https://ricochet.com/series/powerline/
Listen to the Three-Whisky Happy hour, along with more than 40 other original podcasts, at Ricochet.com. No paid subscription required.]]>enPoliticsRicochethttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/351c982a3f8f0b143adb9fcacdc33fe3.jpghttps://ricochet.com/series/powerline/Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:59:32 +0000RicochetRicochetproduction@ricochet.comSteven Hayward brings you the Power Line Blog's perspective on the week's big headlines. Follow Power Line on Twitter (https://twitter.com/powerlineus) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/powerlineblog). Send any suggestions, tips, and fan mail to...
Listen to the Three-Whisky Happy hour, along with more than 40 other original podcasts, at Ricochet.com. No paid subscription required.]]>falseepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-live-from-tulsa--71246260
John Yoo decided to be more obstreperous than usual with his utilitarian-positivist-pragmatism, but it made for a highly entertaining episode. We had a wonderful time visiting Tulsa.

Don't miss the YouTube version of the episode, which includes the "pre-game" introduction (not included in this audio episode) wherein Steve performed (an allegedy cheesy) magic trick illustrating the breakdown of the separation of powers.

And needless to say, exit music is "Ten Miles to Tulsa." We can't wait to go back.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71246260Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:59:30 +0000RicochetThis week the 3WHH podcast "went mobile people!", venturing to the University of Tulsa's College of Law for a live-taping before an enthusiastic audience of law students, faculty, and some loyal listeners. We departed slightly from our usual format,...
John Yoo decided to be more obstreperous than usual with his utilitarian-positivist-pragmatism, but it made for a highly entertaining episode. We had a wonderful time visiting Tulsa.

Don't miss the YouTube version of the episode, which includes the "pre-game" introduction (not included in this audio episode) wherein Steve performed (an allegedy cheesy) magic trick illustrating the breakdown of the separation of powers.

And needless to say, exit music is "Ten Miles to Tulsa." We can't wait to go back.]]>3912false215fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-from-birthright-religion-to-lockistotle--71082846Trump v. Barbara, the birthright citizenship case heard this week, we pick Phil's brain about the status of school prayer, and whether a restoration of organized prayer in public schools has a prayer of happening, taking as our cue Gerry Bradley's recent and provocative First Things article, "How To Bring Back School Prayer."

From there we briefly (but alas because we were out of sufficient time) but inadequately treat Phil's terrifically concise CRB essay "Ancient and Modern: How Straussians Interpret the Founding," mostly to annoy John Yoo—and we succeeded!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71082846Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:45:37 +0000RicochetNotre Dame's Tocqueville professor of political science, Vincent Phillip Munoz (Phil to his freinds and colleagues), joins this special episode which finds all three of your regular bartenders in the same room for once while on the road in Austin,...Trump v. Barbara, the birthright citizenship case heard this week, we pick Phil's brain about the status of school prayer, and whether a restoration of organized prayer in public schools has a prayer of happening, taking as our cue Gerry Bradley's recent and provocative First Things article, "How To Bring Back School Prayer."

From there we briefly (but alas because we were out of sufficient time) but inadequately treat Phil's terrifically concise CRB essay "Ancient and Modern: How Straussians Interpret the Founding," mostly to annoy John Yoo—and we succeeded!]]>3726false214fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-send-the-tsa-to-iran--70945996
Also, we give away the secret of the Straussian cheeseburger, which, to pararphrase Professor Strauss, makes the Big Arch look like an idiot childburger.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70945996Sat, 28 Mar 2026 15:16:37 +0000RicochetBe afraid, be very afraid, as this livestreamed edition of the 3WHH featured special effects for the first time. Steve has a new toy—a soundboard that comes with the classic sound effects. These turn out to be quite useful when pondering where the...
Also, we give away the secret of the Straussian cheeseburger, which, to pararphrase Professor Strauss, makes the Big Arch look like an idiot childburger.]]>3835false213fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-shots-fired-winning-here-losing-there--70800131
Here we land the blame squarely on GOP Senate leader John Thune, and did you know that "thune" is a slang French expression for for money, though it is often used with a modifier to indicate the lack thereof, like "sans thune." Seems fitting for a GOp Senate that can't figure out how to fight.

The exit music this week is an obscure callback. . . I doubt one person in 1,000 will get it.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70800131Sat, 21 Mar 2026 18:41:42 +0000RicochetThis week we raise the Jolly Roger against an imitator podcast that is intruding on the 3WHH's exclusive right of commentary on all things McDonald's, but then we move on to our own balance sheet about the Iran War (verdict—we're winning big, and...
Here we land the blame squarely on GOP Senate leader John Thune, and did you know that "thune" is a slang French expression for for money, though it is often used with a modifier to indicate the lack thereof, like "sans thune." Seems fitting for a GOp Senate that can't figure out how to fight.

The exit music this week is an obscure callback. . . I doubt one person in 1,000 will get it.]]>3323false212fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-int-l-law-and-lawlessness-at-home--70630315
Lucretia host's this week's episode, which combines her skepticism of international law, especially as it relates to our current military operations against Iran, along with her impatience with our willful refusal to take radical Islam seriously, now that Islam-inspired violence in the U.S. is now a daily occurence. 

The first topic was inspired by John Yoo's latest article on the subject; the latter subject inspired by the news headlines, needless to say.

Oh, we also make the case briefly for invading Iceland. It has to do with hamburgers. 

Also there are dogs.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70630315Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:34:30 +0000RicochetTo paraphrase—awkwardly—that 70s-era lyric, "International Law! What Is It Good For? Absolutely. Nothing! Good God!"  Lucretia host's this week's episode, which combines her skepticism of international law, especially as it relates to our current...
Lucretia host's this week's episode, which combines her skepticism of international law, especially as it relates to our current military operations against Iran, along with her impatience with our willful refusal to take radical Islam seriously, now that Islam-inspired violence in the U.S. is now a daily occurence. 

The first topic was inspired by John Yoo's latest article on the subject; the latter subject inspired by the news headlines, needless to say.

Oh, we also make the case briefly for invading Iceland. It has to do with hamburgers. 

Also there are dogs.]]>3120false211fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-war-what-is-it-good-for-absolutely-something--70520973
In any case, we reviewed some key points of the Great Iran War of 2026, along with observations on the Supreme Court's intervention on the side of California parents (we can't believe this was even an issue, but it is), and then after Steve came back, a mad scramble to the finish.

We do manage to get in some important cultural notes, such as the new McDonald's 1,000-calorie-plus Big Arch burger, and talking John down from his first ever visit to Buc-ees. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70520973Sat, 07 Mar 2026 05:11:33 +0000RicochetThis special "Give War a Chance" episode, the second under our joint sponsorship of the Civitas Institute and Ricochet, had some peculiar technical glitches that make it quite odd and somewhat disjointed. Steve cut out halfway through, and getting him...
In any case, we reviewed some key points of the Great Iran War of 2026, along with observations on the Supreme Court's intervention on the side of California parents (we can't believe this was even an issue, but it is), and then after Steve came back, a mad scramble to the finish.

We do manage to get in some important cultural notes, such as the new McDonald's 1,000-calorie-plus Big Arch burger, and talking John down from his first ever visit to Buc-ees. ]]>4168false210fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-newsom-clinton-tigers-and-bears-oh-my--70355727
Along the way we do lighting round hot takes on Trump's stupendous State of the Union speech, whether we're going to go to war with Iran perhaps before these pixels are dry on the screen, and, in response to a listener question, clarifying our discussion last week about the Supreme Court's tariff decision, along with some great pop culture trivia that we hadn't planned.

Plus—this episode opens with a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT about the future of this podcast! And some upcoming events.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70355727Sat, 28 Feb 2026 04:24:17 +0000RicochetThis week we went round-robin format—or the podcast equivalent of potluck—with each bartender bringing a subject on their mind. John wonders whether the Clinton deposition about Epstein is really sensible, Steve wonders how Gaffen-Gavin Newsom can...
Along the way we do lighting round hot takes on Trump's stupendous State of the Union speech, whether we're going to go to war with Iran perhaps before these pixels are dry on the screen, and, in response to a listener question, clarifying our discussion last week about the Supreme Court's tariff decision, along with some great pop culture trivia that we hadn't planned.

Plus—this episode opens with a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT about the future of this podcast! And some upcoming events.]]>3358false29fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-can-you-tariff-a-vibe-shift--70192272
The second half of this episode turns briefly to whether the "vibe shift" against wokism is really taking place, with caveats about whether it will survive Trump's presidency, or be reversed by the next Democrat who lies their way into the White House. Not only is the Wokerati engaging in "massive resistance" to steps to end government-sponsored racism and human nature-denying trans-axels, but some Democrats are darkly threatening retribution for people and institutions that are abandoning DEI and other wokist totems right now.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70192272Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:24:37 +0000RicochetWas the Supreme Court's tariff case Friday a no-lose case for conservatives, as Steve argues in this fast-paced episode, or a serious setback for President Trump? We were just surprised John Yoo had any voice left at all to break it down for us after...
The second half of this episode turns briefly to whether the "vibe shift" against wokism is really taking place, with caveats about whether it will survive Trump's presidency, or be reversed by the next Democrat who lies their way into the White House. Not only is the Wokerati engaging in "massive resistance" to steps to end government-sponsored racism and human nature-denying trans-axels, but some Democrats are darkly threatening retribution for people and institutions that are abandoning DEI and other wokist totems right now.
]]>3613false28fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-saving-elections-saving-energy-and-recalling-scalia--70060480
We also spend a good deal of time recalling the passing, ten years ago now, of Justice Antonin Scalia, whose shadow over contemporary jurisprudence continues to lengthen. We think Scalia is displacing Holmes as the most significant jurist of the last century for his enduring influence and for his central role in reviving constituitional originalism, even though he once described himself as a "faint-hearted originalist." There's a paradox at work in Scalia's jurisprudential legacy that requires someone like G.K. Chesterton to understand—and that, kids, ought to be a strong hint as to exactly what it is.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70060480Sat, 14 Feb 2026 16:52:39 +0000RicochetWhether free and fair elections can be saved with the SAVE Act is the first topic of debate this week, along with a celebration of the Trump Administration rolling back the EPA's power to make our energy scarce and expensive. Steve describes this bold...
We also spend a good deal of time recalling the passing, ten years ago now, of Justice Antonin Scalia, whose shadow over contemporary jurisprudence continues to lengthen. We think Scalia is displacing Holmes as the most significant jurist of the last century for his enduring influence and for his central role in reviving constituitional originalism, even though he once described himself as a "faint-hearted originalist." There's a paradox at work in Scalia's jurisprudential legacy that requires someone like G.K. Chesterton to understand—and that, kids, ought to be a strong hint as to exactly what it is.]]>3955false27fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-heart-of-texas-episode--69851368
In any case, after noting how John's beloved McRibb is going to rescue Bitcoin from its recent 40% slump, we get down to business, answering a reader/ listener comment asking what, exactly, is "scientific" about "political science"? And for our second topic, we beat up John (so what else is new, you ask) about his forthcoming essay on "The Declaration of Independence as a Constitution," part of our ongoing consideration of the Declaration ahead of the 250th anniversary this summer.  To be continued. . .

Alas, since this is an audio-only episode, there is no video availabe to be posted to YouTube, but we'll resume our livestream format experiments next week.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69851368Sat, 07 Feb 2026 12:13:19 +0000RicochetThis week all three of your whisky-swilling disputationists found themselves together in Austin, Texas, for a Civitas Institute conference, and we managed to sneak away to record this week's episode in -person. Though you wish earnestly for us to...
In any case, after noting how John's beloved McRibb is going to rescue Bitcoin from its recent 40% slump, we get down to business, answering a reader/ listener comment asking what, exactly, is "scientific" about "political science"? And for our second topic, we beat up John (so what else is new, you ask) about his forthcoming essay on "The Declaration of Independence as a Constitution," part of our ongoing consideration of the Declaration ahead of the 250th anniversary this summer.  To be continued. . .

Alas, since this is an audio-only episode, there is no video availabe to be posted to YouTube, but we'll resume our livestream format experiments next week.]]>3526false26fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-zoned-out-on-protests--69677014Euclid v. Ambler Realty? No, really—it is! We're not making this up. Okay, we know what you're thinking: what is Euclid v. Ambler Realty and why should I care, especially a hindred years later?

The Euclid decision, written by one of the most conservative and principled Justices of the Supreme Court (George Sutherland) declared that land use zoning was constitutional and didn't violate the "takings clause" of the 5th Amendment ("No shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation"). I know: stifle your excitement. But don't zone out on us. John and Steve agree (for once) that Sutherland got this one badly wrong, and trust us, we liven it up in our discussion.

Lucretia, hostess for this week's episode, wonders whether there is a "right to protest." Sure the 1st Amendment protects freedom of speech and the right to assemble, but does it actually protect protests—like those we see in Minneapolis right now, where the dividing line between protest and active interference of federal law enforcement is hard to make out (on purpose).

Then, finally, Lucretia gets Steve to reflect on the 20th anniversary of Al Gore's horror film about climate change, An Inconvenient Truth. Gore's film was hysterically wrong, but he's still with us somehow.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69677014Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:38:30 +0000RicochetThis may sound like a very esoteric subject for our weekly podcast, but did you know this year is the 100th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court case of Euclid v. Ambler Realty? No, really—it is! We're not making this up. Okay, we know what...Euclid v. Ambler Realty? No, really—it is! We're not making this up. Okay, we know what you're thinking: what is Euclid v. Ambler Realty and why should I care, especially a hindred years later?

The Euclid decision, written by one of the most conservative and principled Justices of the Supreme Court (George Sutherland) declared that land use zoning was constitutional and didn't violate the "takings clause" of the 5th Amendment ("No shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation"). I know: stifle your excitement. But don't zone out on us. John and Steve agree (for once) that Sutherland got this one badly wrong, and trust us, we liven it up in our discussion.

Lucretia, hostess for this week's episode, wonders whether there is a "right to protest." Sure the 1st Amendment protects freedom of speech and the right to assemble, but does it actually protect protests—like those we see in Minneapolis right now, where the dividing line between protest and active interference of federal law enforcement is hard to make out (on purpose).

Then, finally, Lucretia gets Steve to reflect on the 20th anniversary of Al Gore's horror film about climate change, An Inconvenient Truth. Gore's film was hysterically wrong, but he's still with us somehow.]]>3952false25fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-forget-greenland-invade-virginia--69567979
And Steve thinks it isn't too soon to begin thinking about what "New Right 5.0" after Trump is going to look like.

Exit music today from Cosigner, which we are thinking of making the official bumper music band for the 3WHH, since the lead singer and motive force of the band is a certified conservative and listener to this podcast. Let us know if you approve.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69567979Sat, 24 Jan 2026 05:16:21 +0000RicochetA lot of interesting legal questions this week for rotating host John Yoo, and we don't even get through all of them (can you believe Lucretia actually passed up the chance to dunk on her "favorite" Justice KBJ for this week's embarrassment at the...
And Steve thinks it isn't too soon to begin thinking about what "New Right 5.0" after Trump is going to look like.

Exit music today from Cosigner, which we are thinking of making the official bumper music band for the 3WHH, since the lead singer and motive force of the band is a certified conservative and listener to this podcast. Let us know if you approve.]]>3708false24fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-best-podcast-regime--69474914
We considered whether and how the Insurrection Act might work in the case of insurrectiony Minnesota, and then move on to our main event today: is America in fact the "best regime" in the classical, Platonic/Aristotelian meaning of the term (Steve and Lucretia say Yes, while John is confused and cantankerous as usual), and if so does this help explain the left's deep hatred for America? ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69474914Sat, 17 Jan 2026 00:09:14 +0000RicochetIs it just us, or did this week seem even crazier than usual? We didn't have time to cover all the crazy in the news, and had to settle for trying to select the most stupid crazy thing said this week, though even that was a hard selection to make. But...
We considered whether and how the Insurrection Act might work in the case of insurrectiony Minnesota, and then move on to our main event today: is America in fact the "best regime" in the classical, Platonic/Aristotelian meaning of the term (Steve and Lucretia say Yes, while John is confused and cantankerous as usual), and if so does this help explain the left's deep hatred for America? ]]>3598false23fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-battle-zones-in-iran-venezuela-and-minnesota--69379373https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69379373Sat, 10 Jan 2026 07:31:55 +0000RicochetOur second livestream on our Political Questions Substack was a lively tour through frivolous lawsuits against the McRib, to wondering what is happening in Iran. Could it really be the end of the line for the mullahocracy? If so we agree the likely...3916false22fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-happy-new-year-on-substack-edition--69283104Political Questions" Substack.  We think is was a success even though Steve's camera froze up several times along the way. 

John Yoo hosts this first episode of the year, which is devoted entirely to understanding and critiquing "post-liberalism," currently one of the hottest new things going on the right today. (John makes reference to one of our live clashes with a leading post-liberal, which Steve wrote up here.)

