

Plain Talk
Forum Communications Co.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 4, 2019 • 50min
Ep. 57: There should be consequences for refusing to vaccinate
Senator Kevin Cramer takes questions from listeners on closing the border, NATO funding, and the Mueller report. Also, should there be consequences for people who refuse to vaccinate? This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Apr 3, 2019 • 35min
Ep. 56: Republican lawmaker objects to Hindu invocation
A Republican lawmaker from Minot who styles himself a proponent of religious liberty is objecting to an invocation delivered by a Hindu religious leader. You can't make this stuff up. Also state Rep. Luke Simons talks about his bill, which failed in the state Senate, which would have required that cops get a warrant (or at least have probable cause or the justification of an emergency) before coming on private land and searching buildings. This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Apr 2, 2019 • 33min
Ep. 55: What the heck is pore space?
On this episode of Plain Talk, Troy Coons from the Northwest Landowners Association talks about why his group opposes legislation regarding pore space. Don't worry, he also explains what pore space is. Also, some thoughts on the Legislature rejecting an expanded State Board of Higher Education. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Apr 1, 2019 • 27min
Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 04/01/2019
Audio from Rob's appearance on the Jay Thomas Show 04/01/2019, talking about occupational licensing for hair braiders and the Legislature possibly overriding Governor Doug Burgum's veto of a hike to drivers license fees.

Apr 1, 2019 • 33min
Ep. 54: Does a hair braider need more than 1,000 hours of training?
On this episode of Plain Talk, a hair braider who tried to start a business in Fargo ended up having to move her business to Minnesota because North Dakota's regulations are too strenuous. Also, Senator Jessica Unruh (R-Beulah) talks about a complicated bill concerning pore space and energy development which some are saying is an affront to property rights. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Mar 29, 2019 • 28min
Ep. 53: Rape is rape
On this episode of Plain Talk, state Representative Kim Koppelman (R-West Fargo) backed an amendment which would treat marital rape differently for the purposes of parental rights than just plain old rape. Then he lied about offering the amendment. Also, Congressman Kelly Armstrong takes listener questions. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Mar 28, 2019 • 45min
Ep. 52: Line 3 pipeline update, Senator Cramer takes questions
On this episode of Plain Talk, Senator Kevin Cramer takes listener questions about the filibuster, the USMCA trade agreement, the Green New Deal, and funding for the Special Olympics. Also, John Swanson from Enbridge gives an update on their much-delayed Line 3 pipeline project in Minnesota. He says their company is prepared if Dakota Access-style protests happen. This episode brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Mar 27, 2019 • 30min
Ep. 51: Thoughts on Jussie Smollett and privilege
By the strictures of identity politics actor and accused hate crime hoaxer Jussie Smollett is, by dint of his demographic attributes, automatically a victim. Except, judging by what he seems to have gotten away with in Chicago, it sure seems like he has a lot of privilege. Also, state Senator Janne Myrdal talks about her legislation aimed at stopping criminal political acts against infrastructure like pipelines. This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Mar 26, 2019 • 27min
Ep. 50: Do we need the Electoral College?
Reed Hundt, a former head of the FCC who is now heading up an organization called Make Every Vote Count, calls for an end to the Electoral College. But is that what would be best for North Dakota? This episode of Plain Talk is brought to you by EnergyofNorthDakota.com.

Mar 25, 2019 • 22min
Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 03/25/19
Audio from Rob's appearance on the Jay Thomas Show 03/25/2019, talking about the recently released Mueller report.


