Centered From Reality

The Bed Bug’s 2023 Euro Tour, The Axis of Resistance, Escalation in Gaza & What’s Next With Iran

In this episode, Alex starts by going over what some are calling a bedbug infestation in Paris. Alex goes over whether this infestation is an overreaction, or a problem of travel and globalization. For the rest of the episode, Alex gives updates on the events in Israel and Gaza. Hamas as threatened to start executing hostages as Israel is preparing for what looks like a massive strike or offensive into Gaza. Alex also discusses the Iranian connection to the attacks as it looks like Iran was at least aware and green-lit the attacks. 

Israel’s 9/11: Tragic and Unprecedented Terrorist Attacks in Israel, Conflict Expands to Lebanon & is There an Iranian Connection?

In this episode, Alex breaks down the recent terrorist attacks conducted inside of Israel by the terrorist group Hamas. Over the weekend, Israel experienced unprecedented attacks by Hamas that (as of now) left over 700 Israelis dead and a large, but unknown, number of civilians taken as hostages. Alex notes that a lot of the deaths were civilians and even some included students at festivals. Some are calling this attack Israel’s 9/11 and Alex finds it hard to disagree with this description. Unfortunately, but understandably, Israel has responded with brutal attacks on Palestinian territories and some worry the worst is yet to come as strikes have been reported in Lebanon as well. For most of the episode, Alex talks about how Israel and Palestine have reached this point and why Hamas should be blamed but the policies of Netanyahu must be questioned. 

Our National Politics Makes a Circuis Look Serious

In this episode Alex takes a deep dive into all of the chaos happening in the House of Representatives and beyond, he argues that this is a complete circuis and is not a good harbinger of things to come for American Democracy. Alex looks at how Republicans are getting petty, moving Nancy Pelosi out of her current office. He also looks into how Steve Bannon’s alternative universe has made people like Matt Gaetz stars and how Donald Trump could be the next house speaker. Alex finishes the episode with some clips from the Bulwark Podcast that look into how the circuis looks a lot like late-era Rome, and how the chaos could turn off moderate voters. BUT, will moderates vote for Biden or stay home? 

McCarthy OUSTED as the House is SHUT DOWN

In this emergency pod, Alex discusses how the Matt Gaetz revolt to oust Kevin McCarthy from his speakership role succeeded. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted with a 216-210 vote and how the Republican side in the house is in shock and shut down. Alex gives his thoughts into what his next and why this was a self-inflicted wound for the Republican side. 

RFK Jr. to Run Third Party, SCOTUS Could Dismantle the Administrative State, Chaos at the Captiol & Trump Back in Court!

In this episode, Alex starts by discussing how Donald Trump is back in court in New York for a civil fraud trial involving the Trump Organization. It seems like Trump will take this case seriously because it brings into question the efficacy of his name and business. Next, RFK Jr. could be running as an independent or even a libertarian. Alex notes that RFK Jr. has put out an ad telling his supporters that there will be an announcement in Pennsylvania on October 9. Some commentators think his annoucement could hurt Biden, others think it could hurt Trump. Alex argues that it would be more likely to hurt Trump due to the views of the average RFK Jr. supporter, but he also thinks it may be a wash. Later, Alex discusses how the SCOTUS is back in session and will be hearing some important cases that may overturn the Chevron deference doctrine. He argues that some of these cases may change the role of federal agencies in society and could lead to less stability and flexibility in government. Finally, Alex gives an update on the chaos happening in congress. It looks like there will be a vote to oust Kevin McCarthy and there’s a chance he may lose!

Taylor Swift TARGETED in the Culture War , Slovakia Could Become Pro-Russian, Bad News for Nikki Haley & SHUT DOWN FOR WHAT!?

In this episode, Alex starts by talking about how the looming government shut down was averted at the 11th hour once again. In an interesting turn of events, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy chose compromising/working with Democrats over letting his far-right party members shut down the government. Alex argues that this is good news for the country but may be bad news for McCarthy if he wants to remain the Speaker of the House. Next, Alex quickly goes over a new series of interviews conducted by Sarah Longwell in her focus groups with two-time Trump voters. Many of the people in the focus groups either do not want a woman president or do not think the country is ready for one. Later, Alex talks about a troubling election in Slovakia that happened in late-September. In the election, Robert Fico, the country’s corrupt, former prime minister, has won the plurality and is likely going to be prime minister once again. He has allied himself with pro-Russian leaders in the region and Alex worries that there will be a democratic backslide in Slovakia. Finally, Alex dives into the right’s new culture war against Taylor Swift. 

Sunday Countdown: Trump’s VP Short List Includes the Semi-Good, the Bad & the Insane

In this episode of the Sunday Countdown, Alex discusses the people that may end up being Trump’s vice presidential picks. It seems clear that he must pick a woman or a minority, or both, due to his need to appeal to woman and minority groups in the general election. Alex outlines 8 potential picks to be his VP and these picks range from semi-sane to completely crazy and/or dangerous. 

Senator Bob Menendez: National Security Threat, Compromised Egyptian Asset & First-Rate A*****e

In this episode, Alex focuses on New Jersey’s Democratic Senator, Bob Menendez. While some of the indictments against him sound like a 1980s B movie (hiding gold bricks, wads of cash in his clothing, truck smuggling), Alex argues that the bigger issues. The bigger issues can be put into two categories — the ongoing threat Menendez poses to American national security, and how he is becoming Trumpian in doubling down on his actions. Alex discusses why Menendez should resign immediately due to the potential that he’s a compromised Egyptian asset. Also, it is odd that Republicans are now defending Menendez in their crusade to claim all federal law enforcement activity is political. 

Trump’s Fake Pro-Workers Rally, Edging Towards a Shut Down & Senator Feinstein Dies

In this episode, Alex starts by discussing how the US could be headed to a government shut down on October 1. The Republican-led house tried to pass one more bill yet radical house Republicans voted against it once again. Alex wonders why McCarthy doesn’t call the bluffs of people like Matt Gaetz because even though they have a motion to vacate the chair, there isn’t an alternative to McCarthy. Next, Alex is in awe after watching Trump’s rally in Michigan at a non-union factory. The media and Trump-supporters said he would maybe go to a UAW factory in supporter of unions and unfortunately some people still think he did. Alex argues that Trump just gave a normal union busting speech at this event and it highlights his faux-populism. Finally, Dianne Feinstein, California’s senior senator, died at 90. Alex discusses her legacy and notes that she is an excellent study into one happens when someone holds onto power for too long. 

FULL Debate Analysis: The Siren Song of Some Sycophants (and Doug Burgum)

In this special debate recap episode, Alex breaks down the second round of the 2024 Republican Presidential debate that was hosted on Fox Business. Alex argues that this debate was better run and more telling than the first. He also goes into the entirety of the debate and breaks down the pros and cons of each candidate. The episode ends with a ranking of each candidate and how far each one could (potentially) go.