D.J. Byrnes, an insightful independent journalist from Ohio's The Rooster, returns to discuss the ski slope of political outrage, sharing an uproarious tale of outsmarting Vivek Ramaswamy. He dives into Cleveland's stadium scandal while critiquing the disconnect between politicians and constituents. Joining him, Nate Fisher, co-writer and co-star of the indie film 'Eephus,' shares humorous insights on filmmaking inspired by recreational sports, touching on the charm of community engagement and the complexities of independent storytelling.
The episode underscores the intense polarization in American politics, illustrated by constituent backlash against elected officials and their perceived disconnect.
A spotlight on local political figures raises important questions about accountability and integrity, especially regarding candidates' backgrounds amid public scrutiny.
Discussion around funding priorities reveals the troubling trend of allocating resources to entertainment over essential services like education, fueling public outrage.
Deep dives
Independent Media and Current Events
The episode features a discussion about independent media's role in current events, introduced by DJ Burns, a prominent figure in local media. Recent phone calls released by Senator Tom Tillis reveal the intense backlash he faces regarding his political stance, highlighting the growing polarization in American politics. Instances of death threats from constituents showcase the extreme emotions present, reflecting dissatisfaction with political leaders across party lines. The conversation also touches upon how earlier generations conveyed their frustrations dramatically, contrasting with more contemporary expressions of discontent.
Political Anger and Democratic Leadership
The dialogue shifts to political anger directed towards both Democrats and Republicans, with figures like Chuck Schumer representing the frustration among voters. Criticism of Schumer's leadership reveals a perceived disconnect between Democratic leaders and the electorate's desires, as they failed to capitalize on the urgency created by Trump's presidency. The discussion emphasizes that while intra-party conflicts exist, the leadership's inability to act decisively alienates voters, leading to calls for a more vigorous approach from Democratic politicians. This dissatisfaction reflects a deeper divide within the party as constituents grow increasingly restless and demand action.
Local Political Scandals
The conversation dives into local political figures like Tara Ross, a city council candidate embroiled in controversy over unpaid parking tickets. Her history of fines, amounting to thousands of dollars, sheds light on issues of accountability and integrity among public officials, raising questions about her legitimacy as a candidate. The scrutiny surrounding her residency and sudden political ambitions provides a window into the challenges voters face when evaluating candidates' backgrounds. Recognizing such scandals serves as a reminder of the expectations placed on those who seek public office to uphold ethical standards.
Political Campaigns and Voter Frustration
Discussion evolves towards the current political landscape, particularly the campaigns of figures like Vivek Ramaswamy, whose controversial past and ambitious goals highlight the volatility of Ohio politics. Topics such as the shift towards populism and the challenges candidates face in appealing to their constituents amid discontent provide insight into the strategic approaches they adopt. The panel reflects on the implications of candidates aligning themselves with different factions within the party, emphasizing the need for authentic engagement with voters. These dynamics illustrate the heightened stakes in political campaigns, as individuals navigate a complex and often hostile arena.
Education Policy and Budgetary Concerns
The episode transitions into the contentious education policy debate in Ohio, where proposed cuts to education spending starkly contrast the allocation of taxpayer money to sports initiatives. The juxtaposition highlights systemic priorities where funding for special education faces reductions while significant resources are proposed for a new stadium for the Cleveland Browns. This scenario underlines the criticisms aimed at lawmakers, who appear to prioritize entertainment over education, fuelling public outcry. The broader implications of such budget decisions reflect a troubling trend in governance where necessary funding for public services is deprioritized.
Rise of Independent Cinema
In a lighter vein, the episode touches on the world of independent cinema, highlighting the challenges of financing and producing original films amid a sea of formulaic blockbusters. Filmmakers emphasize the importance of storytelling that reflects genuine human experiences, often sidelined by big-budget productions. Audience reactions to independent films suggest a hunger for creativity, humor, and personal connection to the content, emphasizing a desire for unique narratives. The conversation serves as a call to support smaller projects that aim to contribute rich and varied storytelling to the film landscape.
D.J. Byrnes of Ohio’s independent news outlet The Rooster returns to the show. We look at constituent outrage at elected officials, D.J.’s sojourn to DC, Cleveland’s $2.5 Billion stadium debacle, and D.J. relates an incredible story of bamboozling Vivek Ramaswamy.
Then, Eephus director Carson Lund and writer & star Nate Fisher join Will to discuss the film, its inspirations, how they went about shooting it, Meat Raffles, and some of their all-time favorite Baseball Guys.
Find D.J.’s chronicle of Ohio depravity at the Rooster: https://www.rooster.info/
Find showtimes for Eephus @ https://www.eephusfilm.com/
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