3 Martini Lunch

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour Host Scot Bertram is in for Jim. Today, after a quick update on baseball and another member of "The Squad" losing to a fellow Democrat, Scot and Greg groan over the media's predictable infatuation with Tim Walz, detail just how draconian Walz was in his COVID lockdown enforcement, and how California's plastic bag ban led to way more plastic bag trash.First, they roll their eyes as the mainstream media not only carry the Democrats' narrative on Tim Walz but they all immediately start using the term "folksy" to describe him. The shameless obedience to the left's talking points is hardly a surprise but the contrast with how reporters characterized JD Vance a few weeks ago is rather stark.Next, they dig into just how authoritarian Gov. Walz was in Minnesota during his aggressive COVID lockdowns - including how his government set up a snitch line so that people throughout the state could rat out their neighbors for such reckless behavior as walking their dog, playing basketball, and trying the keep their business open.Finally, they get a kick out of lefties in California wanting a "do over" on a plastic bag ban after the first one led to a massive increase in the amount of plastic bags in the trash.Please visit our great sponsors:Zbioticshttps://zbiotics.com/3MLUse code 3ML at checkout to save 15% off your first order.

Brian Wesbury, Chief Economist at First Trust LP and the former Chief Economist for the Joint Economic Committee of Congress, is in for Jim. Today, Brian and Greg dissect Kamala Harris choosing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate and why it may be a gift to the GOP. Brian also explains why the markets are in turmoil right now, why you shouldn't panic, and more.First, they respond to the breaking news that Harris-Walz will be the ticket for Democrats in 2024. They explain why this is the furthest left ticket in recent memory and why it gives Donald Trump and JD Vance ample opportunities to expose how far out of the mainstream Harris and Walz really are. And they discuss the Walz record in Minnesota - from his disastrous handling of the 2020 riots to his far left economic and social positions.Next, Brian goes through the factors leading to the major volatility in world markets over the past several days. He says we are largely paying the price for terrible policies enacted during the Covid pandemic and he says the "morphine" is finally wearing off. But there are other important factors as well, and Brian tells us why he thinks the U.S. is headed into a recession but nothing close to a 2008-level crisis.Finally, Brian explains why investors should not panic during this turmoil and what the smartest government response would be.Please visit our great sponsors:Zbioticshttps://zbiotics.com/3MLUse code 3ML at checkout to save 15% off your first order.

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour Host Scot Bertram is in for Jim. Today, Scot and Greg tackle a comprehensive new CBS News poll that may give us some insights into which candidate Americans will trust more if the economy is about to sour in a significant way. They also dissect the Trump-Harris spat over when and where to debate, and they roll their eyes as Nancy Pelosi suggests that President Biden belongs on Mount Rushmore.First, they note the plunging markets worldwide and the various factors that seem to be playing into it. Then they dive into a new CBS News/YouGov poll examining what impact voters think Trump and Harris would have on their personal finances, the border, and much more.Then, they dive into the back-and-forth between Trump and Harris as they fight over the terms of any upcoming debates. Trump says he's agreed to one with Fox News and is not going to appear at the second debate he originally scheduled with Joe Biden. Harris accuses Trump of running scared and won't do the Fox News event. So as of now, there is no debate scheduled. Will that change and who stands to benefit most by having at least one?Finally, they laugh as Nancy Pelosi tells CBS Sunday Morning that Joe Biden's "consequential" presidency merits his addition to Mount Rushmore. They explain how the American people already rendered a clear verdict on Biden's time and how Pelosi is furiously trying to remove her fingerprints from the successful campaign to end Biden's re-election campaign.Please visit our great sponsors:Zbioticshttps://zbiotics.com/3MLUse code 3ML at checkout to save 15% off your first order.

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour Host Scot Bertram is in for Jim today. After a brief update on the prisoner swap with Russia, Scot and Greg discuss the final jockeying among Democrats to be the vice presidential nominee, July's worse-than-expected unemployment report, and Kamala flubbing her first unscripted moment in weeks.First, they examine the state of the Democrats' veepstakes, including some last-minute efforts to pour cold water on the possibility of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro joining the Harris ticket. They also comment on how aggressively some figures are campaigning for the job when historically they have downplayed any interest.Next, they wince as the July unemployment report shows significantly fewer jobs created than expected last month, plus an uptick in the jobless rate and the number of Americans unemployed overall. Is this evidence of a possible recession on the horizon or just a one-month anomaly?Finally, they react to Vice President Harris finally having an unscripted moment on camera. And even with the softest of questions, her typical word salad was back. Scot says Harris would never have survived a full primary campaign and he marvels at the fawning coverage over her campaign despite the fact she's done absolutely nothing of note in the past two weeks, other than raise money.

It's four martinis for the price of three today as Jim and Greg unpack the latest details in the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, the prisoner swap with Russia that freed two Americans, the government striking a plea bargain with 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and Donald Trump focusing on Kamala's race instead of her train wreck of a record.First, they enjoy learning how Haniyeh was killed by a bomb planted months earlier and detonated remotely. It seems to point more clearly to an Israeli operation and a massive, embarrassing failure for the Iranian government and especially its terrorist arm, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.Next, they're thrilled to hear Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan are being released by Russia. What reports don't tell us yet is who or what the U.S. is giving Russia in return. And given the Obama-Biden track record on lopsided prisoner swaps, that's an important question.Then, they groan as the U.S. government strikes a plea deal with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two other 9/11 conspirators. The agreement removes the possibility of capital punishment for any of them. 9/11 survivors and family members are not happy. And while Jim and Greg understand there's a slight possibility of these terrorists revealing more than they already have, it's hard to imagine anyone more deserving of death then they are.Finally, Jim unloads on Donald Trump for wondering when Kamala Harris decided she was black because he says she spent much of her life identifying with her Indian heritage. Not only does that moment give Harris a chance to go on offense, but it shows Trump getting distracted from going after the endless political liabilities Harris brings into this campaign.

