3 Martini Lunch

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour Host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim. Join Scot and Greg for the 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss CBS News' attacks on free speech, the significant decline in illegal border crossings, and how the right is outpacing the left on political messaging. They also offer their quick thoughts on the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live.They start with a deep dive into multiple efforts by CBS News to undermine free speech. Scot and Greg explore the controversial comments made by Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan, who suggested that too much free speech contributed to the rise of the Nazis and the Holocaust. They also take aim at 60 Minutes' favorable coverage of German laws prosecuting individuals for allegedly posting offensive or false information online. They explain why CBS is taking this dangerous position and how it distorts the concept of free speech.Next, the hosts celebrate the dramatic drop in illegal border crossings. They highlight a report showing just 229 illegal crossings on Sunday, a stark contrast to the peak numbers during the Biden administration. Greg attributes the sharp decline to policies enacted by the Trump administration that ended the incentives for illegal immigration, while Scot points out that President Biden could have implemented similar measures to achieve these results but refused.Then they marvel at a new Politico report in which Democrats acknowledge that Republicans are "running circles" around them in terms of political messaging, which has almost never been the case. Scot explains why this is a significant development for the left, and how it explains their efforts, along with the media, to suppress free speech. Finally, Scot shares his thoughts on Sunday's 50th anniversary special for Saturday Night Live and which moments stood out in the program.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp.Visit Better Help https://www.betterhelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first month

Join Jim and Greg on 3 Martini Lunch Podcast, where they dive into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s refreshing priorities at the Pentagon, Vice President Vance’s accurate diagnosis of Germany’s issues, Trump’s approach to inflation, and the left’s relentless legal efforts to slow the Trump agenda.First, they focus on Hegseth's call for a focus on military readiness rather than Pentagon climate change initiatives. Jim and Greg applaud Hegseth for ensuring the Pentagon prioritizes building a military capable of deterring and winning wars. They also discuss Vice President Vance’s remarks on the Russia-Ukraine war and his critique of German policies that have weakened the country’s position on the global stage over the past two decades.Next, they analyze the latest inflation numbers and reject the left’s immediate attempt to blame Trump for a three percent year-over-year increase in January. While they acknowledge that economic changes take time, they highlight that Americans will expect real progress by the end of the year and especially ahead of the midterms. They agree with Trump's cost-cutting efforts and unleashing American energy to drive prices lower. Will that get the job done?Finally, they sigh as Democrats launch lawsuit after lawsuit to stop as much of the Trump agenda as possible. While issues like birthright citizenship were always likely to end up in court, the left's relentless efforts to roll back orders that are clearly within Trump's powers, are simply a nuisance. Trump will ultimately prevail in most of these cases, but long will it take to get there?Please visit our great sponsors:Oraclehttps://Oracle.com/MARTINICut your current Cloud bill in half if you move to OCI.  See if your company qualifies today.

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss another Senate Democrat retiring in 2026, Hamas planning to release more hostages but not meeting Trump’s demands, and Rep. Schakowsky speculating whether the term “manufacturing” discourages women from pursuing those jobs.First, they react to the surprising news that Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith will not seek re-election in 2026. While Democrats remain favored in the race, Jim and Greg note that multiple retirements signal deeper concerns within the party. They also examine the Democrats’ bleak outlook at the state level in New Hampshire and how strong candidate selection will be crucial for the GOP’s chances of flipping Georgia’s Senate seat in 2026.They also analyze Hamas' decision to release hostages based on the existing ceasefire agreement but not comply with Trump’s demand to release all captives by Saturday. Jim warns that allowing Hamas to ignore this ultimatum without consequences could weaken the U.S. position, and he argues that the Trump administration must have a clear response.Finally, they shake their heads as Illinois Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky questions whether the term “manufacturing” deters women from pursuing such careers because it “sounds like a guy.” Jim sees this as yet another example of Democrats resorting to ridiculous rhetoric and political stunts as they struggle with their dwindling influence in Washington.Please visit our great sponsors:Oraclehttps://Oracle.com/MARTINICut your current Cloud bill in half if you move to OCI.  See if your company qualifies today.

Join Jim and Greg on 3 Martini Lunch as they focus on a new Michigan poll suggesting Republicans have the edge in the 2026 Senate race, the Dems' hysterical focus on Elon Musk and DOGE, and the White House barring the Associated Press from an Oval Office gathering because it won't acknowledge the Gulf of America,First, Jim and Greg analyze a very early poll showing Republican Mike Rogers leading Pete Buttigieg in a hypothetical U.S. Senate matchup. Could the GOP win a Senate seat in Michigan for the first time in more than 30 years? They also discuss the weak fundraising numbers from New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen and debate whether New Hampshire might present a valuable GOP pickup opportunity in the 2026 elections.Next, Jim and Greg dive into the Democrats’ exaggerated outrage over "unelected bureaucrats" making decisions within the executive branch, particularly regarding the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Democrats have long used the administrative state to push their policies, yet they now criticize the same system they’ve relied on.. However, they do encourage Elon Musk and his team to be more transparent about what they are finding so the American people can see it all.Finally, Jim and Greg react to the ongoing spat between the White House and the Associated Press (AP) over press access to the Oval Office. The White House allegedly blocked the AP from a pool of reporters during an Oval Office event because the wire service refuses to use “Gulf of America” instead of the preferred “Gulf of Mexico.” Please visit our great sponsors:Oraclehttps://Oracle.com/MARTINICut your current Cloud bill in half if you move to OCI.  See if your company qualifies today.

