3 Martini Lunch

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour Host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they analyze the stunning border numbers from February, the fiery Trump-Zelensky-Vance exchange in the Oval Office, and yet another example of how an excessively high minimum wage backfires on businesses and employees.First, they break down the incredible news that just 8,326 people attempted to illegally cross the southern border in all of February—far below the daily figures often seen under the Biden administration. They explain how the shift in border policy sent a clear message to would-be Next, they dissect Friday’s tense Oval Office exchange between President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Ukrainian President Zelensky. While major issues remain before a meaningful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war can take shape, Scot argues that Friday’s visit was primarily about finalizing the minerals deal as a stepping stone toward a broader agreement—something Zelensky mishandled. Greg outlines the key disagreements between the two sides but suggests the incident doesn't have to derail U.S.-Ukraine relations. Meanwhile, Jim Geraghty, writing from overseas, strongly disagrees.Finally, they discuss a new study confirming that California’s $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers has led to job losses, higher prices, and increased automation. It’s a predictable outcome that progressives continue to ignore despite clear economic realities.Please visit our great sponsors:Download the FREE CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at https://Netsuite.com/MartiniNever run out of MEAT go to https://omahasteaks.com/3ML subscribe and get 12 FREE burgers, FREE shipping, and an EXTRA 10% OFF. Minimum purchase may apply

Before heading out on his trip, Jim and Greg recorded a special episode analyzing the Trump administration’s early weeks, covering key issues from the economy to foreign policy and cultural battles.First, they break down the economy. Jim highlights Trump’s positive moves on taxes and deregulation but warns that tariffs, particularly against Canada and Mexico, could backfire. Greg focuses on DOGE’s efforts to track government spending and the Democrats’ unhinged reaction to the audit. But will it lead to real fiscal responsibility? He’s skeptical.Next, they assess foreign affairs. Jim notes that Iran and its proxies have curbed their aggression under Trump, and decisive action is being taken against terrorists. However, he criticizes Trump’s habit of publicly chastising U.S. allies. Greg argues that Trump’s unpredictability is a strength but warns he must be ready for the consequences of issuing ultimatums.Finally, they tackle cultural issues. Jim praises Trump for rooting out DEI from the federal government but cautions that some newfound conservative allies—like those opposing men in women’s sports—won’t align on other issues. Greg agrees Trump has handled the major cultural fights well but stresses that he must stay focused on core voter concerns: inflation and immigration.Oh, and if you hear Jim and Greg joking about a calamity prompting this episode, don’t worry—they’re both fine! Jim is set to return for regular episodes early next week.Please visit out great sponsors:If I needed to find a doctor quickly, Zocdoc is what I’d use. Stop putting off those doctor’s appointments and head to https://zocdoc.com/3ML to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour Host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they discuss Jeff Bezos' pledge to make The Washington Post's op-ed page a champion of personal and economic freedom, the blatant hypocrisy of Democrats on immigration, and the media’s shifting narrative on inflation.First, they cautiously welcome Bezos' public commitment to discussing the virtues of personal liberty and free markets. While they dislike his stance that opposing views won’t be featured, they appreciate that arguments for limited government will reach a wider audience.Next, they highlight the astonishing hypocrisy of congressional Democrats. After years of condemning Trump’s deportation policies, they’ve suddenly found an immigrant they don’t trust. Ohio Rep. Marcy Kaptur is now questioning Elon Musk’s loyalty to the U.S. because he's only been in the country for 22 years. Finally, they call out the media’s sudden concern over rising egg prices after years of downplaying inflation under Biden. While they agree Trump isn’t responsible for the cost of eggs, they note voters will soon demand real results from him on both food prices and overall inflation.Please visit out great sponsors:If I needed to find a doctor quickly, Zocdoc is what I’d use. Stop putting off those doctor’s appointments and head to https://zocdoc.com/3ML to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.