Attacks on the classical liberalism of the American Founding are not new from the left—Marx hated John Locke perhaps above all others except perhaps Adam Smith—and there have always been conservative critics of Lockean liberalism, starting with Edmund Burke back in the 1790, but also like Leo Strauss whose famous short phrase was that materialism Lockeanism would devolve into "a joyless quest for joy." 

This is an urgent and relevant question as we move toward the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence mid-year, and while we expect the 1619 Project left will be out in force attacking the Declaration for the usual stupid reasons, we'll also have to content with some on the right attacking it for reasons that may have a more plausible basis, but which we think are confused—when they are not wrong.

This is merely the first episode of the podcast this year that will be devoted to various aspects and controveries about the founding that will surely erupt over the next six months.  Strap in!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69283104Fri, 02 Jan 2026 22:19:07 +0000RicochetWe tried an experiment this week—livestreaming the taping of this week's episode on Steve's 'https://stevehayward.substack.com.  We think is was a success even though Steve's camera froze up several times along the way.  John Yoo hosts this first...Political Questions" Substack.  We think is was a success even though Steve's camera froze up several times along the way. 

John Yoo hosts this first episode of the year, which is devoted entirely to understanding and critiquing "post-liberalism," currently one of the hottest new things going on the right today. (John makes reference to one of our live clashes with a leading post-liberal, which Steve wrote up here.)

Attacks on the classical liberalism of the American Founding are not new from the left—Marx hated John Locke perhaps above all others except perhaps Adam Smith—and there have always been conservative critics of Lockean liberalism, starting with Edmund Burke back in the 1790, but also like Leo Strauss whose famous short phrase was that materialism Lockeanism would devolve into "a joyless quest for joy." 

This is an urgent and relevant question as we move toward the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence mid-year, and while we expect the 1619 Project left will be out in force attacking the Declaration for the usual stupid reasons, we'll also have to content with some on the right attacking it for reasons that may have a more plausible basis, but which we think are confused—when they are not wrong.

This is merely the first episode of the podcast this year that will be devoted to various aspects and controveries about the founding that will surely erupt over the next six months.  Strap in!]]>3786false21fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-year-in-review-and-the-year-ahead--69215164
We couldn't make the Substack livestream work, but we're going to sort that out in the next week before our first show of the new season next weekend, which will be 2026!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69215164Sat, 27 Dec 2025 00:22:59 +0000RicochetTo close out the year the 3WHH barflies recorded a special Boxing Day edition, in which, following the obligatory McDonald's news for John and a breaking story that indicates President Trump really does mean it about defending Western Christendom, we...
We couldn't make the Substack livestream work, but we're going to sort that out in the next week before our first show of the new season next weekend, which will be 2026!]]>3383false153fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-special-christmas-day-edition--69202968Die Hard? How about a special Christmas Day edition of the Three Whisky Happy Hour! 

Lucretia took time out from the kitchen to host this ad-free episode which features a discussion of the law governing religious symbols on public property, and why they are NOT violations of the Estasblishment Clause of the First Amendment (the phrase "separation of church and state" is not even hiding in any of the emanantions an punumbras of the Constitution, so don't even look). Discussion also turned to wondering why liberals are increasingly hostile to religion—especially Christianity—and Steve offers his theory that the decline of patriotism among liberals, which also shows up in opinion survey data, is connected to the decline of religion among liberals, too. (He gave the full analysis of the matter in this Substack post a few months ago. One sentence summary: politics, the substitute diety for the left, isn't going well for them right now, which makes them angry.) And did you know that Christmas itself is now a"far right" plot? That's what Politico thinks. (Yes, we know: "Politico thinks" is an oxymoron.)

We manage to get in some good holiday cheer, such as mocking John's total ignorance of "throuples" *the latest thing for the "Modern Love" section of the NY Times) and we manage to get in our obligatory reference to—wait for it!—the Clean Air Act, and Sydney Sweeney. Because it's Christmas!

We'll be back sometime over the weekend with a regular episode in which we review the most significqnt events of 2025, and offer predictions for 2026.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69202968Thu, 25 Dec 2025 10:40:30 +0000RicochetJust how are you going to pass the time on Christmas Day after you've got the roast in the oven (at low temp, of course) and you've finished your obligatory annual screening of Die Hard? How about a special Christmas Day edition of the Three Whisky...Die Hard? How about a special Christmas Day edition of the Three Whisky Happy Hour! 

Lucretia took time out from the kitchen to host this ad-free episode which features a discussion of the law governing religious symbols on public property, and why they are NOT violations of the Estasblishment Clause of the First Amendment (the phrase "separation of church and state" is not even hiding in any of the emanantions an punumbras of the Constitution, so don't even look). Discussion also turned to wondering why liberals are increasingly hostile to religion—especially Christianity—and Steve offers his theory that the decline of patriotism among liberals, which also shows up in opinion survey data, is connected to the decline of religion among liberals, too. (He gave the full analysis of the matter in this Substack post a few months ago. One sentence summary: politics, the substitute diety for the left, isn't going well for them right now, which makes them angry.) And did you know that Christmas itself is now a"far right" plot? That's what Politico thinks. (Yes, we know: "Politico thinks" is an oxymoron.)

We manage to get in some good holiday cheer, such as mocking John's total ignorance of "throuples" *the latest thing for the "Modern Love" section of the NY Times) and we manage to get in our obligatory reference to—wait for it!—the Clean Air Act, and Sydney Sweeney. Because it's Christmas!

We'll be back sometime over the weekend with a regular episode in which we review the most significqnt events of 2025, and offer predictions for 2026.]]>3213false152fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-santa-s-tin-foil-hat-week--69138888now, what conspiracy theory could explain why White House chief of staff Susie Wiles would call VP Vance a "conspiracy theorist" (among other things), and last but not least, how Candace Owens stole Lucretia's tin foil hat right out from under her nose! After all this, we expect Santa will be delivering fancy new tin foil hats to us next week.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69138888Fri, 19 Dec 2025 22:26:55 +0000RicochetIt's conspiracy theory week at the 3WHH, as host John Yoo guides us through the mysteries of the shootings at Brown University and MIT, the mystery of why an article about the corruption of the DEI world should suddenly go viral just now, what...now, what conspiracy theory could explain why White House chief of staff Susie Wiles would call VP Vance a "conspiracy theorist" (among other things), and last but not least, how Candace Owens stole Lucretia's tin foil hat right out from under her nose! After all this, we expect Santa will be delivering fancy new tin foil hats to us next week.]]>3914false151fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-prog-mask-slips--69020014New York Review of Books recently saying of her: "Ketanji Brown Jackson is proving to be the sharpest justice on the Supreme Court." (No, seriously—they really printed that sentence.) But did she really just give away the whole anti-democratic impulse of progressives? It looks like she did.

We actually agree that Humphrey's Executor is going to get executed because Slaughter (the party to the case against Trump) ha set it up for the slaughter.

Speaking of slaughtering, we get around to celebrating the seasonal apperance of the McRib, but not before reviewing how his bears on John Yoo's favorite constitutional doctrine, the 'unitary executive,' and we take a brief tour to argue over some of the fine points of the Dred Scott case. Because whisky will do that to you.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69020014Sat, 13 Dec 2025 05:47:31 +0000RicochetIt's the usual brawl at the bar with the three barflies of the Three Whisky Happy Hour, where we take note of Justice Kentanji Brown Jackson sayiing the quiet (progressive) part out loud, likely flattered by the New York Review of Books recently...New York Review of Books recently saying of her: "Ketanji Brown Jackson is proving to be the sharpest justice on the Supreme Court." (No, seriously—they really printed that sentence.) But did she really just give away the whole anti-democratic impulse of progressives? It looks like she did.

We actually agree that Humphrey's Executor is going to get executed because Slaughter (the party to the case against Trump) ha set it up for the slaughter.

Speaking of slaughtering, we get around to celebrating the seasonal apperance of the McRib, but not before reviewing how his bears on John Yoo's favorite constitutional doctrine, the 'unitary executive,' and we take a brief tour to argue over some of the fine points of the Dred Scott case. Because whisky will do that to you.]]>3682false150fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-no-pearl-clutching-zone--68904518pearl clutching going on among the hand-wringers in Washington and the media. We flop our pearls of wisdom on the Tennessee special election, the J6 bomber arrest, the double-tap bombings on Venezuelan "fishing boats," the Minnesota welfare scandal, and the related immigration control issues it raises. We have some diversions into the latest Trumpian nomenclature, including his rehabilitation of "third world countries" and the "R-word," as Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz calls it, and how Sydney Sweeney might react to listening to an episode of the 3WHH (because it is the new Kantian Categorical Imperative that Sydney Sweeney must be kept in the news).

Exit music this week is “Clutchin’ Pearls,” by Ross Kleiner and the Thrill. Key lyric that does not apply to our hostess with the mostest: “She’s so mad/I left her clutchin’ pearls!”]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68904518Fri, 05 Dec 2025 20:08:20 +0000RicochetLucretia hosts this week's episode with the running theme that there's too much pearl clutching going on among the hand-wringers in Washington and the media. We flop our pearls of wisdom on the Tennessee special election, the J6 bomber arrest, the...pearl clutching going on among the hand-wringers in Washington and the media. We flop our pearls of wisdom on the Tennessee special election, the J6 bomber arrest, the double-tap bombings on Venezuelan "fishing boats," the Minnesota welfare scandal, and the related immigration control issues it raises. We have some diversions into the latest Trumpian nomenclature, including his rehabilitation of "third world countries" and the "R-word," as Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz calls it, and how Sydney Sweeney might react to listening to an episode of the 3WHH (because it is the new Kantian Categorical Imperative that Sydney Sweeney must be kept in the news).

Exit music this week is “Clutchin’ Pearls,” by Ross Kleiner and the Thrill. Key lyric that does not apply to our hostess with the mostest: “She’s so mad/I left her clutchin’ pearls!”]]>3594false149fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-why-john-adams-would-get-sydney-sweeney--68798538Richard Samuelson, one of the pre-eminent experts on John Adams, you'd think we find out what Adams thought about the Clean Air Act, but no! Instead, the show reaches its zenith with Samuelson drawing our attention to some of Adams's handwritten marginalia that demonstrates why Adams would have completely understood the Sweeney Sensation. 

Richard joined us for our intermittent series between now and next July 4 about the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and he helpfully arbitrated the debate we had last week about the probity of Gordon Wood's treatment of the American creed. (Readers should also not miss Samuelson's article "John Adams Versus Edmund Burke," which helps clarify the extent to which Adams should be thought of (as Russell Kirk did) as "America's first conservative."

We also went through a couple of current headlines about the latest frontiers in lawfare, and the aftermath of the shooting of two national guard troops in Washington.


For those who like to take in the video, you can find the YouTube right here (and consider subscribing).]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68798538Sat, 29 Nov 2025 15:54:42 +0000RicochetNow we know what you're thinking: if we have on as a special guest historian https://dc.hillsdale.edu/Profiles/Richard-Samuelson/, one of the pre-eminent experts on John Adams, you'd think we find out what Adams thought about the Clean Air Act, but...Richard Samuelson, one of the pre-eminent experts on John Adams, you'd think we find out what Adams thought about the Clean Air Act, but no! Instead, the show reaches its zenith with Samuelson drawing our attention to some of Adams's handwritten marginalia that demonstrates why Adams would have completely understood the Sweeney Sensation. 

Richard joined us for our intermittent series between now and next July 4 about the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and he helpfully arbitrated the debate we had last week about the probity of Gordon Wood's treatment of the American creed. (Readers should also not miss Samuelson's article "John Adams Versus Edmund Burke," which helps clarify the extent to which Adams should be thought of (as Russell Kirk did) as "America's first conservative."

We also went through a couple of current headlines about the latest frontiers in lawfare, and the aftermath of the shooting of two national guard troops in Washington.


For those who like to take in the video, you can find the YouTube right here (and consider subscribing).]]>4077false148fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-special-thanksgiving-day-edition--68772070
We'll be back over the weekend with a regular episode, just as soon as our tryptohpan-induced comas wear off.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68772070Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:13:24 +0000RicochetNaturally the 3WHH bartenders can't agree on the best way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey as well as the side dishes at the outset of this special Thanksgiving Day edition, but after that we get down to discussing what to make of prosecutions being...
We'll be back over the weekend with a regular episode, just as soon as our tryptohpan-induced comas wear off.]]>3404false147fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-bringing-the-wood-to-wood--68706015Star Trek metaphors, reflectioning and debating briefly about which was the weirdest news story of the week—the latest Epstein file revelations, MTG departing the House, the Mamdani-Trump Oval Office Summit—the greatest clash since Yalta, or the most bizarre meeting of Capitalist and Communist since Franklin Roosevelt dined alone—before we finally settle down to out main topic of the week: the launch of what will be a regular feature here on the 3WHH between now and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next July 4.

For this first installment, we ponder the strange case of historian Gordon Wood, considered the pre-eminent historian of the American Founding, who was in the news last week for a speech he delivered in Washington DC for the American Enterprise Institute. Steve was present to hear the speech; John took in the published version, and Lucretia let out a mighty harumph. Wood's main thesis at the beginning of his illustrious career was that the American Founding should be understood as part of the "civic republican" tradition, rather than a Lockean-Jeffersonian natural rights revolution. It made him the left's favorite historian for a time, a point Steve made in a critical article about Wood 20 years ago, "The Liberal Republicanism of Gordon Wood." 

Naturally—do I really need to say "naturally"? you know what's coming next—John stepped up to defend Wood's civic republican thesis. Lucretia thought she could sit this one out, but ChatGPT provided us with a debate between Lucretia and Wood, with "Wood" getting off some good zingers like "Lucretia, the Founding wasn’t a live-action performance of Natural Right: The Musical,"  and "Of course they were serious—serious about the collapse of deference, the emergence of democratic culture, and all the other things that give Straussians spontaneous nosebleeds." Lucretia responded in kind: "You make it sound like Samuel Adams was out there organizing consciousness-raising workshops. “Hi, I’m Sam, and I’m here to talk about my feelings on monarchy…”

The episode is slightly shorter than normal as Steve had to rush off to the final performance of Steve Hackett's North American tour in Portland, Oregon, and the final performance of keyboardist Roger King, and because the philistine and cretinous Lucretia and John attempted to mock the gods of prog rock, the exit music this week is an excerpt from Hackett's most famous guitar lick. IYKYK.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68706015Sun, 23 Nov 2025 15:26:08 +0000RicochetAnother week of last minute schedule changes, flight delays, lost iPads, misplaced laptops, and other mishaps delayed the recording of this week's episode, but finally on Saturday night we were able to sit down for an especially fast-paced episode to...Star Trek metaphors, reflectioning and debating briefly about which was the weirdest news story of the week—the latest Epstein file revelations, MTG departing the House, the Mamdani-Trump Oval Office Summit—the greatest clash since Yalta, or the most bizarre meeting of Capitalist and Communist since Franklin Roosevelt dined alone—before we finally settle down to out main topic of the week: the launch of what will be a regular feature here on the 3WHH between now and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next July 4.

For this first installment, we ponder the strange case of historian Gordon Wood, considered the pre-eminent historian of the American Founding, who was in the news last week for a speech he delivered in Washington DC for the American Enterprise Institute. Steve was present to hear the speech; John took in the published version, and Lucretia let out a mighty harumph. Wood's main thesis at the beginning of his illustrious career was that the American Founding should be understood as part of the "civic republican" tradition, rather than a Lockean-Jeffersonian natural rights revolution. It made him the left's favorite historian for a time, a point Steve made in a critical article about Wood 20 years ago, "The Liberal Republicanism of Gordon Wood." 

Naturally—do I really need to say "naturally"? you know what's coming next—John stepped up to defend Wood's civic republican thesis. Lucretia thought she could sit this one out, but ChatGPT provided us with a debate between Lucretia and Wood, with "Wood" getting off some good zingers like "Lucretia, the Founding wasn’t a live-action performance of Natural Right: The Musical,"  and "Of course they were serious—serious about the collapse of deference, the emergence of democratic culture, and all the other things that give Straussians spontaneous nosebleeds." Lucretia responded in kind: "You make it sound like Samuel Adams was out there organizing consciousness-raising workshops. “Hi, I’m Sam, and I’m here to talk about my feelings on monarchy…”

The episode is slightly shorter than normal as Steve had to rush off to the final performance of Steve Hackett's North American tour in Portland, Oregon, and the final performance of keyboardist Roger King, and because the philistine and cretinous Lucretia and John attempted to mock the gods of prog rock, the exit music this week is an excerpt from Hackett's most famous guitar lick. IYKYK.]]>3326false146fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-getting-a-grip-on-groypers--68565625
Then we turn to a brief recap and critque from Lucretia on our brief segment last week with Akhil Amar about his new book Born Equal. We didn't have time to get very far with the subject, but the amazing thing is that Lucretia and John were together on their end of this episode, and Lucretia didn't hit John once (though she may have spiked his whisky).

