
Plain Talk
Plain Talk is a podcast hosted by Rob Port and Chad Oban focusing on political news and current events in North Dakota. Port is a columnist for the Forum News Service published in papers including the Fargo Forum, Grand Forks Herald, Jamestown Sun, and the Dickinson Press. Oban is a long-time political consultant.
Latest episodes

Jul 19, 2019 • 25min
Ep. 107: North Dakotans are too cynical about economic mobility
North Dakotans came in almost last in the nation in a Harvard Study when it comes to optimism about economic mobility (the ability of people to become wealthier over their lifetimes). But, the study also shows that North Dakota was first in the nation when it comes to economic mobility. Why the disconnect between perception and reality? Also, Congressman Kelly Armstrong answers listener questions. This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota and EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Jul 18, 2019 • 38min
Ep. 106: Are you surprised Trump cares so much about #TheSquad?
"I'm surprised President Trump cares so much about these congresswomen," Senator Kevin Cramer said on this episode of Plain Talk, referring to the President's feud with "the squad." Cramer also takes listener questions. This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota and EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Jul 16, 2019 • 34min
Ep. 105: Over 175,000 could qualify for marijuana pardons
"We could be looking at upward of 175 to 179 thousand who have this issue," Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said of new, streamlined process that will allow those with minor marijuana-related convictions to apply for pardons. Also, the Legislature will allow local governments to double their traffic fines. Is that constitutional? And is it a big deal that state lawmakers get paid for absences? This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota and EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Jul 15, 2019 • 24min
Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 07-15-19
Audio from the Jay Thomas Show, 07-15-19, talking about President Trump's recent comments about a group of female Democratic congresswomen among other topics.

Jul 12, 2019 • 34min
Ep. 104: It's Trump's comments about free speech which are dangerous
President Donald Trump said media speech he doesn't agree with is not free speech because it's dangerous. But isn't the President of the United States saying something like that what's really dangerous? Also, Congressman Kelly Armstrong takes listener questions. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota and EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Jul 11, 2019 • 36min
Ep. 103: Cramer defends support for HB1044
Senator Kevin Cramer defended his support for eliminating per-country caps on visas for high-skilled workers in response to listener questions. "I not only supported it I championed it," he said. Also, what happens when it's the news media sowing controversy and division in our country? This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com and Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.

Jul 9, 2019 • 34min
Ep. 102: Should ND legalize sex work?
A sex worker masquerading as a massage therapist got busted in Minot. Massage therapists want a crack down to protect their industry, but would a better route be to legalize and license sex work? Also, ND University System Chancellor Mark Hagerott talks about his view for how to better manage the finances of the state's public institutions of higher education. This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota and EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Jul 8, 2019 • 19min
Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 07-08-19
Audio from the Jay Thomas Show, with Jay and Rob discussing the citizenship question on the U.S. Census.

Jul 3, 2019 • 32min
Ep. 101: "Democrats are finally acknowledging there's a crisis"
"I think we should all be happy that Democrats are finally acknowledging there's a crisis at the border," Congressman Kelly Armstrong says on this episode of Plain Talk. He also talks about the 4th of July holiday and the upcoming Mueller testimony before Congress. Also, the President of El Salvador blames conditions in his own country for the crisis at America's border. He's right. This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota and EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Jul 2, 2019 • 31min
Ep. 100: The new effort to legalize marijuana in North Dakota
David Owen of Legalize ND talks about his group's new proposal to legalize recreational marijuana in North Dakota. Also state lawmakers now say they'll abide by a legal opinion from Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem which found their law limiting the powers of the state Auditor was unconstitutional. This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com and Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.