Former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney and National Review Contributing Editor Andy McCarthy joins Greg on today’s 3 Martini Lunch in place of Jim. They discuss the White House taking control over press pool selections, Trump’s tariffs jeopardizing a major political and economic opportunity with Canada, and CNN’s Jake Tapper writing a book about the cover-up of Joe Biden’s decline—after helping cover it up himself.First, Andy and Greg analyze the White House’s new policy on press pool access for the Oval Office and Air Force One. While Andy thinks the White House wording on the policy shift is over the top, he says the the Trump press team has largely made a point of adding new voices rather than silencing others.Next, they critique Trump’s plan to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting in March. Beyond the likelihood of higher prices for Americans, they highlight how these tensions have weakened Canada's conservative party, which once seemed poised for a massive victory but is now struggling. While Trump shouldn’t prioritize Canadian politics, a conservative government there would align far better with his policies than Justin Trudeau’s far-left successor.Finally, they call out the stunning hypocrisy of CNN’s Jake Tapper. After downplaying and denying Biden’s cognitive decline for years, Tapper is now co-authoring a book exposing Biden’s decline and the efforts to conceal it. Andy and Greg document how Biden's decline was blatantly obvious for anyone honestly paying attention.Please visit our great sponsors: We’ve got you covered with a 35% discount! Just head over to https://www.tailorbrands.com/podcast35 to get started. Don’t be a statistic—set your business up for success from day one!

Former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney and National Review Contributing Editor Andy McCarthy is in for Jim on today’s 3 Martini Lunch. Join Andy and Greg as they break down why property taxes are a big government scam, how Elon Musk’s email controversy could legally benefit DOGE, and the disturbing ways intelligence agencies allow employees to spend their workdays discussing their bizarre sexual issues—all on the taxpayer’s dime.First, they applaud Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for exposing the absurdity of property taxes and how the government forces homeowners to pay yearly taxes on property they already own and have already been taxed on. Andy also highlights how progressives manipulate the assessment system to unfairly burden both the wealthy and the poor to raise money for their insatiable appetite for big government.Next, Andy digs into his column on how Elon Musk's weekend order may have been an impulsive command to President Trump's comments, but the refusal of multiple cabinet-level officials to comply with the directive could actually strengthen DOGE’s legal position in the long run.Finally, parental discretion is advised as Greg and Andy react with disgust to reports that NSA, CIA, and DIA employees spent their work hours in two NSA LGBT chatrooms discussing their trans identities and explicit fetishes. Even worse, NSA leadership defends this behavior as "not only mission critical but mission imperative." Andy questions how these agencies, which repeatedly fail to anticipate major global events yet demand more funding, have time to foster and participate in such activities.Please visit out great sponsors:If I needed to find a doctor quickly, Zocdoc is what I’d use. Stop putting off those doctor’s appointments and head to https://zocdoc.com/3ML to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.And of course, we’ve got you covered with a 35% discount! Just head over to https://www.tailorbrands.com/podcast35 to get started. Don’t be a statistic—set your business up for success from day one!

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour Host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they break down Elon Musk’s Saturday email to federal employees, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s disastrous poll numbers, and blue states setting themselves up for another humiliating defeat over girls’ sports.First, they analyze Musk’s DOGE email to federal employees, demanding they reply by midnight Monday with five accomplishments from the past week. Scot explains how this is common in the private sector, especially during management transitions, and argues that a short email shouldn’t be a major burden. Greg says the current amount of spending in our government in simply unsustainable. But he does hope government downsizing can be done as orderly as possible.Next, they react to a shocking new poll showing Mayor Brandon Johnson with a dismal 6.6 percent approval rating and an overwhelming 80% disapproval. Scot, a Chicago-area native, walks through Johnson’s long list of failures and explains how the mayor’s leadership has left him more than 73 points underwater with voters less than two years into his term.Finally, they shake their heads as lefties in multiple states insist on losing ground legally and politically by resisting President Trump's executive order removing federal funds for states and locales who allow males to participate in girls' and women's sports. They specifically highlight Trump's public exchange with Maine Gov. Janet Mills and the Michigan High School Athletic Association refusing to change its policy.Please visit our great sponsors:If I needed to find a doctor quickly, Zocdoc is what I’d use. Stop putting off those doctor’s appointments and head to https://zocdoc.com/3ML to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.And of course, we’ve got you covered with a 35% discount! Just head over to https://www.tailorbrands.com/podcast35 to get started. Don’t be a statistic—set your business up for success from day one!