Oh, and we did have time to talk briefly about Helen Andrews's legs.  You'll just have to listen to find out what this means in this compact, ad-free episode.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68565625Fri, 14 Nov 2025 17:21:28 +0000RicochetWhile it was sorely tempting to devote the entire show to celebrating the return of Sydney Sweeney to the public eye last week, we decided to turn our attention to the serious matter of antisemitism on the right, and just what the heck "groypers"...
Then we turn to a brief recap and critque from Lucretia on our brief segment last week with Akhil Amar about his new book Born Equal. We didn't have time to get very far with the subject, but the amazing thing is that Lucretia and John were together on their end of this episode, and Lucretia didn't hit John once (though she may have spiked his whisky).

Oh, and we did have time to talk briefly about Helen Andrews's legs.  You'll just have to listen to find out what this means in this compact, ad-free episode.]]>2609false145fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-gonzo-happy-hour-squared-edition--68474481during happy hour Friday night in a very noisy Washington Hilton Hotel at the annual conference of the Federalist Society, where John and I are present and making a general nuisance of ourselves. Lucretia was supposed to be in Hawaii this week on some kind of junket or super-secret mission, but the government shutdown interposed itself.) 

As we did last year, we simply invited a handful of legal luminaries to drop by our not-so-quiet corner, with cocktails in hand, to kick around whatever is on our mind. We were delighted to have Judge William Pryor of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals drop by briefly before having to run off to host a dinner for his clerks; Roger Pilon, long-time director of constitutional studies at the Cato Institute, hung around to heckle everyone; Ilan Wurman, one of the rising young stars of the conservative legal academy, fell into our snare as well, and Hadley Arkes, who needs no introduction here. (Would any such gathering be complete without Hadley dropping by? To ask the question is to answer it, of course, as any disquisition on necessary truths from Aristotle to Kant would know.)

The highlight of this gaggle was Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University (and one of John's principal mentors at Yale Law way back when, which may explain a few things), to talk about his brand new and highly readable book, Born Equal: Remaking America's Constitution, 1840-1920. 

Since we were recording out in the open at the Washington Hilton, this episode is a bit . . . authentic, to so speak. We ask the indulgence of listeners to its many irregularities.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68474481Sat, 08 Nov 2025 14:55:35 +0000RicochetYou might want to think of this totally gonzo episode as the 3WHH-Squared, as it was taped live during happy hour Friday night in a very noisy Washington Hilton Hotel at the annual conference of the Federalist Society, where John and I are present and...during happy hour Friday night in a very noisy Washington Hilton Hotel at the annual conference of the Federalist Society, where John and I are present and making a general nuisance of ourselves. Lucretia was supposed to be in Hawaii this week on some kind of junket or super-secret mission, but the government shutdown interposed itself.) 

As we did last year, we simply invited a handful of legal luminaries to drop by our not-so-quiet corner, with cocktails in hand, to kick around whatever is on our mind. We were delighted to have Judge William Pryor of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals drop by briefly before having to run off to host a dinner for his clerks; Roger Pilon, long-time director of constitutional studies at the Cato Institute, hung around to heckle everyone; Ilan Wurman, one of the rising young stars of the conservative legal academy, fell into our snare as well, and Hadley Arkes, who needs no introduction here. (Would any such gathering be complete without Hadley dropping by? To ask the question is to answer it, of course, as any disquisition on necessary truths from Aristotle to Kant would know.)

The highlight of this gaggle was Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University (and one of John's principal mentors at Yale Law way back when, which may explain a few things), to talk about his brand new and highly readable book, Born Equal: Remaking America's Constitution, 1840-1920. 

Since we were recording out in the open at the Washington Hilton, this episode is a bit . . . authentic, to so speak. We ask the indulgence of listeners to its many irregularities.]]>2812false144fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-here-s-lookin-at-lookism--68362482
Steve and Lucretia consider a few news headlines, and some major stories conspicuously not making headlines* (such as the Houise investigation of the White House conspiracy to cover up Joe Biden's senility), who Bill Kristol supports in the NY City mayor's race (you'll never guess), whether the climate cult is over, and alarm bells about rising anti-Israel sentiment among young conservatives. (We recorded before the Kevin Roberts video went live, however.)

And then we arrive at the main topic of the day: Lucretia defending herself against charges of "lookism." Steve enlists an expert witness: the great Taki Theodoracopulos, who wrote way back in 1981 that American women were the ugliest in the world. Seems like the perfect topic for the week when the world discovered the Jennifer Welch, the Democrats' newest It-Girl. (And naturally, the exit music this week is "Ugly Women," by country musician Grant Langston.)

* Yes, that sentence is a sly reference to a light bulb joke: How many Straussians does it take to change a light bulb? None: the light is made conspicuous by its absence. (IYKYK, otherwise you don't get Plato.)]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68362482Fri, 31 Oct 2025 20:04:58 +0000RicochetThe 3WHH is a man down this week as John was unavailable, so Steve and Lucretia soldiered on without his ritual abuse of their superior taste in political philosophy, prudence, and natural law. And in the best fashion of Helen Andrews, Steve ran the...
Steve and Lucretia consider a few news headlines, and some major stories conspicuously not making headlines* (such as the Houise investigation of the White House conspiracy to cover up Joe Biden's senility), who Bill Kristol supports in the NY City mayor's race (you'll never guess), whether the climate cult is over, and alarm bells about rising anti-Israel sentiment among young conservatives. (We recorded before the Kevin Roberts video went live, however.)

And then we arrive at the main topic of the day: Lucretia defending herself against charges of "lookism." Steve enlists an expert witness: the great Taki Theodoracopulos, who wrote way back in 1981 that American women were the ugliest in the world. Seems like the perfect topic for the week when the world discovered the Jennifer Welch, the Democrats' newest It-Girl. (And naturally, the exit music this week is "Ugly Women," by country musician Grant Langston.)

* Yes, that sentence is a sly reference to a light bulb joke: How many Straussians does it take to change a light bulb? None: the light is made conspicuous by its absence. (IYKYK, otherwise you don't get Plato.)]]>3821feminism,politicsfalse143fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-woman-troubles--68277134Compact article on "The Great Feminization" is causing a stir, provoking responses from left, right, and in-between. And I just know that everyone wants to hear David French's take on it, because how can we form a judgment about anything without hearing from the Conscience of the World. (Actually, just go with the normally mild-mannered Charles Murray's take: "I'm still waiting to read something by David French that doesn't irritate me. Even when I agree with the substance, the sanctimony drives me nuts. In this case, I wholly disagree with his take on Helen Andrews.")

John Yoo files a dissent of his own that Steve and Lucretia find worthy of certain members of the Supreme Court just now, but keep your eyes out on this one; Steve, naturally, has an analogy on offer.

The gang also wonders if some Chinese lab has come up with a new, more potent strain of Trump Derangement Syndrome, because how else can you explain how insane Trump-haters are over . . . a White House ballroom? (You can guess the exit music this week. Yup, it's that 1970s standard, "Ballroom Blitz" by Sweet.)

We end with a few sober thoughts about health care, and then it's back to arguing about . . . neckties. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68277134Sat, 25 Oct 2025 14:51:07 +0000RicochetHelen Andrews' Compact article on "https://www.compactmag.com/article/the-great-feminization/" is causing a stir, provoking responses from left, right, and in-between. And I just know that everyone wants to hear David French's take on it, because how...Compact article on "The Great Feminization" is causing a stir, provoking responses from left, right, and in-between. And I just know that everyone wants to hear David French's take on it, because how can we form a judgment about anything without hearing from the Conscience of the World. (Actually, just go with the normally mild-mannered Charles Murray's take: "I'm still waiting to read something by David French that doesn't irritate me. Even when I agree with the substance, the sanctimony drives me nuts. In this case, I wholly disagree with his take on Helen Andrews.")

John Yoo files a dissent of his own that Steve and Lucretia find worthy of certain members of the Supreme Court just now, but keep your eyes out on this one; Steve, naturally, has an analogy on offer.

The gang also wonders if some Chinese lab has come up with a new, more potent strain of Trump Derangement Syndrome, because how else can you explain how insane Trump-haters are over . . . a White House ballroom? (You can guess the exit music this week. Yup, it's that 1970s standard, "Ballroom Blitz" by Sweet.)

We end with a few sober thoughts about health care, and then it's back to arguing about . . . neckties. ]]>3646false142fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-return-of-the-neocons--68189371
And not to worry: Lucretia still gets in her licks on her favorite Supreme Court justice (you all know which one it is) for another exemplary performance (/sarc) in this week's oral argument about the Voting Rights Act case.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68189371Sat, 18 Oct 2025 04:15:15 +0000RicochetWith John Yoo hosting this week's episode in a vain attempt to deflect attacks, we devote most of the episode to foreign policy questions, ranging from Gaza, Ukraine, Venezuela, China, and . . . Africa? Yes, Africa. And why does it suddenly seem like...
And not to worry: Lucretia still gets in her licks on her favorite Supreme Court justice (you all know which one it is) for another exemplary performance (/sarc) in this week's oral argument about the Voting Rights Act case.]]>3893false141fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-trump-a-new-columbus--68097540
But much of the show revolves around discussion of why so many leftists (like Katie Porter and Jay Jones) are such horrible people, whether we are in fact much closer to a civil war that we could have conceived, but also saving time to console John over the ignominious loss of his beloved Phillies, and—being certified dog lovers—honoring the passing of Lily, the beloved pet of one of our faithful listeners whose dog literally ate up one of our books.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68097540Sat, 11 Oct 2025 05:50:15 +0000RicochetThe week ended with President Trump issuing a proclamation celebrating Columbus Day, rather than Indigenous People's Day as the identitarians and western-guilt mongers have crammed down on us for the last generation, and it put us in the frame of mind...
But much of the show revolves around discussion of why so many leftists (like Katie Porter and Jay Jones) are such horrible people, whether we are in fact much closer to a civil war that we could have conceived, but also saving time to console John over the ignominious loss of his beloved Phillies, and—being certified dog lovers—honoring the passing of Lily, the beloved pet of one of our faithful listeners whose dog literally ate up one of our books.]]>3811false140fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-rumble-in-the-state-of-nature-jungle--68005656James Wilson Institute on Natural Rights and the American Founding, and co-host of his own very fine podcast, the Natural Law Moment. We've abused Hadley in absentia in some of our podcasts over the last few months, so now he got hsi chance especially to attempt to sort out the very stubborn John Yoo. 

John was delayed a bit joining us, so since this podcast is partly anchored not only in the truths of natural law, but also libations of a scotch variety, we decided to take advantage of Hadley's advanced expertise in gin martinis. Plus some "origin story" of how he came to political philosophy and in particular natural law as the primary focus of his mature work.  And once John showed up, it was ON! 

We rounded off this episode with an AI-generated parody of Hadley, which begins as follows:

“On the Ontological Status of the Ham Sandwich: A Moral Inquiry into the Lunchtime Crisis”

By Gladly Harkness, Edward Whiskers Professor of Ontological Jurisprudence

It is a curious feature of our current jurisprudence that the simple act of consuming a ham sandwich has not yet been subject to rigorous philosophical analysis. . .

For the whole thing, you'll need to head over to Steve's "Political Questions" Substack.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68005656Sat, 04 Oct 2025 01:16:03 +0000RicochetWe were finally able to schedule a taping with enough lead time to get a special guest we've been wanting to have on for a long time—the great Hadley Arkes, emertus professor of jurisprudence from Amherst College and founder of the...James Wilson Institute on Natural Rights and the American Founding, and co-host of his own very fine podcast, the Natural Law Moment. We've abused Hadley in absentia in some of our podcasts over the last few months, so now he got hsi chance especially to attempt to sort out the very stubborn John Yoo. 

John was delayed a bit joining us, so since this podcast is partly anchored not only in the truths of natural law, but also libations of a scotch variety, we decided to take advantage of Hadley's advanced expertise in gin martinis. Plus some "origin story" of how he came to political philosophy and in particular natural law as the primary focus of his mature work.  And once John showed up, it was ON! 

We rounded off this episode with an AI-generated parody of Hadley, which begins as follows:

“On the Ontological Status of the Ham Sandwich: A Moral Inquiry into the Lunchtime Crisis”

By Gladly Harkness, Edward Whiskers Professor of Ontological Jurisprudence

It is a curious feature of our current jurisprudence that the simple act of consuming a ham sandwich has not yet been subject to rigorous philosophical analysis. . .

For the whole thing, you'll need to head over to Steve's "Political Questions" Substack.
]]>3973false139fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-million-miles-to-go-edition--67915215
You can guess the topics: The Comey indictment (two-and-a-half thumbs up), the prospects for the upcoming government shutdown where, for once, Republicans have all the high cards, and then some extended discussion of Steve's article on how to apply Max Weber's famously dense lecture "Politics as a Vocation" to the deteriorating political atmosphere that contributed to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. More to come on that, including how Steve's threat to grind up some Thomas Aquinas to put in John's tea to see if it has any effect on him.

Given the lede of this episode and the title, you can easily guess the exit bumper music, though it's a cover rather than the original artist.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67915215Fri, 26 Sep 2025 23:14:06 +0000RicochetSteve reached 2 million lifetime miles on United Airlines this week, which meant party hats and free drinks on his flight to Washington (yet still no invitation to join Global Services), but despite all that he botched the YouTube livestream of this...
You can guess the topics: The Comey indictment (two-and-a-half thumbs up), the prospects for the upcoming government shutdown where, for once, Republicans have all the high cards, and then some extended discussion of Steve's article on how to apply Max Weber's famously dense lecture "Politics as a Vocation" to the deteriorating political atmosphere that contributed to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. More to come on that, including how Steve's threat to grind up some Thomas Aquinas to put in John's tea to see if it has any effect on him.

Given the lede of this episode and the title, you can easily guess the exit bumper music, though it's a cover rather than the original artist.]]>3500false138fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-demonic-both-whimsical-and-serious--67827562K-Pop Demon Hunters," and despite his Korean heritage, John Yoo can't explain it either. But near as we can tell, this anime cartoon show is somewhat classic melodrama, where the demons deserve defeat. And though it may seem a frivolous leap, we wonder about the demonic aspects of the larger story about Charlie Kirk's murder, with Steve recalling Max Weber's line—meant especially for young people—that "he who lets himself in for politics, that is, for power and force as means, contracts with diabolical powers..." 

After reviewing the week's controversies over free speech and the mercy-killing of Jimmy Kimmel's pathetic late night show, we get down to one root of the larger problem—the inability of so-called progressives to brook any dissent from their party line, the lack of any introspection about any possible defects of their worldview, which was the primary object of Charlie Kirk's campus interrogatories. We'll come back to this subject in the coming weeks, because we sense a full-scale, China-syndrome level progressive meltdown is under way.

You'll want to listen all the way to the end of this episode, for our extended exit bumper music, from Harrison Tinsley: "Charlie Kirk (Remember Your Name)."]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67827562Sat, 20 Sep 2025 00:50:16 +0000RicochetWe open today's ad-free episode with a whimsical look at the global sensation over the Number One Netflix show, "K-Pop Demon Hunters," and despite his Korean heritage, John Yoo can't explain it either. But near as we can tell, this anime cartoon show...K-Pop Demon Hunters," and despite his Korean heritage, John Yoo can't explain it either. But near as we can tell, this anime cartoon show is somewhat classic melodrama, where the demons deserve defeat. And though it may seem a frivolous leap, we wonder about the demonic aspects of the larger story about Charlie Kirk's murder, with Steve recalling Max Weber's line—meant especially for young people—that "he who lets himself in for politics, that is, for power and force as means, contracts with diabolical powers..." 

After reviewing the week's controversies over free speech and the mercy-killing of Jimmy Kimmel's pathetic late night show, we get down to one root of the larger problem—the inability of so-called progressives to brook any dissent from their party line, the lack of any introspection about any possible defects of their worldview, which was the primary object of Charlie Kirk's campus interrogatories. We'll come back to this subject in the coming weeks, because we sense a full-scale, China-syndrome level progressive meltdown is under way.

You'll want to listen all the way to the end of this episode, for our extended exit bumper music, from Harrison Tinsley: "Charlie Kirk (Remember Your Name)."]]>3387false137fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-emergency-episode-about-charlie-kirk--67709636Babylon Bee headlines, or AI Haiku today: the assassination of Charlie Kirk is too serious a matter. John, Lucretia, and Steve (who is still over in Iceland hiking) assembled quickly for this special emergency episode, not only giving first reactions to a still developing story, but also connecting it to several recent events that point to a larger picture. Even before today's despicable event, it seemed as though we were reaching in inflection point in American political life, in which the reckless leftist fantasies of 2020 were finally being rejected. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67709636Wed, 10 Sep 2025 22:51:15 +0000RicochetNo bumper music, mirth about McDonalds, whisky, Babylon Bee headlines, or AI Haiku today: the assassination of Charlie Kirk is too serious a matter. John, Lucretia, and Steve (who is still over in Iceland hiking) assembled quickly for this special...Babylon Bee headlines, or AI Haiku today: the assassination of Charlie Kirk is too serious a matter. John, Lucretia, and Steve (who is still over in Iceland hiking) assembled quickly for this special emergency episode, not only giving first reactions to a still developing story, but also connecting it to several recent events that point to a larger picture. Even before today's despicable event, it seemed as though we were reaching in inflection point in American political life, in which the reckless leftist fantasies of 2020 were finally being rejected. ]]>2922false136fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-on-the-theological-political-problem--67657444
With Sen. Tim Kaine making an utter jackass of himself by implying that the Lockean philosophy of Thomas Jefferson and the American Founders is "what the mullahs in Iran believe," and then our friends Larry Arnn of Hillsdale College and noted evangelical thought leader Doug Wilson getting into a tussle about exactly how Christian principles should be manifest in the American political order, it is obviously high time finally to get into the subject that baffles John Yoo (we know—not that hard to do): the "theological-political problem."

