Politics Considered

Exclusive Interview with Dr. Barney Warf: Trumpism and Post Truth

Dr. Barney Warf is a Professor of Geography at the University of Kansas. He has written extensively about former President Donald Trump.  He has a book coming out about Post Truth Geographies
In this exclusive interview, Bill and Dr. Warf discuss the effects of Trumpism on U.S. Democracy and the political landscape.  They discuss the attacks on higher education, anti-intellectualism, big money and the influence of the Koch Brothers, Gerrymandering, Neoliberalism, economic inequality, and much more.
 

U.S. Foreign Policy: An Exclusive Interview with Jonathan Franks Part 2

In Part 2 of this exclusive interview, Bill asks Jonathan to weigh in on U.S. foreign policy. 
Jonathan Franks was assistant to Majority Leader Congressman Steny Hoyer. He is friends with Ambassador Bill Richardson and has met with President Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy. He has represented celebrities in hostage negations and families of prisoners. He represented the family of Trevor Reed and is credited with his release from a Russian prison.  This broad-ranging interview includes a discussion of various elected officials, the war powers act, Syria, and a potential second Trump term.  He discusses Sen Ted Cruz and other politicians. Bill and Jonathan also discuss Representative Barbara Lee of California.
What grades does Jonathan give Presidents Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden in foreign policy?

Hostage Diplomacy: Exclusive Interview with Mr. Jonathan Franks: Part 1

Jonathan Franks is a crisis manager who has represented celebrities and families of hostages held overseas. He is largely credited with the release of Trevor Reed, who was held hostage in Russia.
In part 1 of Bill's interview. Jonathan discusses recent prisoner swaps, including Trevor Reed, whose family he represented. Franks is credited with Reed’s release.  He and Bill discuss Paul Whelan, Brittany Griner, U.S. journalist  Evan Gershkovich, and other hostages.  Bill asks Jonathan how many hostages there are, what countries they are in, and if any of our allies are detaining U.S. hostages.  Jonathan offers his opinions of the state department’s handling of such matters and how politicians have helped or not helped the families. 

Exclusive Interview with Dr. Allan Barsky

In this podcast, Bill interviews Dr. Allan Barsky, a Professor of Social Work.  Dr. Barsky discusses the topic of the current culture war on transgendered persons and provides keen insight into how current laws are affecting real people. He also provides useful information for LGBTQ+ youth, parents, allies, and all of us. 

Transgender Culture War (Culture Wars Pt 3)

In this podcast, Bill discusses the current intense culture war around transgendered persons and Drag Queens (Female Impersonators).  Bill provides some context and history. He outlines what is happening today in state legislatures, how it relates to what is happening around the world, and how it relates to Democracy. 

The Attack on Higher Education: Exclusive Interview with Valsin Marmillion

Bill has an exclusive interview with Valsin Marmillion, a political legend. He taught at the University of Florida & talks about what is happening there with the takeover of education. He also worked for President Carter & discusses Carter & other elected officials. In this fascinating interview, Valsin shares his experience from his time working for President Carter, running a U.S. Senate campaign, and years of experience in D.C. and Los Angeles working on various campaigns, including the first AIDS campaign in the U.S.  He relates his experiences to what is happening now at the University of Florida.  

Culture Wars Part 2: The War on Higher Education

Bill discusses the war on higher education and what is happening in New College in Sarasota, Florida. He also discusses the University of Florida. Context and history are provided for students. 

Culture Wars: Part 1

In this episode, Bill discusses what he calls the morality culture war around religion. He also defines culture wars and discusses the role they play in our society.