• S3. E5 DOGE, Disruption, and the Department of Education
    Feb 18 2025

    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/

    Show more Show less
    55 mins
  • S3. E4 Ambition Counteracting Ambition? Trump's Executive Actions and the Courts
    Feb 11 2025

    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

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • S3. E3 Tariffs: Economic Strategy or Political Tool?
    Feb 4 2025

    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

    Show more Show less
    55 mins
  • S3. E2 From FDR to Trump: The Impact of Executive Orders
    Jan 28 2025

    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

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 10 mins
  • S3. E1 The First 100 Days of the Trump Presidency
    Jan 21 2025

    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.

    Show more Show less
    51 mins
  • S2. E8 Kash Patel's Enemy List and the Purpose of the F.B.I.
    Dec 17 2024

    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/

    Show more Show less
    58 mins
  • S2. E7 Election Night Expectations: Recounts, Fraud Claims and Managing Expectations
    Nov 4 2024

    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.

    Show more Show less
    59 mins
  • S2.E6 Assassination Attempts: The Surprising Similarities Between Teddy's and Trump's Close Calls
    Oct 23 2024

    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.

    Show more Show less
    51 mins