Don't be put off by that clunky-sounding phrase. It really is the key to everything, and few people are more versed and sound on the subject than Phil, who has dropped by the podcast a couple times before, and somehow is till willing to come back for more!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67657444Sat, 06 Sep 2025 21:10:16 +0000RicochetWith Steve and John away overseas, Lucretia takes full control of the podcast this week, welcoming back a much more sober special guest, Prof. Vincent Munoz of Notre Dame University, this semester visiting at the University of Texas at Austin.  With...
With Sen. Tim Kaine making an utter jackass of himself by implying that the Lockean philosophy of Thomas Jefferson and the American Founders is "what the mullahs in Iran believe," and then our friends Larry Arnn of Hillsdale College and noted evangelical thought leader Doug Wilson getting into a tussle about exactly how Christian principles should be manifest in the American political order, it is obviously high time finally to get into the subject that baffles John Yoo (we know—not that hard to do): the "theological-political problem."

Don't be put off by that clunky-sounding phrase. It really is the key to everything, and few people are more versed and sound on the subject than Phil, who has dropped by the podcast a couple times before, and somehow is till willing to come back for more!]]>3662false135fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-mcds-vs-cracker-barrel-and-other-burning-topics--67557373
Anyway, as he noshed on newly restored cheesy breakfast bagels, we walk through the serial disgraces of politicians and the media following the latest school shooting in Minnesota, along with what to make of Trump's attempted firing of Fed governor Lisa Cook (a lot more to be made of this than you think, and once again the media is not telling you); likewise Trump's flag-burning executive order really needs to be followed up with a constitutional amendment, though don't be surprised if this is yet another issue where the current Supreme Court might well reverse precedent; and finally, what do we make of the John Bolton controversy? Both more and less than you might think.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67557373Fri, 29 Aug 2025 21:29:48 +0000RicochetIn the same week Cracker Barrel retreats on its foolish decision to "rebrand" itself with a proposed logo as boring as a hospital parking lot sign (with new interior decor to match), John Yoo, freshly back from his smuggling trip to Korea, hosts this...
Anyway, as he noshed on newly restored cheesy breakfast bagels, we walk through the serial disgraces of politicians and the media following the latest school shooting in Minnesota, along with what to make of Trump's attempted firing of Fed governor Lisa Cook (a lot more to be made of this than you think, and once again the media is not telling you); likewise Trump's flag-burning executive order really needs to be followed up with a constitutional amendment, though don't be surprised if this is yet another issue where the current Supreme Court might well reverse precedent; and finally, what do we make of the John Bolton controversy? Both more and less than you might think.]]>3665false134fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-almost-live-q-a-episode--67482232says he is "lecturing," but we know he's really just arranging to smuggle back a ton of tariff-free Korean barbecue sauce. So in his absence Steve and Lucretia attempted to hold alive live taping streamed on YouTube (in Steve's case accompanied by Bad Rock rye whisky that "Pizza Bob" supplied directly to him this week), but we missed a technical step in the preparation process and couldn't get it to work. But we have posted the video anyway on our all-new 3WHH Podcast YouTube Channel. And we'll aim to get the livestream option working my next week. 

In anything case, we did have a small audience join us live on the Zoom webinar, and we fielded a number of listener and reader questions, culminating in a long discussion of good books about the American Founding, to get a jump on the semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of the Declaration of Independence coming up next July. Steve went with four short books: Edmund Morgan's classic Birth of the Republic, 1763-1789; Martin Diamond's The Founding of the Democratic Republic (hard to find alas); Gordon Wood's The American Revolution: A History (which is both much shorter and better than his famous Creation of the American Republic); and Larry Arnn's The Founders' Key: The Divine and Natural Connection Between the Declaration and the Constitution and What We Risk by Losing It. 

Lucretia offered up her oral history of how the founding ought to be understood and more importantly taught to students, before settling on a challenging new book. Edward Erler's Prophetic Statesmanship: Harry Jaffa, Abraham Lincoln, and the Gettysburg Address, which doesn't sound like it's about the American Founding, but actually is. And we had a few other stray books to include, which is likely more than our questioner wanted. In any case, much more to come as we draw near to the 250th July 4 next year.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67482232Fri, 22 Aug 2025 21:27:20 +0000RicochetJohn Yoo is over in Korea this week, where he says he is "lecturing," but we know he's really just arranging to smuggle back a ton of tariff-free Korean barbecue sauce. So in his absence Steve and Lucretia attempted to hold alive live taping streamed...says he is "lecturing," but we know he's really just arranging to smuggle back a ton of tariff-free Korean barbecue sauce. So in his absence Steve and Lucretia attempted to hold alive live taping streamed on YouTube (in Steve's case accompanied by Bad Rock rye whisky that "Pizza Bob" supplied directly to him this week), but we missed a technical step in the preparation process and couldn't get it to work. But we have posted the video anyway on our all-new 3WHH Podcast YouTube Channel. And we'll aim to get the livestream option working my next week. 

In anything case, we did have a small audience join us live on the Zoom webinar, and we fielded a number of listener and reader questions, culminating in a long discussion of good books about the American Founding, to get a jump on the semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of the Declaration of Independence coming up next July. Steve went with four short books: Edmund Morgan's classic Birth of the Republic, 1763-1789; Martin Diamond's The Founding of the Democratic Republic (hard to find alas); Gordon Wood's The American Revolution: A History (which is both much shorter and better than his famous Creation of the American Republic); and Larry Arnn's The Founders' Key: The Divine and Natural Connection Between the Declaration and the Constitution and What We Risk by Losing It. 

Lucretia offered up her oral history of how the...]]>4019false133fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-summit-of-everything--67381947
We round out with a brief discussion of a variation of the "desert island book" idea, namely, what book would each of us recommend as the best introduction to conservative thought for someone who is seriously curious to read up on the subject. John again surprises by making the most impractical suggestion of all, while Steve and Lucretia go with some old standards (though not without some disagreement). We'll attempt a sequel next week, anf by the way, we encourage listeners to send in questions they'd liek us to take up, and we'll try to do that, too. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67381947Fri, 15 Aug 2025 22:03:07 +0000RicochetThe Three Musketeers of the 3WHH are back with our typical end-of-week roundup, including what we think of the Trump-Putin summit (which will be over by the time everyone listens to this, so this is an exercise in sheer hubris); how to think about...
We round out with a brief discussion of a variation of the "desert island book" idea, namely, what book would each of us recommend as the best introduction to conservative thought for someone who is seriously curious to read up on the subject. John again surprises by making the most impractical suggestion of all, while Steve and Lucretia go with some old standards (though not without some disagreement). We'll attempt a sequel next week, anf by the way, we encourage listeners to send in questions they'd liek us to take up, and we'll try to do that, too. ]]>3552false132fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-classic-format-conversation-with-michael-walsh--67370550A Rage to Conquer: Twelve Battles That Changed the Course of Western History. 

One way to get a feel for the candor and bracing character of Michael's book is this passage from the Afterword, reflecting on the ambivalent reaction to the 9/11 attack:

"The imperial Romans would have gone full delenda est on Saudi Arabia, razed its cities, destroyed the Kaaba, leveled the mosques, occupied the oil fields, seized its wealth, executed its leaders, and sold the populace into slavery; they knew an existential struggle when they were in one."

Our conversation ranges far beyond the four corners of his book, into music, Ireland (Michael's ancentral home and part-time residence today), the suicidal multiculturalism of Europe, and why the Chinese military threat is overrated. 

Steve has other guests lined up for future classic format episodes, and from time to time John and/or Lucretia will join in. But you're going to have to stock up on more whisky.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67370550Thu, 14 Aug 2025 19:01:14 +0000RicochetThis special episode marks the revival of the classic format edition with one-on-one conversations between Steve and a special guest, with the first in the series being author Michael Walsh, discussing his terrific new book,...A Rage to Conquer: Twelve Battles That Changed the Course of Western History. 

One way to get a feel for the candor and bracing character of Michael's book is this passage from the Afterword, reflecting on the ambivalent reaction to the 9/11 attack:

"The imperial Romans would have gone full delenda est on Saudi Arabia, razed its cities, destroyed the Kaaba, leveled the mosques, occupied the oil fields, seized its wealth, executed its leaders, and sold the populace into slavery; they knew an existential struggle when they were in one."

Our conversation ranges far beyond the four corners of his book, into music, Ireland (Michael's ancentral home and part-time residence today), the suicidal multiculturalism of Europe, and why the Chinese military threat is overrated. 

Steve has other guests lined up for future classic format episodes, and from time to time John and/or Lucretia will join in. But you're going to have to stock up on more whisky.]]>3383false131fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-with-special-guest-star-ken-green--67305110Political Questions" Substack (sign up for free if you haven't already), where this week he celebrates the demise of the "Endangerment Finding" that derives from the Statute-That-Cannot-Be-Named in John Yoo's presence. But along the way Ken raised an eyebrow for certain enthusiasms of the MAHA movement, which in turn raised the eyebrows of a certain "Lucretia," so we decided to let then havie out a bit.

The result of one of our livelier episode ever, where discussion of "junk food" and other aspects of America's nitrition was conducted against the background noise of John Yoo munching on a bag of Cheetos. 

We also have brief considerations of the proposal for a mid-decade census, and the fuss over Gerrymandering in Texas and elsewhere. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67305110Fri, 08 Aug 2025 17:51:46 +0000RicochetThis week's episode expands the format to include a guest appearance by environmental scientist Ken Green, whe recently joined the ranks of contributors to Steve's "https://stevehayward.substack.com" Substack (sign up for free if you haven't already),...Political Questions" Substack (sign up for free if you haven't already), where this week he celebrates the demise of the "Endangerment Finding" that derives from the Statute-That-Cannot-Be-Named in John Yoo's presence. But along the way Ken raised an eyebrow for certain enthusiasms of the MAHA movement, which in turn raised the eyebrows of a certain "Lucretia," so we decided to let then havie out a bit.

The result of one of our livelier episode ever, where discussion of "junk food" and other aspects of America's nitrition was conducted against the background noise of John Yoo munching on a bag of Cheetos. 

We also have brief considerations of the proposal for a mid-decade census, and the fuss over Gerrymandering in Texas and elsewhere. ]]>3653false130fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-tempest-in-a-d-cup-edition--67218786
How could not be since we open with discussion of what is clearly the most important news story of the week: Sidney Sweeney's American Eagle "good jeans" ad campaign that has the left losing its mind. No—seriously, this is more than a mere tempest in a D cup: it's the clearest sign yet that our culture has fully turned the corner away from wokery, while leaving enough space for the left to beclown itself further.

Speaking of beclowning, Kamala Harris isn't going to run for governor of California, but is going to punish us anyway with a book, out late next month. We can hardly wait.

While this is an ad-free episode, it is not a tariff-free zone, and we ponder the evidence about whether Trump is succeeding with his tariff brinksmanship. Cheers!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67218786Fri, 01 Aug 2025 19:25:43 +0000RicochetThis week the 3WHH lives up to its name, as two of us were half in the bag—maybe more than half in the bag in Steve's case—when we recorded late in the evening because difficult travel schedules, but after Steve and Lucretia had completed consumption...
How could not be since we open with discussion of what is clearly the most important news story of the week: Sidney Sweeney's American Eagle "good jeans" ad campaign that has the left losing its mind. No—seriously, this is more than a mere tempest in a D cup: it's the clearest sign yet that our culture has fully turned the corner away from wokery, while leaving enough space for the left to beclown itself further.

Speaking of beclowning, Kamala Harris isn't going to run for governor of California, but is going to punish us anyway with a book, out late next month. We can hardly wait.

While this is an ad-free episode, it is not a tariff-free zone, and we ponder the evidence about whether Trump is succeeding with his tariff brinksmanship. Cheers!]]>3561false129fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-high-crimes-misdemeanors--67115791The 'Natural Law Moment' Podcast," surely goaded by our constant mangling of his central arguments. WE hope to have a crossover episode with Hadley at some early opportunity, if we can ever get our difficult schedules sorted out.

This round-robin format episode features a vigorous discussion of whether Obama and the Deep Staters (sounds like a bad bar-band, no?) are vulnerable to criminal charges for their obviously bad faith behavior in creating the Russia Hoax back in 2016, whether Obama is immune from prosecution because of the ruling last year of Trump v. US, and whether these actions properly rise to the level of "treason" as is alleged by DNI Tulsi Gabbard. 

Our second segment reflects on a pair of articles Steve and John wrote for a Civitas Outlook symposium last week on "Statemanship and the American Presidency." John Yoo's entry slobbers over the legacy of Andrew Jackson, while


Steve's entry, "Taming the 21st Century Prince," is a more philosophical exploration of the issue, and, contrary to the careless calumnies and reckless imprecations of John, does not contain a single reference to the Clean Air Act!

And our final segment delves into a recent bold law review article by a young lawyer friend of ours, Deion Kathawa, entitled "'We the People' Are the Last Word on the Meaning of Our Constitution." His argument is bracing: Congress, because it is the political organ closest to the people, should have the power to override Supreme Court decisions. While agreeing with Kathawa's premise about the ultimate constitutional sovereignty of the people on account of the first principles of the Declaration of Independence, we're skeptical about his proposed remedy. What do listeners think? (We hope to have Deion on as a guest at some point soon to defend himself.)

Finally, some new AI generated 3WHH custom poetry, and more revenge bumper music.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67115791Fri, 25 Jul 2025 19:30:34 +0000RicochetWe lead this week's show with a few short news announcements, including new menu items from McDonalds to excite John, and the debut of a new podcast competitor: Hadley Arkes and his merry band at the James Wilson Institute have launched...The 'Natural Law Moment' Podcast," surely goaded by our constant mangling of his central arguments. WE hope to have a crossover episode with Hadley at some early opportunity, if we can ever get our difficult schedules sorted out.

This round-robin format episode features a vigorous discussion of whether Obama and the Deep Staters (sounds like a bad bar-band, no?) are vulnerable to criminal charges for their obviously bad faith behavior in creating the Russia Hoax back in 2016, whether Obama is immune from prosecution because of the ruling last year of Trump v. US, and whether these actions properly rise to the level of "treason" as is alleged by DNI Tulsi Gabbard. 

Our second segment reflects on a pair of articles Steve and John wrote for a Civitas Outlook symposium last week on "Statemanship and the American Presidency." John Yoo's entry slobbers over the legacy of Andrew Jackson, while


Steve's entry, "Taming the 21st Century Prince," is a more philosophical exploration of the issue, and, contrary to the careless calumnies and reckless imprecations of John, does not contain a single reference to the Clean Air Act!

And our final segment delves into a recent bold law review article by a young lawyer friend of ours, Deion Kathawa, entitled "'We the People' Are the Last Word on the Meaning of Our Constitution." His argument is bracing: Congress, because it is the political organ closest to the people, should have the power to override Supreme Court decisions. While agreeing with Kathawa's premise about the ultimate constitutional sovereignty of the people on account of the first principles of the Declaration of Independence, we're skeptical about his proposed remedy. What do listeners think? (We hope to have Deion on as a guest at some point soon to defend himself.)

Finally, some new AI generated 3WHH custom poetry, and more revenge bumper music.

]]>3848false128fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-making-child-s-play-of-everyone-s-files--67030878Bart's Clubhouse"; John Yoo confesses he was bad at sports as a schoolkid; and as everyone can guess, in childhood Steve merely aspired to be a walking historical analogy when he grew up. Meanwhile, poor Phil Munoz, last week's drive-by guest, is still in therapy. . .

So what's all this about the Epstein Files? Does Richard Epstein still have any unexpressed thoughts at this point. . . Wait. What's that? You mean Jeffrey Epstein's files? Never mind. Anyway, we weigh the evidence and circumstances as to whether Epstein's exploits merit elevation to the status of plausible conspiracy or not. 

And this week saw the fulfillment of Glenn Garvin's classic 1983 article, "How Do I Hate NPR? Let Me Count the Ways." And Steve offers his favorite recipes for how he'd like to see Big Bird cooked.


Other name checks on this episode include Zohran Mamdani, Upton Sinclair, Tony Podesta, Jasmine Crockett, and Craig Masback (bonus points if you know that name). And some exit music in a minor key to bring listeners back donw after this extra-exuberant episode (and also to annoy Lucretia. . .).]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67030878Fri, 18 Jul 2025 23:35:54 +0000RicochetAmong the revelations of this week's episode that were entirely predictable when you think about it: "Lucretia" was a child TV star in Mason City, Iowa, on the local non-PBS kid's show...Bart's Clubhouse"; John Yoo confesses he was bad at sports as a schoolkid; and as everyone can guess, in childhood Steve merely aspired to be a walking historical analogy when he grew up. Meanwhile, poor Phil Munoz, last week's drive-by guest, is still in therapy. . .

