The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

The COVID-19 bill (“Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021”) that was recently signed into law touted the goal of putting funds into the hands of hurting Americans. Superglued onto this legislation was $15M for Pakistan, $36M for Cambodia, $130M for Nepal, $135M for Burma, $453M for Ukraine, $700M for Sudan, and more than $1B for new Smithsonian museums in D.C. Furthermore, Congress was given about six hours to review this 5,593-page bill. Stephen discusses this real-time civics lesson, as well as the Electoral College results that are expected to be certified today.

Without question, it has been a challenging year. Yet we are grateful for the battles that make us better. In this episode, Stephen reflects on COVID-19, the 2020 election, and the phenomenon of creative destruction. Good days are ahead. At this very moment, we stand on the precipice of a year that has the potential to be one of our finest hours. Let’s rise.

Consider the possibility that we may have a new political party in the near future. In this episode, Stephen shares what he imagines could be the core values of a moderate party rooted in the “radical middle.” Let’s call it The Commonsense Party! Tune in for a discussion of the Trump-Tilting-GOP, Finger-In-the-Air-Biden, and why Stephen admires one of the most vilified members of the Republican Party.

Is Trump Conservatism the only form of conservatism we’re going to hear about in the coming years? The word "conservative" cannot be a codeword for “Donald Trump.” Otherwise the ideology is going to die in the next five to ten years. In this episode, Stephen discusses what may be next for the Republican party and what changes are necessary to keep the party alive. "Republican Elephant - Icon" by DonkeyHotey is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The New York Times recently published “The Children of Pornhub” by journalist Nick Kristof.  “Pornhub became my trafficker,” said one young woman interviewed by Kristof, whose article reveals how content on Pornhub encourages the abuse and trafficking of many women, including young, underage girls. In this episode, Stephen shares what he learned in this important piece of journalism, and also encourages you to join him in making a difference in the fight against sex trafficking. Go to www.uncaged.org. Read “Opinion | The Children of Pornhub” from the New York Times.

Election fraud? Lawsuits? New appointees? In this episode, Stephen discusses the most important issues surrounding the transition of power from President Trump to President-elect Biden. Stephen shares what he’s learning about alleged fraud from friends in D.C. He also comments on how appointees like Antony Blinken indicate a powerful shift away from the current administration’s stance on foreign policy.

Watch this episode on YouTube. Last week, Stephen told a brief version of the Thanksgiving story. Today, he asks, what’s with the modern controversies surrounding Thanksgiving? Why is the simple, sweet, faith-filled story of Thanksgiving so attacked? Tune in as Stephen debunks the would-be debunkers! Above all, may you remember the good, noble, and true parts of our heritage during this holiday. Let’s honor those who paved the way by continuing to tell the Thanksgiving story to the next generation.

Watch this episode on YouTube. The first Thanksgiving story begins in the North of England with a congregation. In it, we see people who desire to be a stepping stone to the light of Christ. They’re also credited with writing one of the first civil compacts in history. “We sailed for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith,” wrote the Pilgrims in the Mayflower Compact during that frigid transatlantic journey. In this episode, Stephen shares the cherished story of their experience, highlighting truths often overlooked in many contemporary retellings. Next week on the podcast… the attempt to undermine our history.

President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have been declared the winners of the presidential election. Donald Trump claims the election has been stolen. In this episode, Stephen shares what he’s learned from friends in D.C. How true are the allegations of fraud? How valid are the recounts and lawsuits? If there is corruption, let it be exposed. And if there is none, may our systems of justice validate the results. The tension between left and right serves us well for safer and better elections. So, in the meantime, stay at peace, pray, and trust that what’s happening now will increase respect for our institutions.

I’m proud of my country this morning. During a pandemic, and with 400 million opinions to consider, most election results are in, there is no major violence, and by nearly all accounts there is no corruption and no system breakdown. Our politics are divided, but our system works. In this morning’s episode, we’ll cover the “Blue Wave,” President Trump’s late night announcement, polling, and more. Above all, I urge you to be peacemakers in the hours and days ahead.