Centered From Reality

Iran Strikes Pakistan, SCOTUS May Overturn Chevron & the Claremont Institution's MAGA Campaign!

In this episode, Alex starts by worrying that a new series of court cases that have reached the Supreme Court may upend a decision known as Chevron USA v Natural Resources Defence Council. This decision granted executive agencies enough deference to make their own decisions and oveturning it could upend the administrative state. Next, Alex recommends a new book that discusses how the Claremont Institution and others have created a new generation of conservatives that not only support MAGA but are indoctrinated in it. Finally, Alex talks about the Iranian strikes on militant groups inside of Pakistan. Rightfully so, the Pakistani government is furious and some worry this is yet another sign of the region getting closer to a larger conflict. 

Chaos in the Middle East: Israel, Gaza & the Red Sea (with Drew Knepley)

In this second part of Alex’s conversation with Drew Knepley, the two turn to the Middle East to talk about what is going on between Israel and Gaza. They also talk about whether the Israel/Hamas conflict, along with the US strikes on the Houthis, could lead to a larger conflict in the Middle East. Drew and Alex also talk about the complexity of the Israel-Palestine conflict, the broken politics inside of Israel, how it has become a wedge issue on the American Left, and more. They also touch on antisemitism and free speech on college campuses. 

The State of Our Union: Iowa and Beyond (with Drew Knepley)

In this episode, Alex sits down with Drew Knepley, the cohost of their old show “The Tonic Accord.” In this first part released today, Drew and Alex talk about the Iowa Caucus, why this is a facade, and what may come next in New Hampshire. They also talk about the state of the GOP, how President Biden can appeal to moderates, why Nikki Haley could be important to Trump, and why democracy is no longer a useful case to vote for Biden.

Maritime Madness: Could Iran’s Shadow War Become a Real One?

In this episode, Alex starts by discussing how Chris Christie was caught on a hot mic bashing the other candidates and saying that Nikki Haley had not chance. As Christie dropped out, many thought he would endorse Haley and his supporters would go to her, this may not be as likely. For the rest of the episode, Alex talks about how the United States and the United Kingdom finally responded to the Yemeni located, Houthi Rebels, that have been attacking ships in the Red Sea for over a month. The two countries carried out more than 60 sea and aerial attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen hoping to get the terrorist group to budge. Alex argues that this is a volatile moment because it looks like the Israel-Hamas war could expand. He also looks into how Iran’s funding of proxies around the region may have backfired as the Houthis could finally make Iran’s shadow war on the west a real war. 

South Africa Accuses Israel of Genocide, the Situation in Gaza Gets Dire & How Israel’s Private Sector Must Help Palestinians

In this episode, Alex gives a range of updates regarding the situation in Gaza. At the time of the recording, South Africa has put fourth a case to the UN’s International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide. As the death toll in Gaza has passed 23,000 people (mainly civillians), international calls for a ceasefire are increasing and scrutiny towards Israel is mounting. Alex also looks into why South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) sympathizes with the Palestinian cause and also has open diplomatic relations with Hamas. The issue is nuanced because the ANC was seen as a terrorist group itself during the Apartheid years in South Africa, and it looked to Palestinian resistance for hope. Finally, Alex looks into how the dire situation in Gaza is a political situation that Israel must address. It is getting more difficult to think that Israel is just trying to fight Hamas when 85% of Gazans have been relocated and the World Heath Organization says that 80% of the world’s starving people are in Gaza. Alex argues that the Israeli private sector must return to facilitating the transfer of goods to aid groups to reach Gazans; this happened before October 7th with moderate success. 

Trump’s Scary Immunity Argument & A New Taylor Swift Conspiracy

In this episode, Alex talks about Trump’s 2016 comments when he noted that “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters, okay?” It looks like this idea of Trump being able to get away with anything has reached the extreme extension of that remark. In a Washington D.C. court, Trump’s attorney’s are arguing that he is immune from indictment unless he is impeached and convicted by the senate. The judge overseeing the case posed a hypothetical about Trump ordering Seal Team Six to kill his political opponents; his attorneys eventually agreed that Trump would be immune from punishment unless impeached/convicted. Alex goes over the absurdity of this argument and how it could erode any executive accountability left. In this episode, Alex also talks about a new Taylor Swift conspiracy theory — Jesse Waters on Fox News is peddling the idea that she is a psy-op for the CIA and military. 

DeSantislies.com: the DeSantis vs. Haley Debate/Drinking Game

In this episode, Alex gives his reactions and analysis to the 2024 Republican Primary Debate in Iowa between Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley. Alex leaves the debate thinking it would have been better as a drinking game than anything suitable for analysis. He argues that both candidates have no hope and appear to be debating gas tax policies and attacking one another on the deck of the Titanic. It is absurd to see how the two barely mention the political realities of their party as Donald Trump’s inevitability grows. 

Violence Erupts in Ecuador, Boeing Blows a Plug & Stefanik Helps Rewrites J6

In this episode, Alex starts by reacting Elise Stefanik’s recent interview on Meet the Press. In the interview, Representative Stefanik retcons the events of January 6th and calls the convicted insurrectionists “hostages.” Next, Alex looks into how a breakdown in the rule of law in Ecuador has led to its president declaring a national emergency. Since 2020, Ecuador (and many other countries in the region) has seen an influx in drug trafficking, violence, cartel activity, and political assassinations. Now it looks like Ecuador has it an inflection point as the central government’s monopoly on violence is breaking down and martial law is going to be imposed. Finally, Alex reacts to the recent Boeing 737-9 MAX airplane incident that occurred on a flight headed from Oregon to California. Alex argues that once again Boeing has pursued profits and shareholder success over safety and regulation. 

Trump Can’t Commit in Illinois, the Obamas Sound the Alarm & Double Standards in Corruption: Trump vs. Biden

In this episode, Alex starts out angry. He talks about both Michelle and Barack Obama are now sounding the alarm on 2024 and worry about the outcome of the election. Alex argues that the Democratic Establishment has been too late to respond and is still inept and resolving these issues; it now seems like it is too late to pivot, even as Obama has met with Biden to recommend some changes. Next, Alex looks at a new House Democrats report that provides evidence of Trump bringing in millions of dollars from foreign governments and organizations. All of this is happening as House Republicans continue their fishing expedition (impeachment inquiry) into Joe Biden. It seems like Trump can dodge actual evidence while Biden can’t evade false attacks from any side. Finally, Alex looks into some troubling reports out of Illinois. Breaking from tradition, Trump hasn’t signed an Illinois pledge that states that a candidate for president will not engage in an attempt to overthrown the government. Trump campaign spokespeople say this is because he will win, but what happens if he doesn’t win? 

J6: Three Years Later, its Ghosts Haunt Our Democracy

In this episode, Alex mainly focuses on the events of January 6th three years later. He takes an emotional, and somewhat dark, approach to reflecting on how much everything has changed since the initial events. Alex argues that our democracy and institutions cannot function correctly if a wannabe insurrection attempt goes unpunished.