So what's all this about the Epstein Files? Does Richard Epstein still have any unexpressed thoughts at this point. . . Wait. What's that? You mean Jeffrey Epstein's files? Never mind. Anyway, we weigh the evidence and circumstances as to whether Epstein's exploits merit elevation to the status of plausible conspiracy or not. 

And this week saw the fulfillment of Glenn Garvin's classic 1983 article, "How Do I Hate NPR? Let Me Count the Ways." And Steve offers his favorite recipes for how he'd like to see Big Bird cooked.


Other name checks on this episode include Zohran Mamdani, Upton Sinclair, Tony Podesta, Jasmine Crockett, and Craig Masback (bonus points if you know that name). And some exit music in a minor key to bring listeners back donw after this extra-exuberant episode (and also to annoy Lucretia. . .).]]>3863false128fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-special-awol-edition--66976149
And what glory there is: Lucretia hosts this week as we welcome a special guest, Prof. Phil Munoz of Notre Dame, though he is on assignment this semester at the University of Texas at Austin. Phil decided to try to outflank even Lucretia with the bold proposition that the Mahmoud v Taylor decision, which empowered parents to have their children opt-out of phonics instruction in the LGBTQ alphabet, was actually a defeat for social conservatives. 

It's a lively discussion, as we did our bnest to make Phil regret his decision to join the show this week.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66976149Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:58:20 +0000RicochetBehold the great 3WHH fugitive episode. Although it was posted over the weekend, somehow an Internet gremlin or something disappeared it! But now it's back, in its restored glory. (Well, almost restored. Steve had a problem with his mic that was...
And what glory there is: Lucretia hosts this week as we welcome a special guest, Prof. Phil Munoz of Notre Dame, though he is on assignment this semester at the University of Texas at Austin. Phil decided to try to outflank even Lucretia with the bold proposition that the Mahmoud v Taylor decision, which empowered parents to have their children opt-out of phonics instruction in the LGBTQ alphabet, was actually a defeat for social conservatives. 

It's a lively discussion, as we did our bnest to make Phil regret his decision to join the show this week.]]>4108false127fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-gala-july-4-special-edition--66862557
From there, Lucretia meditates on the curious recent survey results showing that love of country among Democrats has precipitously declined over the last decade or so. We agree that our dessicated education system has a lot to do with this—did we really think the Howard-Zinnification of our history would be without consequences?—but we need to wonder why Republicans seem to be immune to these calumnies against our great country. 

Lucretia fingers the Progressives, and that leads to the final gonzo segment for the holiday, where Steve settles scores from slanders against him when he missed an episode three weeks ago, and makes the evidently futile attempt to school John about the mellotron and the inherent greatness of the brief shining moment of progressive rock—"rock and roll that went to college," as Jody Bottum calls it—in the early 1970s, which, come to think of it, is when the Clean Air Act was first enacted.

So come for the patriotism (and a sharp and unexpected argument about Daniel Bell), and stay for the awesome music!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66862557Fri, 04 Jul 2025 18:41:55 +0000RicochetThe 3WHH bartenders take time away from the news headlines and court cases to take up some aspects of patriotism (but also with a tutorial for John about the mellotron!).  We start with an origin story of sorts for John himself, as he is an immigrant...
From there, Lucretia meditates on the curious recent survey results showing that love of country among Democrats has precipitously declined over the last decade or so. We agree that our dessicated education system has a lot to do with this—did we really think the Howard-Zinnification of our history would be without consequences?—but we need to wonder why Republicans seem to be immune to these calumnies against our great country. 

Lucretia fingers the Progressives, and that leads to the final gonzo segment for the holiday, where Steve settles scores from slanders against him when he missed an episode three weeks ago, and makes the evidently futile attempt to school John about the mellotron and the inherent greatness of the brief shining moment of progressive rock—"rock and roll that went to college," as Jody Bottum calls it—in the early 1970s, which, come to think of it, is when the Clean Air Act was first enacted.

So come for the patriotism (and a sharp and unexpected argument about Daniel Bell), and stay for the awesome music!]]>4007false126fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-daddy-s-home--66787141
After noting that Trump is on a roll, with a sharp argument about whether Trump actually has true prudence in his grand strategy as well as tactical skill (John is skeptical), we get down to the main event: the flurry of big, last-day decisions of the Supreme Court. Beyond the case getting the most attention—limited nationwide injunctions from federal district court judges—the other cases, and this term as a whole, has a unifying theme: Parents Win! (Fitting for an episode entitled "Daddy's Home" don't you think?)

Having now completed the three most consequential years of conservatives jurisprudence in decades, we end with a brief discussion of where constitutional originalism should go from here.  Stay tuned; we take note of sharp and growing divisions among conservative legal thinkers on this issue. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66787141Sat, 28 Jun 2025 16:48:22 +0000RicochetA NATO potentate may—or may not—have said this week that President Trump is the "daddy" of the alliance, but daddy is firmly back in charge here at the 3WHH, as Steve has finally decided to rejoin the American republic after several weeks abroad,...
After noting that Trump is on a roll, with a sharp argument about whether Trump actually has true prudence in his grand strategy as well as tactical skill (John is skeptical), we get down to the main event: the flurry of big, last-day decisions of the Supreme Court. Beyond the case getting the most attention—limited nationwide injunctions from federal district court judges—the other cases, and this term as a whole, has a unifying theme: Parents Win! (Fitting for an episode entitled "Daddy's Home" don't you think?)

Having now completed the three most consequential years of conservatives jurisprudence in decades, we end with a brief discussion of where constitutional originalism should go from here.  Stay tuned; we take note of sharp and growing divisions among conservative legal thinkers on this issue. ]]>3821false125fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-successfully-suppressing-the-rebellion--66659399that for a triple-historial-referencing!)


But that doesn't mean there wasn't still some warfare, though we turned out bellicosity mostly toward Iran, and went through some arguments about why the U.S. ought to end the matter by taking out Forden, and why we should ignore the media-driven attempt to drive a wedge in MAGA world over the issue.

From there, we have a lot to say about the Skirmetti decision, including savoring the deepening civil war inside the Democratic Party between its implacable identity politics wing and those Democrats who still have a lick of political sense.

And finally, we end with a 3WHH-inspired limerick. That doesn't involve Nantucket.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66659399Fri, 20 Jun 2025 21:46:53 +0000RicochetAfter last week's thrashing after leaving John and Lucretia with the car key to the podcast. Steve threatened to return this week like George Washington leading the troops to squash the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794 (which, people who know their history...that for a triple-historial-referencing!)


But that doesn't mean there wasn't still some warfare, though we turned out bellicosity mostly toward Iran, and went through some arguments about why the U.S. ought to end the matter by taking out Forden, and why we should ignore the media-driven attempt to drive a wedge in MAGA world over the issue.

From there, we have a lot to say about the Skirmetti decision, including savoring the deepening civil war inside the Democratic Party between its implacable identity politics wing and those Democrats who still have a lick of political sense.

And finally, we end with a 3WHH-inspired limerick. That doesn't involve Nantucket.]]>3490false124fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-unplugged-or-unhinged-edition--66556107unsupervised, resulting in what John and Lucretia described as an "unplugged" edition, blessedly free (supposedly) from any historical analogies.

Steve thinks "unhinged" might be a better description of this heterodox episode, which somehow included quite a lot of history, just not in the usual edifying form that so many listeners have come to depend upon.

You can guess the subjects. Go ahead: guess. Or listen here, and sign on to Steve's "Change.org" petition to require that the 3WHH never again go off without adult supervision. Or maybe you will like the ritual abuse Steve received in absentia.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66556107Sat, 14 Jun 2025 07:43:46 +0000RicochetHoo boy—Steve wasn't able to work out the schedule (and internet acess in the Norwegian Sea) to join Joohn and Lucretia for this week's episode, so he left them completely unsupervised, resulting in what John and Lucretia described as an "unplugged"...unsupervised, resulting in what John and Lucretia described as an "unplugged" edition, blessedly free (supposedly) from any historical analogies.

Steve thinks "unhinged" might be a better description of this heterodox episode, which somehow included quite a lot of history, just not in the usual edifying form that so many listeners have come to depend upon.

You can guess the subjects. Go ahead: guess. Or listen here, and sign on to Steve's "Change.org" petition to require that the 3WHH never again go off without adult supervision. Or maybe you will like the ritual abuse Steve received in absentia.]]>4338false123fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-northern-exposure-edition--66445814
John Yoo offers his usual expert opinions (not meant sarcastically) about the entirely unexpected trifecta at the Supreme Court this week, which we all agree augurs something important not only for the big cases remaining this term, but also for the judicial epoch in which we current find ourselves. 

We also quickly dispatch with the Trump-Musk breakup, and briefly introduce a new segment, "What's Wrong with John Yoo?", since he insulted both Steve and Lucretia several weeks ago by referring to both as "political theorists." Them's is fightin' words; he might as well have called them Anglophiles or something worse.

Finally, AI outdid itself this week, and an Norse-style epic poem that amazing described your three whisky bartenders with surprising accuracy:

First came the Bold One, with thunderous laugh,
Whose tongue split the silence like Odin’s own staff.
He spoke of Islay, of smoke and peat’s sting,
A connoisseur forged in the cask of a king.

Then came the Wise One, in cloak of soft tone,
With tasting notes ancient as Midgard’s old stone.
She sipped and she pondered, then spake with deep grace:
“This dram bears the oak and the wind from some place.”

The third was the Trickster, sharp-witted and sly,
Who’d jest at the gods as the crows passed him by.
With metaphors wild and a glint in his eye,
He’d toast to Valhalla, then laugh till he cried.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66445814Sat, 07 Jun 2025 20:07:18 +0000RicochetWith two of the three bartenders hanging around near or above the arctic circle this week, this is an official Northern Exposure episode of 3WHH, with Lucretia, instead of channeling her usual Barry Corbin disposition, actually has some nice things to...
John Yoo offers his usual expert opinions (not meant sarcastically) about the entirely unexpected trifecta at the Supreme Court this week, which we all agree augurs something important not only for the big cases remaining this term, but also for the judicial epoch in which we current find ourselves. 

We also quickly dispatch with the Trump-Musk breakup, and briefly introduce a new segment, "What's Wrong with John Yoo?", since he insulted both Steve and Lucretia several weeks ago by referring to both as "political theorists." Them's is fightin' words; he might as well have called them Anglophiles or something worse.

Finally, AI outdid itself this week, and an Norse-style epic poem that amazing described your three whisky bartenders with surprising accuracy:

First came the Bold One, with thunderous laugh,
Whose tongue split the silence like Odin’s own staff.
He spoke of Islay, of smoke and peat’s sting,
A connoisseur forged in the cask of a king.

Then came the Wise One, in cloak of soft tone,
With tasting notes ancient as Midgard’s old stone.
She sipped and she pondered, then spake with deep grace:
“This dram bears the oak and the wind from some place.”

The third was the Trickster, sharp-witted and sly,
Who’d jest at the gods as the crows passed him by.
With metaphors wild and a glint in his eye,
He’d toast to Valhalla, then laugh till he cried.]]>3876false122fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-time-for-viking-justice--66338639
But first the gang also ponders whether Trump is overdoing it with his attack on Harvard. Is it possible to overdo the attack on Harvard? You'll have to give a listen to this ad-free episode to find out.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66338639Fri, 30 May 2025 17:48:47 +0000RicochetJohn Yoo hosts this week where there is so much free trade in ideas that you'd need a 1,000% tariff to slow it down. Which the U.S. Court of Intenational Trade attempted to do for about six hours, during which time the 3WHH panel chews up the ruling...
But first the gang also ponders whether Trump is overdoing it with his attack on Harvard. Is it possible to overdo the attack on Harvard? You'll have to give a listen to this ad-free episode to find out.]]>3514false121fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-john-yoo-s-top-five-legal-rules--66237473
But then we get to the main event: John Yoo's Top Five Legal Rules that everyone should know. Steve is threatening to next week to give his Top Five reasons why a Certain Statute That Cannot Be Uttered here is the key to everything!

And we are happy to report that John survived another turn on "Outnumbered" on Fox News.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66237473Fri, 23 May 2025 23:12:18 +0000RicochetLucretia hosts this week's episode, and puts Steve and John through their paces, challenging both to judge Trump's winning streak (John isn't so sure), plus more mixed signals from the Supreme Court, which posted a 2 - 1 record this week. The group...
But then we get to the main event: John Yoo's Top Five Legal Rules that everyone should know. Steve is threatening to next week to give his Top Five reasons why a Certain Statute That Cannot Be Uttered here is the key to everything!

And we are happy to report that John survived another turn on "Outnumbered" on Fox News.]]>3619false120fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-whisky-happy-hour-lucretia-s-list-of-the-five-dumbest-ideas--66127132
You can tell the New York Times is worried, because they ran a major feature on Thursday about how the thesis that birthright citizenship might not have a solid foundation in the 14th Amendment is a "fringe theory." And yet here we are. Listen in for a reference to how this Supreme Court issue resembles the rebel alliance against the Evil Empire in Star Wars.

Next week: John Yoo's five axioms of Supreme Court jurisprudence. One of them involves a certains statute that cannot be named on this podcast.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66127132Sat, 17 May 2025 04:50:25 +0000RicochetOne of Lucretia's favorite epithets is "that's the dumbest idea," so we decided to put her on the spot and demand a list of "Lucretia's Top Five Dumbest Ideas" for this episode, but not before a thorough dissection of the issues involved with...
You can tell the New York Times is worried, because they ran a major feature on Thursday about how the thesis that birthright citizenship might not have a solid foundation in the 14th Amendment is a "fringe theory." And yet here we are. Listen in for a reference to how this Supreme Court issue resembles the rebel alliance against the Evil Empire in Star Wars.

Next week: John Yoo's five axioms of Supreme Court jurisprudence. One of them involves a certains statute that cannot be named on this podcast.]]>3482false119fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-neoconclave-edition--66021304
Next up: what to make of Trump's foreign policy, especially in light of the firing of NSA Mike Waltz. John is confused (so what else is new?), and once again Steve and Lucretia have to sort him out about how foreign policy analysis ought to begin, with the first step being, throw out all your academic IR theories! Meanwhile, the title for today's episode arises from a joke in the middle of this topic. (You'll just have to listen to find out what it is, and if you don't like it, blame Richard Samuelson!)

Finally, we use the latest disgrace at Columbia to judge whether colleges are starting to shape up or not, and why we want the Trump Administration to keep up the pressure.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66021304Fri, 09 May 2025 20:43:03 +0000RicochetWe're up a day early with this special emergency edition of the 3WHH because it isn't every millennium when you get an American Pope. With John Yoo hosting this week we hold ecumenical court on what to think about an American Pope who displays some...
Next up: what to make of Trump's foreign policy, especially in light of the firing of NSA Mike Waltz. John is confused (so what else is new?), and once again Steve and Lucretia have to sort him out about how foreign policy analysis ought to begin, with the first step being, throw out all your academic IR theories! Meanwhile, the title for today's episode arises from a joke in the middle of this topic. (You'll just have to listen to find out what it is, and if you don't like it, blame Richard Samuelson!)

Finally, we use the latest disgrace at Columbia to judge whether colleges are starting to shape up or not, and why we want the Trump Administration to keep up the pressure.]]>3931false118fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-lookism-and-imperial-conquest-redivivus--65873597
We're so back that Lucretia even revives some good old fashioned lookism in this episode!

We close with a few thoughts on the passing of David Horowitz, whose central lesson has still not penetrated the Vichycons who don't understand the metaphysical meaning of Trump.

Exit music this week from our pal Steve Tootle o Cosigner, who is a faithful listener to this show.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65873597Sat, 03 May 2025 04:29:18 +0000RicochetLucretia hosts this week as the Three Musketeers are back together again, taking on Trump at the 100 Day mark, the latest in lawfare, the dismal Canadian election, whose solution John Yoo suggests is straight up imperial conquest—why make Canada the...
We're so back that Lucretia even revives some good old fashioned lookism in this episode!

We close with a few thoughts on the passing of David Horowitz, whose central lesson has still not penetrated the Vichycons who don't understand the metaphysical meaning of Trump.

Exit music this week from our pal Steve Tootle o Cosigner, who is a faithful listener to this show.]]>4197false117fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-with-special-guest-robert-bryce--65744712
And then as a chang of pace we offer Steve's recent conversation with energy journalist extraordinaire Robert Bryce (whose Substack is very much worth following). Bryce always has a way of explaining the often eyes-glaze-over numbers of the energy world, but in this interview extending himself into a one-man DOGE, revealing who is the number-one leftist advocacy group fattening at the federal funding trough. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65744712Sat, 26 Apr 2025 15:16:26 +0000RicochetFriday was cap and gown day for Steve at Pepperdine's commencement for the School of Public Policy class of 2025, while John Yoo is on the road somewhere at an undisclosed location, so Steve and Lucretia kick around a couple of seemingly unrelated...
And then as a chang of pace we offer Steve's recent conversation with energy journalist extraordinaire Robert Bryce (whose Substack is very much worth following). Bryce always has a way of explaining the often eyes-glaze-over numbers of the energy world, but in this interview extending himself into a one-man DOGE, revealing who is the number-one leftist advocacy group fattening at the federal funding trough. ]]>3667false116fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-long-march-back--65630645growing number of scholars who think the current conventional wisdom is not a slam dunk at all! Apparently at least four Juctices agree.