Join Jim and Greg for the 3 Martini Lunch podcast, where they break down President Trump’s ultimatum to Hamas, the return of Fort Bragg's name in a clever way, and alarming reports of FBI figures allegedly tipping off illegal immigrants about ICE raids.First, President Trump is issuing a stern warning to Hamas, saying that hell will be unleashed if all hostages are not released by Saturday. His ultimatum comes as Hamas pauses its release of hostages, claiming Israel has violated the terms of the ceasefire. Jim believes Trump's anger over the condition of released hostages is evident, and they both think the vague nature of Trump's threat is a smart way to put pressure on the terrorists.Next, Jim and Greg applaud Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision to rename Fort Liberty in North Carolina back to Fort Bragg. The name had been familiar to many, and this change not only ends the confusion but also shifts the honor to a different individual named Bragg—a U.S. Army PFC who heroically fought at the Battle of the Bulge, rather than the Confederate general.Finally, they react to disturbing allegations that some FBI figures and other government sources are tipping off illegal immigrants about pending ICE raids aimed at removing criminals and others who are in the U.S. illegally. Jim says anyone who has a problem with the policy needs to resign or ask for a transfer. And anyone who deliberately undermines it should face stiff penalties.Please visit our great sponsors:Oraclehttps://Oracle.com/MARTINICut your current Cloud bill in half if you move to OCI.  See if your company qualifies today.

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they analyze strong CBS poll numbers for President Trump, his controversial Labor Secretary pick, and their thoughts on Super Bowl LIX.First, they react to President Trump's positive poll numbers just three weeks into his term. Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan appeared less than pleased to report Trump's 53% approval rating and that 70% of Americans believe he's keeping his promises. They discuss how future polling will depend on Trump's handling of unexpected events and argue that the media's relentless negativity isn't swaying public opinion much at all.Next, they examine the push to derail Trump's Labor Secretary pick, former Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer. The National Right to Work Committee warns that she backs the PRO Act, which would ban the right to work without union membership and severely impact freelancers. They also question whether this nomination is a reward for some labor unions refusing Kamala Harris or whether Trump is shifting his stance on labor policy. But in all honesty, blocking this nomination will be very difficult. Finally, they break down Super Bowl LIX—from the Philadelphia Eagles' dominant win over the Kansas City Chiefs to commercials. Plus, Jim explains the not-so-subtle messaging inside Kendrick Lamar's halftime show while Greg wishes there wasn't a halftime show at all.Please visit our great sponsors:Oraclehttps://Oracle.com/MARTINICut your current Cloud bill in half if you move to OCI.  See if your company qualifies today.

Join Jim and Greg for the 3 Martini Lunch as they dive into the early positive impact of the Laken Riley Act, a Michigan lawmaker sterilizing herself because Trump is president, and why egg prices are particularly painful.First, Jim and Greg are encouraged by the Laken Riley Act's effectiveness, highlighting a recent case in Chicago where an illegal immigrant and serial shoplifter with 13 arrests in under a year is detained and likely to be deported. Jim dissects the problem in the left's argument that only illegals convicted of these crimes should be eligible for deportation.Next, they discuss the bizarre case of a Michigan Democrat lawmaker who reportedly sterilized herself to avoid the possibility of pregnancy in "Donald Trump’s America," fearing a future without access to contraception or abortion. Jim and Greg recoil at this insanity and underscore why you need to build your life on a much better foundation than politics.Finally, with egg prices soaring due to the bird flu outbreak, Jim highlights how the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s measures to contain the disease are leading to unintended consequences that are making life harder for consumers.They also react to the death of Chicago Bears owner Virginia Halas McCaskey and Jim explains how this year's Super Bowl could end up saving Western Civilization.Please visit our great sponsors:Netsuitehttps://NetSuite.com/MARTINISee what is next for your business with the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning free when you go to NetSuite.com/MARTINI.   Omaha Steaks https://www.OmahaSteaks.com/3MLGo to https://www.OmahaSteaks.com/3ML to subscribe and get 12 FREE burgers, FREE shipping, and an EXTRA 10% OFF for the life of your subscription. Minimum purchase may apply. A big thanks to our advertiser, Omaha Steaks!

