night Massacre.' The discussion covers the DOJ's internal conflicts, Trump administration's influence, and the historical context of presidential overreach. The team also highlights the political ripple effects and potential outcomes for the involved parties.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:25 Mayor Eric Adams' Bribery Scandal
04:06 DOJ's Controversial Decision
06:28 Resignations and Fallout
13:44 Historical Parallels: Nixon's Saturday Night Massacre
21:43 Sympathy and Government Patsies
22:00 Bork's Supreme Court Nomination
22:33 Congressional Hearings and Borking
24:49 Nixon's Impeachment and Aftermath
27:33 Presidential Accountability and Power
31:11 Trump's Honeymoon Period and Public Opinion
34:40 Budget Cuts and Economic Impact
36:52 Final Thoughts and Future Topics
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/politicsinperspectivepodcast/
In this episode, Marcia Bumgarner and Jason Russell discuss the significant changes to the Department of Education proposed by the Trump administration, particularly through a new executive order and the appointment of Linda McMahon. T They also touch on broader educational issues like Pell Grants, FAFSA, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The episode explores the ideological motives behind targeting the Department of Education and speculates on the possible reshaping of federal educational responsibilities. The hosts express concerns over the implications of rapid organizational changes and emphasize the need for strategic, cautious reform.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:30 Trump's Executive Order and the Department of Government Efficiency
11:40 The Role and Impact of the Department of Education
19:23 Linda McMahon's Nomination and Vision for the Department of Education
25:16 Potential Implications of Restructuring the Department of Education
28:39 Congressional Reactions and Legal Challenges
29:55 Access and Transparency Concerns
31:36 Filibuster and Senate Dynamics
33:26 Department of Education Under Scrutiny35:21 Budget and Legislative Challenges
38:06 Impacts of Workforce Reductions
39:58 Government Efficiency vs. Business Efficiency
49:16 DEI Programs and Administrative Leave
51:05 Expectations and Future Announcements
52:42 Closing Remarks
Donald Trump WWE Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NsrwH9I9vE
Department of Education Layoffs: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2025/02/14/education-department-lays-civil-servants
Send us messages on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/politicsinperspectivepodcast/
In this episode of Politics in Perspective, Marcia, Charles, and Jason, delve into the concept of separation of powers in the U.S. government. The discussion centers around the extent of presidential authority and the checks that exist to balance this power. The team explores President Trump's recent executive actions, historical examples of Congressional pushback against presidential overreach, and the crucial role of the judicial branch in maintaining these checks and balances. They address contemporary concerns regarding the rule of law, the role of partisanship, and the significance of judicial review, emphasizing the strength and resilience of U.S. institutions in preserving democratic governance.
Litigation Tracker:https://www.justsecurity.org/107087/tracker-litigation-legal-challenges-trump-administration/
Jeffries' Dear Colleague letter:https://democraticleader.house.gov/media/press-releases/dear-colleague-re-ongoing-house-democratic-caucus-activity
The Presidency Project (List of EOs):
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/statistics/data/executive-orders
Federalist 51
https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/fed51.asp
Original Jurisdiction Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/1wc57OueDr9aISUgTKYVDs
00:00 Introduction and Show Overview
01:40 Trump's Early Presidency Actions
07:12 Separation of Powers Explained
12:39 Historical Checks on Presidential Power
16:47 Modern Congressional Dynamics
22:05 The Role of the Filibuster25:13 Democratic Party's Position and Strategy
29:12 Political Landscape and Democratic Strategy
31:36 Historical Context: Judicial Review
32:36 Marbury v. Madison: The Birth of Judicial Review
37:19 The Power and Influence of the Supreme Court
37:45 Current Court Cases and Presidential Power
48:14 Concerns About Executive Overreach
56:36 The Role of the Judiciary in Balancing Power
59:27 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead
In this episode of Politics in Perspective, hosts Marcia Bumgardner and Charles McCoy delve into the complex topic of tariffs. They discuss the recent news on President Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, its potential implications for American consumers, and the broader economic landscape. Charles provides an insightful historical overview of tariffs in the U.S., from the Tariff Act of 1789 to modern trade policies.
The conversation explores the dual roles of tariffs in raising government revenue and protecting domestic industries, while also considering their impact on international relations and consumer prices. With real-world examples and expert insights, this episode aims to demystify tariffs and their significance in contemporary politics.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:48 Tariffs in the News
03:30 Understanding Tariffs: Who Pays?