From there we discuss whether Trump's attack on Harvard is correctly calibrated, with Steve, in a rare moment, being more extreme than Lucretia on this issue. The Harvard controversy elides into a discussion of whether conservatives ought to be openly emulating the deep political strategy of Antonio Gramsci, as the Wall Street Journal pondered on Thursday. There is a lot of dissent on this point from "Vichy conservatives" who seem willing to continue losing slowly to the left.

Finally, John can't help himself, and baits Steve and Lucretia on whether, on this 250th anniversary of the "shots heard round the world" at Lexington and Concord this week in 1775 really justified revolution against British rule. Lucretia makes quick work of this provocation, and a hush fell over the virtual studio.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65630645Sat, 19 Apr 2025 04:05:00 +0000RicochetAnother whirlwird week of controversies that exceeded our bandwidth to keep up (or at least to compress into an hour), but John Yoo, this week's host, leads us in revisiting the question of "birthright citizenship" under the 14th Amendment, which the...growing number of scholars who think the current conventional wisdom is not a slam dunk at all! Apparently at least four Juctices agree.

From there we discuss whether Trump's attack on Harvard is correctly calibrated, with Steve, in a rare moment, being more extreme than Lucretia on this issue. The Harvard controversy elides into a discussion of whether conservatives ought to be openly emulating the deep political strategy of Antonio Gramsci, as the Wall Street Journal pondered on Thursday. There is a lot of dissent on this point from "Vichy conservatives" who seem willing to continue losing slowly to the left.

Finally, John can't help himself, and baits Steve and Lucretia on whether, on this 250th anniversary of the "shots heard round the world" at Lexington and Concord this week in 1775 really justified revolution against British rule. Lucretia makes quick work of this provocation, and a hush fell over the virtual studio.]]>3578false115fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-band-reunion-time--65550022
After our discussion of where the tariff matter stands as of the end of this week, we turn our focus to the week's continuing legal and constitutional developments of the Trump juggernaut, most especially his heretofore neglected instruction to regulatory agencies to review and eliminate any and all rules and regulations that might now be considered unconstitutional in light of several Supreme Court opinions over the last few years that have started to curtail the reach and power of the administrative state. 

Finally, we try out a slightly new ending for this episode, with topical exit music designed in part to annoy Lucretia. Mission accomplished!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65550022Sat, 12 Apr 2025 15:49:42 +0000RicochetJohn Yoo is back this week, bringing the 3WHH up to full strength again after last week's astonishingly congenial episode, which can mean only one thing—not even high tariffs, which this week's host (Steve) vainly tried to impose on ths...
After our discussion of where the tariff matter stands as of the end of this week, we turn our focus to the week's continuing legal and constitutional developments of the Trump juggernaut, most especially his heretofore neglected instruction to regulatory agencies to review and eliminate any and all rules and regulations that might now be considered unconstitutional in light of several Supreme Court opinions over the last few years that have started to curtail the reach and power of the administrative state. 

Finally, we try out a slightly new ending for this episode, with topical exit music designed in part to annoy Lucretia. Mission accomplished!]]>3829false114fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-new-tariff-in-town--65365967
There was some divergence about tariffs, and we bet listeners can guess about how this split played out. And if you can't guess, then there's only one way to end the suspense.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65365967Sat, 05 Apr 2025 05:42:55 +0000RicochetThe 3WHH crew is down a glass this week because John Yoo is down with a bug and unable to join us—or was he afraid of subjecting himself to Lucretia, host for this week's episode. With fear, trembling, and trepidation Steve barved the peril with all...
There was some divergence about tariffs, and we bet listeners can guess about how this split played out. And if you can't guess, then there's only one way to end the suspense.]]>3668false113fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-make-liberalism-great-again--65217306
In any case, after reviewing the completely out of whack signal-to-noise ratio of Signalgate, and the latest machinations in the lawfare against Trump, we take up as our main subject the question of whether the burst of enthusiasm among a few liberal thinkers to build stuff again—like liberalism used to in the New Deal—has much prospect of success. As Steve notes, Ezra Klein has called for "supply-side progressivism," but notes that the newfangled "abundance liberals" don't have a napkin or a curve, and if you don't have a napkin or a curve, it's just sparkling neoliberalism. Needless to say, John is mostly oblivious, and Lucretia is unimpressed. But maybe the movement can start with making their own blue hats, "Make Liberalism Great Again!"  Of course, the acronym this generates sounds like a mumble, but isn't another mumble a perfect fit for Democrats right now?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65217306Sat, 29 Mar 2025 14:45:27 +0000RicochetAs if to put an exclamation point to the crazy story of the week about the Trump national security team adding a hostile journalist to their Signal group chat about bombing Houthi and the Blowups, Steve accidentally texted the Zoom link to this week's...
In any case, after reviewing the completely out of whack signal-to-noise ratio of Signalgate, and the latest machinations in the lawfare against Trump, we take up as our main subject the question of whether the burst of enthusiasm among a few liberal thinkers to build stuff again—like liberalism used to in the New Deal—has much prospect of success. As Steve notes, Ezra Klein has called for "supply-side progressivism," but notes that the newfangled "abundance liberals" don't have a napkin or a curve, and if you don't have a napkin or a curve, it's just sparkling neoliberalism. Needless to say, John is mostly oblivious, and Lucretia is unimpressed. But maybe the movement can start with making their own blue hats, "Make Liberalism Great Again!"  Of course, the acronym this generates sounds like a mumble, but isn't another mumble a perfect fit for Democrats right now?]]>3661falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-dog-years-dog-days--65027474
After ticking through a number of happy stories this week—the end of DEI at Berkeley; Greenpeace getting nicked for $667 million dollars, Columbia University capitulating to Trump—we get down the the week's new frontiers of lawfare. Is this moment a "constitutional crisis," as the left claims, or is it a long overdue moment of constitutional challenge, with the aim being the restoration of the proper dimensions and functions of our republic?

We marhc brisky through four aspects of the issue, including nationwide injunctions, oral orders from the bench, the autopen question for a president (Biden) who was on autopilot for four years, and Trump's retaliation against private law firms that allowed themselves to be adjuncts to the Democratic Party. 

All this, and a discussion of what we think is the first-ever judicial opinion rendered by video, by Ninth Circuit Judge Lawrence Van Dyke, in a gun case.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65027474Sat, 22 Mar 2025 04:33:45 +0000RicochetTrump does more consequential things in a day that most presidents do in a month, so we may need to measure his tenure in office in dog years. It must certainly seem like dog days for the left, which is lying prostrate on the ground much of the time,...
After ticking through a number of happy stories this week—the end of DEI at Berkeley; Greenpeace getting nicked for $667 million dollars, Columbia University capitulating to Trump—we get down the the week's new frontiers of lawfare. Is this moment a "constitutional crisis," as the left claims, or is it a long overdue moment of constitutional challenge, with the aim being the restoration of the proper dimensions and functions of our republic?

We marhc brisky through four aspects of the issue, including nationwide injunctions, oral orders from the bench, the autopen question for a president (Biden) who was on autopilot for four years, and Trump's retaliation against private law firms that allowed themselves to be adjuncts to the Democratic Party. 

All this, and a discussion of what we think is the first-ever judicial opinion rendered by video, by Ninth Circuit Judge Lawrence Van Dyke, in a gun case.]]>3542false112fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-ognc-edition--64900229
But we still manage to get in some disagreements about how to understand what is going on, especially with the Ukraine War endgame. In fact, we got John Yoo to out himself as the OGNC ("original gangsta neo-con") on the question of whether American foreign policy has been overly dominated by Wilsonian internationalism for the last century, or whether it has been more realist. John was responding to my two Substack articles (here and here) on different aspects how idealism and realism play out in the Ukraine matter, disliking both. Lucretia responded with a great harumph.

There was much less harumphing and more huzzahing for the humiliation and confusion of the Democrats this week, culminating in the Dem surrender over the budget continuing resolution. About the confusion of federal judges (this is putting the matter charitably) trying to block some of Trump's moves, John sees hope for optimism that these roadblocks will be overcome, while debunking the claim that Trump is causing a "constitutional crisis." (Link coming when his latest article goes live.) Steve merely longs for the good old days of Watergate.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64900229Sat, 15 Mar 2025 15:11:08 +0000RicochetThe only truly functioning high-speed rail in America today is the Trump Train, and not even the prospect of a 200% tariff on the core commodity of this podcast—single malt scotch whiskies—can dampen the 180-proof spirits of Lucretia, host of this...
But we still manage to get in some disagreements about how to understand what is going on, especially with the Ukraine War endgame. In fact, we got John Yoo to out himself as the OGNC ("original gangsta neo-con") on the question of whether American foreign policy has been overly dominated by Wilsonian internationalism for the last century, or whether it has been more realist. John was responding to my two Substack articles (here and here) on different aspects how idealism and realism play out in the Ukraine matter, disliking both. Lucretia responded with a great harumph.

There was much less harumphing and more huzzahing for the humiliation and confusion of the Democrats this week, culminating in the Dem surrender over the budget continuing resolution. About the confusion of federal judges (this is putting the matter charitably) trying to block some of Trump's moves, John sees hope for optimism that these roadblocks will be overcome, while debunking the claim that Trump is causing a "constitutional crisis." (Link coming when his latest article goes live.) Steve merely longs for the good old days of Watergate.]]>3619false111fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-sister-souljah-time-for-the-dems--64766358
Steve leads off wondering if Gavin Newsom, and Senate Democrats, are at last having their "Sister Souljah" moment about the transgender millstone around their neck, though Steve points out that Democrats will have great difficulty pulling this off, and lays down two additional markers to judge whether Democrats will really make a serious move to the center. The underlying thesis is that the success of a political realignment is not merely changing your own party and assembling a new majority coalition, as Trump has largely accomplished, but the extent to which it compels the opposition party to change some of its core positions, as Democrats had to do after three landslide losses to Reagan and Bush in the 1980s, and the Labour Party had to do after Thatcher kept crushing them in England at the same time.

Lucretia then flags for us James Piereson's New Criterion article out Friday, "Too Many Democrats," and discuss whether faithfulness to the original intent of the Pendleton Act that set up a supposedly "neutral" civil service requires mass firings of Democrats in the bureaucracy, as well as voters waking up to the destructive incompetence of Democrat-run cities. 

And this leads to John's closing segment, drawing on his Fox News article up this morning, "Supreme Court's USAID move has a surprise benefit for Trump," in which ahe argues the Supreme Court's ruling mid-week on disbursement of AID funds was not the defeat people first thought. And we also debate just how to think about Justice Amy Coney Barrett's concurrence in this decision, about which our gang is divided. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64766358Sat, 08 Mar 2025 17:39:47 +0000RicochetThe whole gang is finally back together behind the bar this week, with John Yoo in the host chair skillfully leading our unruly gang in a round-robin three-subject format that we're alternating this year. Steve leads off wondering if Gavin Newsom,...
Steve leads off wondering if Gavin Newsom, and Senate Democrats, are at last having their "Sister Souljah" moment about the transgender millstone around their neck, though Steve points out that Democrats will have great difficulty pulling this off, and lays down two additional markers to judge whether Democrats will really make a serious move to the center. The underlying thesis is that the success of a political realignment is not merely changing your own party and assembling a new majority coalition, as Trump has largely accomplished, but the extent to which it compels the opposition party to change some of its core positions, as Democrats had to do after three landslide losses to Reagan and Bush in the 1980s, and the Labour Party had to do after Thatcher kept crushing them in England at the same time.

Lucretia then flags for us James Piereson's New Criterion article out Friday, "Too Many Democrats," and discuss whether faithfulness to the original intent of the Pendleton Act that set up a supposedly "neutral" civil service requires mass firings of Democrats in the bureaucracy, as well as voters waking up to the destructive incompetence of Democrat-run cities. 

And this leads to John's closing segment, drawing on his Fox News article up this morning, "Supreme Court's USAID move has a surprise benefit for Trump," in which ahe argues the Supreme Court's ruling mid-week on disbursement of AID funds was not the defeat people first thought. And we also debate just how to think about Justice Amy Coney Barrett's concurrence in this decision, about which our gang is divided. ]]>3554false110fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-emergency-midweek-edition--64719799tour de force speech before Congress last night. And not to mention the second installment of our conversation with Richard Epstein, this time on his slim, commendable, and highly readable short book, How Progressives Rewrote the Constitution.

So sit back and enjoy your midweek dram of neat single malt with us.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64719799Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:47:50 +0000RicochetWhy let our frenemies at the Commentary podcast (frenemies since they dissed the sacred McRib recently) have all the fun with their emergency podcasts: after today's errant Supreme Court rulings, it was necessary for the 3WHH bartenders —well two of...tour de force speech before Congress last night. And not to mention the second installment of our conversation with Richard Epstein, this time on his slim, commendable, and highly readable short book, How Progressives Rewrote the Constitution.

So sit back and enjoy your midweek dram of neat single malt with us.]]>2524false19fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-180-proof-edition--64639816Forbidden Grounds: The Case Against Employment Discrimination Laws, which is newly salient in the aftermath of recent Supreme Court decisions like the Harvard/UNC case. Is it time to repeal (or substantially amend) the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

In part two of our conversation, which we will release midweek, we take up his shorter book How Progressives Rewrote the Constitution (only 137 pages, which is Richard writes before breakfast most days). While Lucretia and I concentrate on large philosophical currents that drove the progressive counter-revolution against the American Founding, Richard lays out some of the specific step-by-step erosions of the rule of law that are central to the saga.

But as Lucretia and I began our taping mid-day Friday we caught the news that the newest front in the Ukraine-Russia War had suddenly broken out in . . . the Oval Office, so we share a few preliminary thoughts on what it all means.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64639816Sat, 01 Mar 2025 05:37:22 +0000RicochetJohn Yoo is away this week, so the 3WHH has brought in a 180-proof guest in John's place—the great Richard Epstein, who speaks at an average rate of 125 words a minute, with occasional gusts of 200 words per minute. We discuss two of his many...Forbidden Grounds: The Case Against Employment Discrimination Laws, which is newly salient in the aftermath of recent Supreme Court decisions like the Harvard/UNC case. Is it time to repeal (or substantially amend) the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

In part two of our conversation, which we will release midweek, we take up his shorter book How Progressives Rewrote the Constitution (only 137 pages, which is Richard writes before breakfast most days). While Lucretia and I concentrate on large philosophical currents that drove the progressive counter-revolution against the American Founding, Richard lays out some of the specific step-by-step erosions of the rule of law that are central to the saga.

But as Lucretia and I began our taping mid-day Friday we caught the news that the newest front in the Ukraine-Russia War had suddenly broken out in . . . the Oval Office, so we share a few preliminary thoughts on what it all means.]]>2842false18fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-great-reset--64511764
There is more unanimity amongst the 3WHH bartenders about Gaza, and once again Trump's seemingly outrageous or whimsical ideas of making Gaza into Atlantic City doesn't just move the Overton Window in the Middle East—it remodels the whole structure. Forget the two-state solution.

Finally, we have a moment of silence for the passing of the inventor of the McRib and chicken nuggets. John Yoo is going into 40 days of mourning.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64511764Sat, 22 Feb 2025 16:19:23 +0000RicochetOur long-running intramural argument on this podcast over the Ukraine War has become just like the Ukraine War itself—lots of casualties on both sides, but very little movement from week to week. But is Trump actually on the cusp of a breakout?...
There is more unanimity amongst the 3WHH bartenders about Gaza, and once again Trump's seemingly outrageous or whimsical ideas of making Gaza into Atlantic City doesn't just move the Overton Window in the Middle East—it remodels the whole structure. Forget the two-state solution.

Finally, we have a moment of silence for the passing of the inventor of the McRib and chicken nuggets. John Yoo is going into 40 days of mourning.]]>3176false17fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-is-trump-re-writing-executive-power--64393149just for herself), we manage to keep John Yoo from excessive gloating about the Eagles win in the Super Bowl by distracting him with his favorite subject—executive power, about which he seldom thinks there can be excessive use. But maybe we found some limits this time?

The intensifying pace of President Trump's exertions of executive power look to be the most serious attempt to contain spending, reorganize the executive branch, and discipline Congress since Nixon in 1973, and we know how that ended. We also give three cheers and host a glass in celebration of Vice President Vance's throwdown at the Munich Security Conference. 