Inez Stepman of the Independent Women's Forum fills in for Jim on the 3 Martini Lunch podcast. Join Inez and Greg as they discuss Sen. Mitch McConnell announcing he won't run again, the latest unspeakable atrocities committed by Hamas, and how federal agencies are making DOGE-related budget cuts painful for the public.First, they analyze Mitch McConnell’s decision to retire after 42 years in the Senate and 18 years as GOP leader, and they assess his performance. They credit McConnell for defending free speech, blocking left-wing policies, and confirming conservative judicial nominees. However, they criticize his failure to address federal spending and his lack of progress on conservative priorities during Republican control of the Senate.Next, Inez and Greg express their outrage over the latest atrocities perpetrated by Hamas, including a gruesome ceremony involving the return of hostages' remains and reports detailing how the two young brothers who were brutally murdered. In addition,  the remains of their mother, Shiri Bibas, were excluded from the return to Israel. With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing reprisals, Inez and Greg reflect on the critical details of the Bibas family's abduction and the role of the Red Cross in facilitating the spectacle we saw this week.Inez and Greg discuss government-run sites making DOGE-related budget cuts as painful as possible for visitors. They highlight three instances of "malicious compliance" and recall past government shutdown tactics used by Democrats to needlessly inconvenience the public.

Inez Stepman of the Independent Women's Forum fills in for Jim today. Join Inez and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they analyze the U.S. decision to designate cartels and gangs as terrorist organizations, President Trump’s sharp criticism of Ukrainian President Zelensky, and the latest developments on congestion tolls in New York City, where Andrew Cuomo's political ambitions are taking shape.First, they commend the State Department for labeling MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and several cartels as terrorist organizations. They discuss why this designation matters, the impact it may have, and how it aligns with Trump’s national security strategy.Next, they break down President Trump’s strong criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. They examine where Trump’s rhetoric diverges from the facts and how how Trump most likely believes this statement will help bring the war to an end. And while Trump and others have suggested possible Ukrainian concessions to reach a deal, Greg and Inez also consider what demands should be placed on Russia.Finally, they dive into two major news items in New York City, where Inez resides. They assess the battle between the Trump administration and Gov. Kathy Hochul over congestion tolls. Plus, they react to reports that former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is likely to announce his run for mayor before the month ends.

Inez Stepman of the Independent Women's Forum fills in for Jim on this episode of the 3 Martini Lunch podcast. Join Inez and Greg as they discuss Trump’s legislative priorities, his controversial executive order on in vitro fertilization (IVF), and the role COVID played in shifting young men towards Trump in the 2024 elections.First, Inez and Greg break down Trump’s call for a single reconciliation bill to tackle border policy, energy, defense, and tax cuts. Trump is aligning with the House strategy, while the Senate currently plans to divide the issues into two separate bills. Inez explains how this demonstrates what Trump learned from his  legislative approach eight years ago and why he’s likely to get what he wants in the end.Next, they discuss Trump’s executive order aimed at making in vitro fertilization more accessible and more affordable. They both agree taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for IVF treatments. Greg says while IVF provides hope to married couples struggling with infertility, it also results in the destruction of human life in many cases. Inez opposes the executive order, warning it could accelerate the troubling rise of "designer babies" and genetic engineering. They also stress that the government should focus on making it easier and more affordable for families looking to adopt children already born.Finally, they explore polling and analysis from The Atlantic that suggests COVID lockdowns and the erosion of trust in experts have contributed to a significant shift in young men’s political allegiance towards Donald Trump. Inez points out that the COVID era coincided with the peak of the woke movement, and many young men grew frustrated with being blamed for society’s problems.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp.Visit Better Help https://www.betterhelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first month

Undisputed King of Stuff and Sink the Rising Sun author Jon Gabriel is in for Jim today. Join Jon and Greg as they dive into Sen. Kennedy's hilarious but accurate diagnosis of Democrats, NGO's running out of customers for their migrant facilities along the border, and whether New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will remove New York City Mayor Eric Adams.First, Jon and Greg share their amusement over Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy’s insightful and often hilarious analysis of the Democratic Party’s struggles in the 2024 elections. Kennedy accurately points out why Democrats fared poorly, and both Jon and Greg believe that the DNC’s recent elections prove the party still hasn't learned the lessons needed for future success.Next, they welcome the news that a prominent NGO is shutting the doors of its San Diego migrant shelter because no migrants have shown up there since Trump became president. While the NGO cites Trump’s deactivation of the CBP One app, Jon and Greg suggest that tougher border policies and greater scrutiny of NGO funding are also significant factors at play.Finally, Jon and Greg discuss the latest rumors surrounding New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and her potential removal of NYC Mayor Eric Adams from office. Democrats accuse Adams of assisting President Trump's efforts to deport criminal illegal immigrants in exchange for Justice Department favors, Jon and Greg largely agree on what is really happening here and shudder at the thought this could all be setting up the return of Andrew Cuomo to big time New York politics.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp.Visit Better Help https://www.betterhelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first month