Jim and Greg serve up all good martinis on 3 Martini Lunch as they break down President Trump's executive order banning men from women’s sports, Attorney General Pam Bondi cutting off funding for sanctuary cities, and Democrats’ electoral shenanigans backfiring in multiple states.First, they cheer Trump for signing an executive order to keep men out of women’s sports, regardless of how those men "identify." They highlight America’s overwhelming support for the move despite years of media narratives suggesting otherwise. They also note that even left-wing figures like tennis legend Martina Navratilova admit Democrats just handed Trump a major campaign weapon for 2024.Next, they applaud U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi for cutting off Justice Department funding to self-proclaimed sanctuary cities. Jim compares this to the transgender sports debate, emphasizing that the left ignores just how strongly Americans want criminal illegals out of the country and illegal immigration to stop.Finally, they take satisfaction in Democrats' political stunts likely failing in Minnesota and New York. In Minnesota, Democrats stalled state house business because Republicans temporarily hold a one-seat majority, but after weeks of dysfunction, a power-sharing agreement is finally taking shape. Meanwhile, New York Democrats appear to be retreating from an effort to delay a special election to replace GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik, which would have prolonged the razor-thin Republican majority in the U.S. HousePlease visit our great sponsors:Betterhelphttps://BetterHelp.com/3MLDiscover your relationship green flags and get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/3MLNetsuitehttps://NetSuite.com/MARTINISee what is next for your business with the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning free when you go to NetSuite.com/MARTINI.   Omaha Steaks https://www.OmahaSteaks.com/3MLGo to https://www.OmahaSteaks.com/3ML to subscribe and get 12 FREE burgers, FREE shipping, and an EXTRA 10% OFF for the life of your subscription. Minimum purchase may apply. A big thanks to our advertiser, Omaha Steaks!

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they react to President Trump’s suggestion to take over Gaza, USAID’s questionable spending on foreign and domestic media, and the latest call for President Trump’s impeachment from a House Democrat.First, they dive into Trump’s proposal for the U.S. to take control of Gaza, relocate the people, clean up the area, and transform it into a Mediterranean resort-like destination. Greg argues that it’s a terrible idea as described, but also questions what Trump’s true strategy might be. But Jim offers...a surprisingly positive take on the plan.Next, they shudder at some of the egregious waste uncovered in the DOGE audit of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Specifically, they examine why millions of our tax dollars ended up in the hands of Politico and other media outlets.Finally, they address Texas Rep. Al Green’s call for President Trump’s impeachment, making him the first Democrat in Congress to do so in the new Trump presidency. While Green has files articles of impeachment before, Jim and Greg explain why this latest push is nothing more than a political stunt aimed at drawing attention, especially with the GOP controlling both chambers of Congress.Finally, they roll their eyes as Texas Rep. Al Green becomes the first congressional Democrat to call for President Trump's impeachment. This is not Green's first attempt to oust a sitting Republican president, but with the GOP running both chambers of Congress, it's nothing more than a stunt to attract attention.Please visit our great sponsors:Betterhelphttps://BetterHelp.com/3MLDiscover your relationship green flags and get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/3MLNetsuitehttps://NetSuite.com/MARTINISee what is next for your business with the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning free when you go to NetSuite.com/MARTINI.

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they analyze President Trump’s decision to pause tariffs on Canada, Pete Buttigieg’s absurd theory about a deadly air disaster in D.C., and Mayor Karen Bass failing to control protests in Los Angeles.First, they dive into the new U.S.-Canada border security arrangement, which has resulted in a pause of tariffs on both sides. They discuss the potential impact of this agreement and debate whether it could have been reached without the threat of tariffs, or if the public pressure and political environment played a significant role in reaching this deal.Next, they discuss former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s comments on the deadly air disaster in Washington, D.C. Buttigieg suggested that the Trump administration’s offer for federal employees to resign in exchange for eight months of severance might have contributed to the tragic collision between a regional jetliner and an Army Blackhawk helicopter. Jim and Greg explain why they believe this theory is absurd and offer an update on Buttigieg's potential run for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat.Finally, they address Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass failing to confront unruly protests against deportations of illegal immigrants. Despite the protests causing major disruptions to traffic and defacing government buildings, Bass has not taken action to restore order. Jim says this is the latest evidence that Bass is simply incapable of leading the city.Please visit our great sponsors:Betterhelphttps://BetterHelp.com/3MLDiscover your relationship green flags and get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/3MLNetsuitehttps://NetSuite.com/MARTINISee what is next for your business with the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning free when you go to NetSuite.com/MARTINI.   Omaha Steaks https://www.OmahaSteaks.com/3MLGo to https://www.OmahaSteaks.com/3ML to subscribe and get 12 FREE burgers, FREE shipping, and an EXTRA 10% OFF for the life of your subscription. Minimum purchase may apply. A big thanks to our advertiser, Omaha Steaks!