And it will probably come as no surprise that we even talk about the Constitution, and manage the rare feat of discussing the EOA without mentioning a Certain Statute that we are not allowed to mention in John's presence.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64393149Sat, 15 Feb 2025 16:30:03 +0000RicochetWith Lucretia hosting both the episode and the bar this week (with three different whiskies just for herself), we manage to keep John Yoo from excessive gloating about the Eagles win in the Super Bowl by distracting him with his favorite...just for herself), we manage to keep John Yoo from excessive gloating about the Eagles win in the Super Bowl by distracting him with his favorite subject—executive power, about which he seldom thinks there can be excessive use. But maybe we found some limits this time?

The intensifying pace of President Trump's exertions of executive power look to be the most serious attempt to contain spending, reorganize the executive branch, and discipline Congress since Nixon in 1973, and we know how that ended. We also give three cheers and host a glass in celebration of Vice President Vance's throwdown at the Munich Security Conference. 

And it will probably come as no surprise that we even talk about the Constitution, and manage the rare feat of discussing the EOA without mentioning a Certain Statute that we are not allowed to mention in John's presence.]]>4083false16fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-trump-s-five-big-fights--64271823
This week's episode reviews five of Trump's biggest fights that are interrelated in ways that could rebalance out constitutional order in ways conservatives have hoped beyond hope for decades might be possible. Trump's challenge to birthright citizenship is forcing a long overdue debate on the issue along with a challenge to district judges issuing nationwide injunctions; his freezing of spending revives the issue of presidential power to impound funds Congress has appropriated; and his firing of civil servants and termed appointees to federal boards and commissions will force a reconsideration of the old Humphrey's Executor case that a wide spectrum of scholar believe was wrongly decided.

Along the way we get in some pop culture references to Star Trek and The Sporanos; the required defense of the McRib from all comers, and some additional closing observations on the "vibe shift" Trump has set in motion on DEI and related culture war issues.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64271823Sat, 08 Feb 2025 16:45:07 +0000RicochetWe're only 19 days into Trump's term, but it seems like 19 months have passed already since January 20. When Alexander Hamilton wrote of "energy in the executive," he had no idea that a real estate tycoon would become the greatest example of this...
This week's episode reviews five of Trump's biggest fights that are interrelated in ways that could rebalance out constitutional order in ways conservatives have hoped beyond hope for decades might be possible. Trump's challenge to birthright citizenship is forcing a long overdue debate on the issue along with a challenge to district judges issuing nationwide injunctions; his freezing of spending revives the issue of presidential power to impound funds Congress has appropriated; and his firing of civil servants and termed appointees to federal boards and commissions will force a reconsideration of the old Humphrey's Executor case that a wide spectrum of scholar believe was wrongly decided.

Along the way we get in some pop culture references to Star Trek and The Sporanos; the required defense of the McRib from all comers, and some additional closing observations on the "vibe shift" Trump has set in motion on DEI and related culture war issues.]]>3526falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-war-peaceniks-bishops-senators-onesies-everything--64137660
After we clear away this opening frivolity, we get down to serious business. Lucretia is in high dudgeon about the Catholic bishops behaving just the way they did in the 1980s—like lapdogs for the left—which generated reflections on theology, federal grant restrictions, J.D. Vance's dialectical skill, and some reasons for optimism for the future of both the Catholic Church and the world as a whole.

John casts his spotlight on what we saw in the contentious confirmation hearings for Kash Patel, RFK, Jr, and Tulsi Gabbard. There was rare agreement and sharp disagreement (our usual mode) about aspects of these appointments. 

Exit bumper music from our pal, the historian Steve Tootle, who doubles as the singer/songwriter for Cosigner; "No Hour Is Mine" sounds a bit like what professors think after class.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64137660Sun, 02 Feb 2025 02:16:00 +0000RicochetThis wide-ranging, round-robin format episode begins with celebrating the end of "Dry January" (which we, um, didn't much observe), mockery of Bernie Sanders' obsession with "onesies," a brief account of a Steve roadtrip to Villanova University, and a...
After we clear away this opening frivolity, we get down to serious business. Lucretia is in high dudgeon about the Catholic bishops behaving just the way they did in the 1980s—like lapdogs for the left—which generated reflections on theology, federal grant restrictions, J.D. Vance's dialectical skill, and some reasons for optimism for the future of both the Catholic Church and the world as a whole.

John casts his spotlight on what we saw in the contentious confirmation hearings for Kash Patel, RFK, Jr, and Tulsi Gabbard. There was rare agreement and sharp disagreement (our usual mode) about aspects of these appointments. 

Exit bumper music from our pal, the historian Steve Tootle, who doubles as the singer/songwriter for Cosigner; "No Hour Is Mine" sounds a bit like what professors think after class.]]>3650false14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-getting-right-with-free-speech--63885839Newsweek article concluding than Biden's pardons were much worse than Trump's blanket pardons or all the J6 protesters. 

From there we get to the main event, a three-part discussion of a single issue—in this case free speech and how to understand the First Amendment correctly. Steve argues back to first principles, in which the freedom of conscience and thus free expression was grounded in reason, that is, free speech was essential to deliberation about right and wrong, and how we should be governed. By nearly imperceptible degrees, in the 20th century the protection of "free expression" was re-grounded in moral skepticism (if not nihilism), which is why nude dancing and F-bombs on t-shirts became "protected speech." This is not progress.

From there we move on to wondering if the time has come to revisit the libel standard of New York Times v. Sullivan, which has enabled our mainstream media to behave with increasing recklessness. And we think: Yes! Yes it is.

And along the way, some digressions into Animal House, Spongebob Squarepants, and other cultural totems. And we depart briefly from our new proprietary bumper music from Cosigner to use a very topical old tune (from lefties!), "Immigration Man." 

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63885839Sat, 25 Jan 2025 01:46:38 +0000RicochetThe 3WHH bartenders raise their glasses high for the first 100 hours of Trump II, which bid to replace FDR's famous "Hundred Days" for breathtaking executive action. You'd think that this is Trump's first term, and metaphysically, Steve argues, it is....Newsweek article concluding than Biden's pardons were much worse than Trump's blanket pardons or all the J6 protesters. 

From there we get to the main event, a three-part discussion of a single issue—in this case free speech and how to understand the First Amendment correctly. Steve argues back to first principles, in which the freedom of conscience and thus free expression was grounded in reason, that is, free speech was essential to deliberation about right and wrong, and how we should be governed. By nearly imperceptible degrees, in the 20th century the protection of "free expression" was re-grounded in moral skepticism (if not nihilism), which is why nude dancing and F-bombs on t-shirts became "protected speech." This is not progress.

From there we move on to wondering if the time has come to revisit the libel standard of New York Times v. Sullivan, which has enabled our mainstream media to behave with increasing recklessness. And we think: Yes! Yes it is.

And along the way, some digressions into Animal House, Spongebob Squarepants, and other cultural totems. And we depart briefly from our new proprietary bumper music from Cosigner to use a very topical old tune (from lefties!), "Immigration Man." 

]]>3918false13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-non-jejune-edition--63733915
This week we take up three topics—one from each of the bartenders: Behold, President Biden amended the Constitution on Friday—all by himself! Aside from the obvious absurdity and low comedy of it, what does it tell us about the state of leftist presumption? Special counsel Jack Smith released his magnum opus, which seems more of a parvum opus if not an opusculum (ask your nearest Latin geek), Finally, Biden's farewell address—and presidential farewell addresses in general—was our third topic (summary: it was absolutely Biden's opusculum). 

Once again we have custom proprietary exit bumper music from our pal Steve Tootle and his indie band Cosigner. 

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63733915Sat, 18 Jan 2025 04:50:31 +0000RicochetNothing "jejune" about this edition, except perhaps for the first-ever use of "jejune" in a podcast, but it is the perfect term to describe Joe Biden's "farewell address," which, aside from its jejune content, is a most welcome sound, since he will be...
This week we take up three topics—one from each of the bartenders: Behold, President Biden amended the Constitution on Friday—all by himself! Aside from the obvious absurdity and low comedy of it, what does it tell us about the state of leftist presumption? Special counsel Jack Smith released his magnum opus, which seems more of a parvum opus if not an opusculum (ask your nearest Latin geek), Finally, Biden's farewell address—and presidential farewell addresses in general—was our third topic (summary: it was absolutely Biden's opusculum). 

Once again we have custom proprietary exit bumper music from our pal Steve Tootle and his indie band Cosigner. 

]]>3126false12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-from-emigrating-to-immigrating--63660595
And having completed our emigration to a new logo and format, it seemed only logical that we'd take up as our primary focus this week the issue of immigration, with an attempt at an orderly procession through the key aspects of the matter: How much is too much? Should we have an immigration pause? What's up with the H1-B visa controversy anyway? How should skills-based immigration be done, and should we move to some kind of point- or auction system to regulate immigration.

And finally the big one: what about birthright citizenship? We throw down pretty hard on this issue, and our three bartenders nearly get into a brawl about several of these questions. So don't think alone when you can drink it all in with us!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63660595Sat, 11 Jan 2025 23:19:12 +0000RicochetWith this episode the Three Whisky Happy Hour emigrates into its very own identity on Ricochet and Steve's new group Substack, "Political Questions," but not to worry—the old Power Line Show will live on in its old format as an interview show. The...
And having completed our emigration to a new logo and format, it seemed only logical that we'd take up as our primary focus this week the issue of immigration, with an attempt at an orderly procession through the key aspects of the matter: How much is too much? Should we have an immigration pause? What's up with the H1-B visa controversy anyway? How should skills-based immigration be done, and should we move to some kind of point- or auction system to regulate immigration.

And finally the big one: what about birthright citizenship? We throw down pretty hard on this issue, and our three bartenders nearly get into a brawl about several of these questions. So don't think alone when you can drink it all in with us!]]>3760false11fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-special-happy-new-year-s-edition--63531152
Last year's end of year show featured some low-probability but plausible predictions for 2024 (inspired by the late Wall Street guru Byron Weins' annual practice, which was often right), and unlike other shows that never track prediction accuracy (like the McLaughlin Group, which had a terrible record once someone checked), we decided to do a scorecard. Steve was 0 for 6; John was 5 for 8 (depending on how you score partial credit); Lucretia didn't make any new year's predictions, but pointed out that ALL of her mid-year predictions came true, especially J.D. Vance for running mate.

We offered a few new low-probabilty predictions for 2025, but you'll have to listen to get them. Steve offers one of his as a teaser: some time in 2025 an elite or major university (could be a state flagship) will fire their president and senior administrators, and bring in a team to "clean house," which will mean closing whole departments and programs that teach anti-Semitic ideology, and eliminating faculty positions attached to these poisonous programs.

From there we resume our unfinished argment from last week about discrimination and the 14th Amendment, and come to some unsatisfactory conclusions.

Now the news: We're taking this weekend off from our usual Saturday show, and won't be back until January 11 or so. We're going to be re-tooling the podcast with some format changes. Stay tuned for details as they become available!

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63531152Wed, 01 Jan 2025 03:23:00 +0000RicochetSince so many of our fellow conservative podcasts are taking the holidays off, we decided to do another special mid-week edition to observe the new year, and gear up for some changes.  Last year's end of year show featured some low-probability but...
Last year's end of year show featured some low-probability but plausible predictions for 2024 (inspired by the late Wall Street guru Byron Weins' annual practice, which was often right), and unlike other shows that never track prediction accuracy (like the McLaughlin Group, which had a terrible record once someone checked), we decided to do a scorecard. Steve was 0 for 6; John was 5 for 8 (depending on how you score partial credit); Lucretia didn't make any new year's predictions, but pointed out that ALL of her mid-year predictions came true, especially J.D. Vance for running mate.

We offered a few new low-probabilty predictions for 2025, but you'll have to listen to get them. Steve offers one of his as a teaser: some time in 2025 an elite or major university (could be a state flagship) will fire their president and senior administrators, and bring in a team to "clean house," which will mean closing whole departments and programs that teach anti-Semitic ideology, and eliminating faculty positions attached to these poisonous programs.

From there we resume our unfinished argment from last week about discrimination and the 14th Amendment, and come to some unsatisfactory conclusions.

Now the news: We're taking this weekend off from our usual Saturday show, and won't be back until January 11 or so. We're going to be re-tooling the podcast with some format changes. Stay tuned for details as they become available!

]]>3848false524fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-osculate-this--63492783
But then we move on to the main event—a question from a listener (initials RW) about whether the 14th Amendment, rightly understood, actually permits the federal government to outlaw private discimination. We go several rounds (but not really enough rounds) about aspects of this issue before realizing after we finished that we didn't reach a verdict. Perhaps we'll return to it in our first episode of 2025. 

The title for this week's episode is taken from Steve's nomination for the slogan of the year, which comes from a Twitter person who responded to the UN demanding that Americans give up meat to fight climate change with the phrase: "they can osculate my fundamental orifice!" 

You'll just have to listen to the end to get the translation. 

Announcement: We'll be back on January 1 with another special holiday midweek episode that will introduce some format changes, a review of our predictions from last year (guess who had the best record), and a fresh round of predictions for 2025 that will likely be mostly wrong.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63492783Sat, 28 Dec 2024 04:02:17 +0000RicochetOur final podcast of 2024 looks back on the top story and bottom story of the year, and you won't be surprised to see some symmetries in our answers. But then we move on to the main event—a question from a listener (initials RW) about whether the...
But then we move on to the main event—a question from a listener (initials RW) about whether the 14th Amendment, rightly understood, actually permits the federal government to outlaw private discimination. We go several rounds (but not really enough rounds) about aspects of this issue before realizing after we finished that we didn't reach a verdict. Perhaps we'll return to it in our first episode of 2025. 

The title for this week's episode is taken from Steve's nomination for the slogan of the year, which comes from a Twitter person who responded to the UN demanding that Americans give up meat to fight climate change with the phrase: "they can osculate my fundamental orifice!" 

You'll just have to listen to the end to get the translation. 

Announcement: We'll be back on January 1 with another special holiday midweek episode that will introduce some format changes, a review of our predictions from last year (guess who had the best record), and a fresh round of predictions for 2025 that will likely be mostly wrong.]]>3637false523fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-merry-christmas-edition--63429214Wall Street Journal reported, began during the 2020 campaign. Just who has been president for the last four years? And aside from the perfidy of the complacent and compliant (to Democrats) news media, should there be a serious congressional investigation into what is clearly one of the greatest coverups in American history. Biden's senior staff and cabinet should have to answer uncomfortable questions about this, and perhaps face charges for decisions and actions they may not have had legal authority to make.


We also review the drama of the last 72 hours over the Continuing Resolution to avoid a "government shutdown," with Steve arguing the outcome was a minor victory for conservatives, but needs to be followed up with more serious steps in the new Congress.

From there, we note the important of Fani Willis getting her fanny handed to her, and then take up briefly some listener reaction to our mid-week show, especially Hadley Arkes's long note about what we missed about the Commerce Clause and the nearly forgotten case of Hammer v. Dagenhart. We ran out of time for a complete consideration, so next week!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63429214Sat, 21 Dec 2024 18:56:38 +0000RicochetWe were going to take up the transcendent matters appropriate for the climax of Advent, but the headlines won't let us! The dam started breaking this week about Joe Biden's unfitness for office, which, as the Wall Street Journal reported, began during...Wall Street Journal reported, began during the 2020 campaign. Just who has been president for the last four years? And aside from the perfidy of the complacent and compliant (to Democrats) news media, should there be a serious congressional investigation into what is clearly one of the greatest coverups in American history. Biden's senior staff and cabinet should have to answer uncomfortable questions about this, and perhaps face charges for decisions and actions they may not have had legal authority to make.


We also review the drama of the last 72 hours over the Continuing Resolution to avoid a "government shutdown," with Steve arguing the outcome was a minor victory for conservatives, but needs to be followed up with more serious steps in the new Congress.

From there, we note the important of Fani Willis getting her fanny handed to her, and then take up briefly some listener reaction to our mid-week show, especially Hadley Arkes's long note about what we missed about the Commerce Clause and the nearly forgotten case of Hammer v. Dagenhart. We ran out of time for a complete consideration, so next week!]]>4102false522fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-globull-threats-to-liberty--63376411Globalization's Challenge to American Constitutionalism," published at the sparkling new website of the Civitas Institute, where Steve also appears for the first time today on a separate subject, "The Future of Conservatism in America."

While Steve and Lucretia completely agree with John about the insidious threat of "internationalism" to our constitutional soverignty, they detect some tergiversations on John's part that seem to offer—or so they say—too many concessions to progressive jurisprudence. 

From there discussion turns to the drone epidemic, with Steve offering two complementary theories about what is going on (neither of which involve foreign actors, stealth sky ships, or aliens), and Lucretia offers her drama review for Broadway's newest stage sensation, who happens to wear judicial robes in her regular job. A dilemma indeed. 

And about that ABC News libel settlement with Trump, more theories to chew over. Today the Wall Street Journal reports that "Disney’s legal team was concerned that given the current makeup of the Supreme Court, appealing a negative district court ruling could have jeopardized the landmark New York Times v. Sullivan ruling that protects the media in defamation cases." This was Steve's hypothesis about the settlement.