08:57 Purpose and Impact of Tariffs
19:14 Historical Context of Tariffs
29:12 The Civil War and Tariff Changes
29:32 The McKinley Tariff of 1890
30:52 The Revenue Act of 1913
32:18 The Great Depression and the Smoot-Hawley Tariff
35:25 Shift of Tariff Power to the President
37:24 Modern Tariff Policies and Trump
42:41 Potential Upsides and Downsides of Tariffs
49:59 Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Exploring Executive Orders: From FDR's Japanese Internment to Trump's Birthright Citizenship
In this episode of 'Politics in Perspective,' hosts Charles McCoy and Jason Russell, along with special guest Dr. Abby Grubb, discuss the impact and implications of executive orders. They begin by examining President Trump's recent wave of executive actions, particularly focusing on his order regarding birthright citizenship. The conversation then delves into historical context with Dr. Grubb's expertise on FDR's Executive Order 9066, which led to the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII. They explore the legal challenges, public reception, and long-term consequences of such orders, offering a thorough analysis of how executive actions shape political and social landscapes. The discussion also touches upon the potential outcomes of current legal challenges to Trump's immigration policies, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the powers and limits of executive orders.
00:00 Introduction and Panel Introduction
00:49 Trump's Executive Orders: A Busy Start
03:21 Understanding Executive Actions
04:36 Historical Context: FDR's Executive Order 9066
10:24 Life in the Internment Camps
26:30 Legal Challenges and Korematsu Case
35:14 Public Awareness During and After the War
36:14 Civil Rights Movement and Changing Public Opinion
37:18 Recent Executive Orders and Citizenship Issues
38:00 Financial Amends and Public Perception
39:53 Lessons Learned from History
42:48 Understanding Executive Orders
48:36 Trump's Birthright Citizenship Order
51:55 Historical Context of the 14th Amendment
57:20 Legal Challenges and Future Implications
01:07:31 Final Thoughts and Predictions
Did you know we are on Instagram? Follow the show and send us suggestions here: https://www.instagram.com/politicsinperspectivepodcast/
If you have a moment, it would mean so much to us if you could leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Every review helps our podcasts find more listeners. Thank you so much for your support. ~Marcia
Big news! Dr. Jason Russell officially joins the Politics in Perspective podcast as a co-host. In Jason's first official episode, he shares his expectations about the first 100 days of the Trump presidency. Charles explains where this idea of the first 100 days of a presidency got its start. And Marcia discusses Trump's communication style.
Historian Charles McCoy and Political Science expert Jason Russell join Marcia to discuss the recent election results, Trump's cabinet picks, and the significant changes in the FBI's leadership. The conversation explores the political landscape post-election, focusing on the nomination of Kash Patel for FBI director. The episode delves into the history of the FBI, examining parallels with J. Edgar Hoover's era, and discusses the Senate's role in confirming controversial nominees. The potential impact of Patel's appointment and the complexities of maintaining public trust in the FBI are key questions moving into 2025.
This will be the last episode of 2025! See you in the New Year.
Check out Kash Patel's "Deep State" list here:
https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25450362/patel-list.pdf
Follow us on Instagram here:
https://www.instagram.com/politicsinperspectivepodcast/
Welcome to the final episode of Politics in Perspective before the big 2024 election. In this episode, Charles McCoy shares heartwarming personal news, and friend of the pod, Dr. Jason Russell breaks down expectations for Election night. We cover what to look for in election challenges, the intricacies of polling and their margins of error, recounts, and the likelihood of election fraud verus election interference. We also discuss lessons learned from previous elections and the potential role of the Supreme Court involvement. Join us for a thorough breakdown of what to expect in the days leading up to and following this highly anticipated election.
Charles does a deep dive into Presidential assassination attempts. Four sitting U.S. Presidents have died as a result of gunshot wounds, including the often-forgotten James Garfield. There are also a few surprising similarities between Teddy Roosevelt's close call and the recent attempt on Donald Trump.
Less than a month out from the Presidential Election, with an essentially tied race, what will move the dial for the campaigns? Marcia breaks down the Vice Presidential debate with special guests Dr. Cassandra Khatri and Dr. Jason Russell. The civility of the debate was a welcome change of pace for some viewers, but did it change the state of the race? What might matter more in these final days?
We would love it if you reviewed the show! This helps us grow and reach more listeners.
Follow the show on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/politicsinperspectivepodcast/
Marcia breaks down the Electoral College with special guest Dr. Jason Russell. They explain the Nebraska and Maine method of allocating electors and how the outcome of the Presidential election might change if more states adopted this method. They also discuss the state of the race and why it may be a long election night!