Today, Jim and Greg discuss the deaths of leaders of both Hamas and Hezbollah, Kari Lake winning the Arizona GOP Senate primary, and dueling attack ads on the border put out by the Harris and Trump campaigns.First, they celebrate the air strikes that killed Ismail Haniyeh, political leader of Hamas, and Fu’ad Shukr, a top military leader of Hezbollah, both men responsible for brutal attacks that took droves of innocent lives. Jim observes the aura of mystery around Haniyeh's death, as Israel claimed responsibility for Shukr's death, but not his.Next, they sigh as Arizona Republicans hand the U.S. Senate primary victory to Kari Lake. Jim emphasizes her unpopularity, her loss of what should have been an easily winnable governor's election, and her flip-flopping on key issues. He also thinks that any other candidate would have been preferable.Finally, they compare dueling attack ads put out by the Harris and Trump campaigns, with VP Kamala Harris's campaign attempting to gaslight Americans on her immigration record and claim that Donald Trump is soft on immigration. Jim cannot fathom how her campaign team thought that this sort of gaslighting was the way to go.

Today, Jim and Greg discuss VP Kamala Harris's reversals on several positions she ran on in 2020, the weak U.S. response to election fraud in Venezuela, and Biden's unconscionable positions on the Supreme Court.First, they get whiplash from Kamala's sudden switch on fracking, assault rifle bans, a single payer healthcare system, and more. Jim is encouraged that she is forced to recognize that the Overton Window has shifted right, but he'd like to see her do an interview and explain her position changes on these issues.Next, they spotlight some international reactions to Venezuelan President Maduro's fraudulent election, including a lot of crickets from the Biden administration. Jim agrees with Florida Sen. Marco Rubio's take that President Biden made a terrible deal with Maduro and Biden cannot criticize what is happening in Venezuela without looking very foolish.Finally, they roll their eyes at Biden's insane new proposal for reforming the Supreme Court so that he can manipulate it, including setting term limits. Jim points out that this is the most radical attempt to control the Supreme Court that we have ever seen from a U.S. president.

Today, Jim and Greg discuss the long shadow behind the recent wave of Kamalamania, from reports that Vice President Kamala Harris treats her staffers terribly, to some highly questionable stances she has taken on immigration and radical Islamic terrorism, to many seeing her as a drag on Biden just a few months ago.First, they dive into the numerous reports of her troubled vice presidency, featuring an astronomical turnover rate for staffers and a disinterest in being briefed that leads to foolish-looking public appearances. Jim is especially troubled by her disinterest in being briefed, forecasting a fraught presidency if she is elected and keeps this up.Next, they revisit some of her dubious statements on "radical Islamic terrorism" and "illegal aliens," claiming that these terms are harmful and should be rejected, even going so far as to say that being an illegal alien is not a crime. Jim is baffled as to how someone in law enforcement could claim that illegal immigration is not a crime.Finally, they point to statements from Democrats and media columnists just a few months ago which called for Kamala to be removed from Biden's ticket to help his odds. Jim acknowledges that the rebranding of Kamala now speaks to how enthusiastic Democrats are to have a candidate that they can be excited about as opposed to Biden.

Today, Jim and Greg discuss polls emerging that show Americans believe Vice President Harris helped to cover up President Biden's decline, Donald Trump not committing to debate Harris yet, and the reluctant endorsement that the Obamas finally gave Kamala.First, they raise a double-fisted good martini to polls that confirm a broad acknowledgement of the cover-up of Biden's declining health, with many Americans believing Kamala had a role to play in concealing his true condition. They also observe how she is slowly coming more and more into the spotlight, taking on duties and making appearances that one would expect of the president. And they applaud the Free Beacon's Matthew Continetti for pointing out the media whiplash on how it characterizes Biden.Next, they comment on Trump's statement that he won't commit to debate Kamala until it has been confirmed that she will be the nominee. Jim thinks that this is not the right move, saying Trump should be pushing for as many debates as possible.Finally, they cringe through a video of the Obamas endorsing Kamala over the phone, which was released in the middle of the night. Jim and Greg also break down the Democratic veepstakes.Please visit our great sponsors:Zbioticshttps://zbiotics.com/3MLUse code 3ML at checkout to save 15% off your first order. Lumenhttps://lumen.me/3MLHead to lumen.me/3ML for 15% off your Lumen.

Today, Jim and Greg discuss President Biden's address to the nation last night, Prime Minister Netanyahu's remarks to Congress, and the media trying to cover up the fact that Kamala was tasked with stopping the tide of humanity illegally crossing our border - and failed.First, they go over some highlights from Biden's address, which gave us no clarifying information about why he decided not to run again. They also roll their eyes at his final attempts to gaslight the American people about the merits of his presidency and his ugly insinuation that the fate of our republic depends upon Kamala Harris winning in November.Next, they dive into the good and bad parts of the news surrounding Netanyahu's visit to Washington, the good being the content of his speech and the bad being the insanity of anti-Israel and pro-Hamas protesters. They also take a moment to appreciate Vice President Harris's denouncement of the protests.Finally, they chuckle at some hilarious flailing from the media as they attempt to cover up Kamala's responsibility for the border, even though they were all calling her "border czar" not long ago. Jim takes them to task for this, and points out that the best strategy for Kamala would be owning up to the title while throwing the rest of Biden's administration under the bus.Please visit our great sponsors:Zbioticshttps://zbiotics.com/3MLUse code 3ML at checkout to save 15% off your first order. Lumenhttps://lumen.me/3MLHead to lumen.me/3ML for 15% off your Lumen.