]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63376411Wed, 18 Dec 2024 17:29:14 +0000RicochetThis special mid-week holiday edition of the 3WHH makes up for the lost ground over the weekend, when schedules prevented the bar from opening at any of the usual meet-up times. Steve, this week's host, and Lucretia grill John Yoo about his latest...Globalization's Challenge to American Constitutionalism," published at the sparkling new website of the Civitas Institute, where Steve also appears for the first time today on a separate subject, "The Future of Conservatism in America."

While Steve and Lucretia completely agree with John about the insidious threat of "internationalism" to our constitutional soverignty, they detect some tergiversations on John's part that seem to offer—or so they say—too many concessions to progressive jurisprudence. 

From there discussion turns to the drone epidemic, with Steve offering two complementary theories about what is going on (neither of which involve foreign actors, stealth sky ships, or aliens), and Lucretia offers her drama review for Broadway's newest stage sensation, who happens to wear judicial robes in her regular job. A dilemma indeed. 

And about that ABC News libel settlement with Trump, more theories to chew over. Today the Wall Street Journal reports that "Disney’s legal team was concerned that given the current makeup of the Supreme Court, appealing a negative district court ruling could have jeopardized the landmark New York Times v. Sullivan ruling that protects the media in defamation cases." This was Steve's hypothesis about the settlement.


]]>3479false521fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-almost-live-from-florence--63317898
But fear not! We decided that in lieu of our usual snappy brickbats, we'd share with our insatiable fans the talks we gave a couple weeks back at the University of Florence about the American election. It was great fun and the student questions were great, but we're just offering here our introductory remarks.

This a short episode—barely over 20 minutes. But never fear: we plan to be back with our usual format mid week, probably Wednesday or Thursday.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63317898Sat, 14 Dec 2024 18:52:52 +0000RicochetSo your three bartenders weren't able to assemble even virtually this week for our usual format—John is away on a clandestine mission stalking the elusive McRib, while Steve and Lucretia are also largely indisposed. But fear not! We decided that in...
But fear not! We decided that in lieu of our usual snappy brickbats, we'd share with our insatiable fans the talks we gave a couple weeks back at the University of Florence about the American election. It was great fun and the student questions were great, but we're just offering here our introductory remarks.

This a short episode—barely over 20 minutes. But never fear: we plan to be back with our usual format mid week, probably Wednesday or Thursday.]]>1240false520fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-repatriation-at-last--63211479
Along the way some fresh new insults are thrown around, with John leveling the ultimate low blow against Steve—calling him a Hegelian! Thems is fightin' words!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63211479Sat, 07 Dec 2024 19:05:59 +0000RicochetThe Three Whisky Happy Hour gang is finally all back in the U.S. after weeks of galavanting overseas, and boy is there a lot to catch up on. Among our topics this week are the signs and wonders that the Age of Trump is fully established; the Biden...
Along the way some fresh new insults are thrown around, with John leveling the ultimate low blow against Steve—calling him a Hegelian! Thems is fightin' words!]]>4542false519fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-landslide-or-earthquake--63069905
In any case, by the miracle of Zoom we managed to assemble for a holiday weekend special edition, where Steve and Lucretia push back on the emerging narrative that Trump's election victory was so narrow that it doesn't deserve to be considered a landslide. On surface statistics, perhaps this has some merit, but even if this is conceded it should at least be considered an earthquake. Steve and Lucretia make the case, noting that, among other things, gthe media treated Bill Clinton's 43% of the vote in 1992 as a "mandate" for sweeping change, and that Trump's popular vote total is close to Ronald Reagan's in 1980, which was universally considered a landslide. The equally important question is whether this election portends a genuine political realignment—the elusive beast of political scientists. Some evidence suggests it might be, but realignments always require successive elections to confirm.

We also spend some time pondering the prospects for the Musk-Ramaswamy DOGE (Dept. of Government Efficiency) project, and mull over the last few Trump cabinet picks.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63069905Sat, 30 Nov 2024 07:31:23 +0000RicochetTwo-thirds of the 3WHH crew were back home in the states for Thanksgiving, while Steve is still galavanting around coastal Italy, defiling the reputation of this podcast by drinking Negronis at happy hour—a tergiversation that this week's host, John...
In any case, by the miracle of Zoom we managed to assemble for a holiday weekend special edition, where Steve and Lucretia push back on the emerging narrative that Trump's election victory was so narrow that it doesn't deserve to be considered a landslide. On surface statistics, perhaps this has some merit, but even if this is conceded it should at least be considered an earthquake. Steve and Lucretia make the case, noting that, among other things, gthe media treated Bill Clinton's 43% of the vote in 1992 as a "mandate" for sweeping change, and that Trump's popular vote total is close to Ronald Reagan's in 1980, which was universally considered a landslide. The equally important question is whether this election portends a genuine political realignment—the elusive beast of political scientists. Some evidence suggests it might be, but realignments always require successive elections to confirm.

We also spend some time pondering the prospects for the Musk-Ramaswamy DOGE (Dept. of Government Efficiency) project, and mull over the last few Trump cabinet picks.]]>4110false518fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-chianti-happy-hour-reflections-from-tuscany--62996114Castello de Cacchiano between academic conferences in Milan and Florence. So for this week only, we become the Three Chianti Happy hour, though we had many more than three! We had to record this episode in two installments, as breakfast interrupted our first segment, and then returning only after a long day in the countryside sampling yet more chianti. 

We aren't taking our mind of what is going on back in the states with the Trump transition, however, and begin with an extended discussion of the proposal to use the recess appointments clause of the Constitution so that Trump can get around Senate opposition or delay for his senior cabinet level appointments. Then we briefly dig a grave for the International Criminal Court following its outrageous arrest warrent for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

And finaly we have a discussion and aide memoire of sorts from our extended panel discussion Friday with Adrian Vermeule about his controversial book Common Good Constitutionalism. (You can find Steve's review of the matter over on the Political Questions Substack.)]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62996114Mon, 25 Nov 2024 08:07:19 +0000RicochetThis week's special episode comes from Tuscany, where the Three Whisky Happy Hour gang put aside their whisky glasses and took up tasting chinati at https://castellodicacchiano.it/en/ between academic conferences in Milan and Florence. So for this...Castello de Cacchiano between academic conferences in Milan and Florence. So for this week only, we become the Three Chianti Happy hour, though we had many more than three! We had to record this episode in two installments, as breakfast interrupted our first segment, and then returning only after a long day in the countryside sampling yet more chianti. 

We aren't taking our mind of what is going on back in the states with the Trump transition, however, and begin with an extended discussion of the proposal to use the recess appointments clause of the Constitution so that Trump can get around Senate opposition or delay for his senior cabinet level appointments. Then we briefly dig a grave for the International Criminal Court following its outrageous arrest warrent for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

And finaly we have a discussion and aide memoire of sorts from our extended panel discussion Friday with Adrian Vermeule about his controversial book Common Good Constitutionalism. (You can find Steve's review of the matter over on the Political Questions Substack.)]]>3817falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-gonzo-unplugged-edition--62768373
I had hoped that we'd have John Yoo outnumbered and outgunned on the natural law question, but several of our guests didn't do their part! But we also did some election talk, so there is something for everyone.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62768373Sat, 16 Nov 2024 15:23:49 +0000RicochetThis is going to be unlike any previous edition of the Three Whisky Happy Hour, because it was literally recorded during happy hour at the annual meeting of the Federalist Society in Washington, in a corner of the mass reception hall where John Yoo...
I had hoped that we'd have John Yoo outnumbered and outgunned on the natural law question, but several of our guests didn't do their part! But we also did some election talk, so there is something for everyone.]]>1986false516fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-priorities-for-trump-ii--62675767
In such a target-rich environment, what should Trump aim at first on Day One in January: our ideologically corrupt universities, the Justice Department, ending the war in Ukraine and Gaza? And what should Congress do with the slim GOP majorities? Steve has some ideas for new committees, as well as a budget test.

Also, does it seem like Trump is president already (since no one believes Biden is really president any longer)? We notice that several foreign governments are rushing to get on Trump's good side before January, which seems prudent.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62675767Sat, 09 Nov 2024 16:10:49 +0000RicochetThe Power Line single-malt whisky bar is still trying to process Donald Trump's decisive victory in the election, and this episode reflecting on the scene offers up a few fresh (we hope) takeaways from the result that we haven't yet seen elsewhere in...
In such a target-rich environment, what should Trump aim at first on Day One in January: our ideologically corrupt universities, the Justice Department, ending the war in Ukraine and Gaza? And what should Congress do with the slim GOP majorities? Steve has some ideas for new committees, as well as a budget test.

Also, does it seem like Trump is president already (since no one believes Biden is really president any longer)? We notice that several foreign governments are rushing to get on Trump's good side before January, which seems prudent.]]>4227false515fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-five-whisky-happy-hour-election-night-vigil-edition--62643131again, what's wrong with the exit polls, why the legacy media looks increasingly mediocre as well as biased, why the big winner of this election cycle—and an important harbinger for the future—is Joe Rogan. 

On the Power Line main site for this episode over-eager listeners will be able to listen to a bonus "overtime" recording where we brought in a number of listeners to comment widely on a number of things, some of them beyond just the election.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62643131Wed, 06 Nov 2024 19:01:50 +0000RicochetFor our many regular listeners who were not able to join us last night for our live taping of this special mid-week episode that included Scott Johnson and (very late) John Hinderaker (hence the "Five Whisky Happy Hour"), much of what we talked about...again, what's wrong with the exit polls, why the legacy media looks increasingly mediocre as well as biased, why the big winner of this election cycle—and an important harbinger for the future—is Joe Rogan. 

On the Power Line main site for this episode over-eager listeners will be able to listen to a bonus "overtime" recording where we brought in a number of listeners to comment widely on a number of things, some of them beyond just the election.]]>3946false514fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-garbage-time--62586219
We spend most of this episode reflecting on the final week of the campaign, arguing about what kind of vote fraud may or may not take place, and offering our final predictions for both the election result and the aftermath. You think it's over Tuesday! Think again. As the great Bluto Blutarsky asked so poignantly, Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62586219Fri, 01 Nov 2024 23:20:25 +0000RicochetIn our last episode before the election, the 3WHH bartenders pour a stiff one in honor of the end of recycling, since were back to pure garbage now, though Biden getting in his last chomps of a baby was a special bonus to end the week. We spend most...
We spend most of this episode reflecting on the final week of the campaign, arguing about what kind of vote fraud may or may not take place, and offering our final predictions for both the election result and the aftermath. You think it's over Tuesday! Think again. As the great Bluto Blutarsky asked so poignantly, Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?]]>3930false513fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-french-fries-for-the-home-stretch--62513963New York Times! What next—a confession that DEI is a counter-productive waste of time and resources? Oh, wait—that was last week.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62513963Sat, 26 Oct 2024 16:32:10 +0000RicochetSo it was Hitler week for Democrats, who are still fuming over being cooked by Donald Trump in a McDonald's deep fryer, and covering up their indigestion with an E.coli outbreak. Behind the public polls catching up with the terrible body language of...New York Times! What next—a confession that DEI is a counter-productive waste of time and resources? Oh, wait—that was last week.]]>3138false512fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/classic-edition-agents-of-a-hostile-foreign-power--62443062
This seemed like a good excuse to revisit the groundbreaking research on Soviet penetration and influence on American policy during the Cold War, and whether a similar thing is happening now with regard to Iran. This episode recalls the work of M. Stanton Evans on this topic, which he published in his book Stalin's Secret Agents (with Herb Rommerstein) and explained in an excerpt from a talk he gave about the book 20 years ago. I think listeners will spot the parallel, and agree with the conclusion—time for recriminations!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62443062Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:20:53 +0000RicochetThe news out over the weekend that Israel's attack plans against Iran have been leaked by our government and/or European governments ought to be a major scandal and cause for a serious criminal investigation, but in fact the real story to be followed...
This seemed like a good excuse to revisit the groundbreaking research on Soviet penetration and influence on American policy during the Cold War, and whether a similar thing is happening now with regard to Iran. This episode recalls the work of M. Stanton Evans on this topic, which he published in his book Stalin's Secret Agents (with Herb Rommerstein) and explained in an excerpt from a talk he gave about the book 20 years ago. I think listeners will spot the parallel, and agree with the conclusion—time for recriminations!]]>1867false511fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-back-to-the-classroom--62425809
After the opening overture, we get down to business, pondering the "body language" of the body politic as revealed by the grinding presidential campaign that suggests a Trump triumph, and then noting the growing signs of an effective backlash against wokery, starting with the New York Times dumping on DEI. None of us had that on our Bingo card! 

Listen to the end and you'll hear each of us give our betting market odds on the election. Guess who is the most optimistic and the most cautious!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62425809Sun, 20 Oct 2024 04:27:56 +0000RicochetThe Three Whisky gang were together in person live late today, the culmination of an intensive three-day project that we describe at the opening segment of the show. Fortunately John Yoo's office was well-supplied with Maker's Mark and Glenlivet 15,...
After the opening overture, we get down to business, pondering the "body language" of the body politic as revealed by the grinding presidential campaign that suggests a Trump triumph, and then noting the growing signs of an effective backlash against wokery, starting with the New York Times dumping on DEI. None of us had that on our Bingo card! 

Listen to the end and you'll hear each of us give our betting market odds on the election. Guess who is the most optimistic and the most cautious!]]>3575false510fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-make-citizenship-great-again--62343865
Have Republicans ever been any good at this? Actually the contested election in Florida in 2000 gives some reason for optimism, as John (who was there) and Steve reflect. And Steve reminds us of some old history, such as Jimmy Carter warning back in 2005 that mail-in balloting was a recipt for vote fraud, along the way debunking claims—subsequently bolstered by academic political science—that mail voting doesn't increase turnout overall or by minorites. Still sound advice, and Republicans ought to force Democrats into the uncomfortable position of repudiating Saint Jimmy.

We take a couple of digressions, first into John's inaugural experience with the new McDonald's chicken Big Mac (two thumbs up!), and then some explanation of why the public polls and campaign polls are diverging (with all good news for Trump).

The episode culminates with a Lucretia soliloquy on how the central principle of voting ought to be meaningful citizenship, not making voting as convenient as a trip to 7-11.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62343865Sat, 12 Oct 2024 17:13:12 +0000RicochetLucretia hosts this week's episode, which takes up exactly where we left off last week's episode—with the topic of vote fraud and whether Democrats might (ahem) steal the election from Trump. Without revisiting the weirdness and irregularities of the...
Have Republicans ever been any good at this? Actually the contested election in Florida in 2000 gives some reason for optimism, as John (who was there) and Steve reflect. And Steve reminds us of some old history, such as Jimmy Carter warning back in 2005 that mail-in balloting was a recipt for vote fraud, along the way debunking claims—subsequently bolstered by academic political science—that mail voting doesn't increase turnout overall or by minorites. Still sound advice, and Republicans ought to force Democrats into the uncomfortable position of repudiating Saint Jimmy.

We take a couple of digressions, first into John's inaugural experience with the new McDonald's chicken Big Mac (two thumbs up!), and then some explanation of why the public polls and campaign polls are diverging (with all good news for Trump).

The episode culminates with a Lucretia soliloquy on how the central principle of voting ought to be meaningful citizenship, not making voting as convenient as a trip to 7-11.]]>4056false509fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisly-happy-hour-october-surprises-edition--62252496
From there we offer some observations about the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and wonder whether the usual incompetence or malevolence explans the appalling spectacle of the government's recovery efforts there. We won't find out from the mainstream media.

Then, some things to watch for at the first anniversary of October 7 on Monday, and some portents of Iran's missile attack on Israel this week. Where are we on the World War III countdown clock?

Lastly, Jack Smith emerged from his Groundhog Day lair once again to proclaim six more weeks of attempted criminalizing of Trump. Snore or snort—your choice.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62252496Sat, 05 Oct 2024 19:15:23 +0000RicochetOctober is not even one week along and we've already had enough "October surprises" to span about five years. First, the epiphany of J.D. Vance, Superstar. If he had been any better we'd need to enlist Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice to score and...
From there we offer some observations about the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and wonder whether the usual incompetence or malevolence explans the appalling spectacle of the government's recovery efforts there. We won't find out from the mainstream media.

Then, some things to watch for at the first anniversary of October 7 on Monday, and some portents of Iran's missile attack on Israel this week. Where are we on the World War III countdown clock?

Lastly, Jack Smith emerged from his Groundhog Day lair once again to proclaim six more weeks of attempted criminalizing of Trump. Snore or snort—your choice.]]>3408false508fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-stalking-kamala-edition--62144601
At least she had a better trip than Ukraine's Zelensky. Or Israel's Simcha Rothman at Berkeley, whose cancelation by an anti-Semitic mob John recounts even as he blames Steve, who managed to miss the excitement.

The bartenders also review the appalling case of Penn's punishment of Amy Wax, and connect it to the obvious cheating elite universities are doing with their admissions in the aftermath of the Harvard case. The point: the toxic DEI ideology may be on the defensive right now, but it is not going quietly into the night.

Finally, Steve notes some curious and hopeful survey data about the election, along with some tips for what to watch for in the early voting states. Cheers!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62144601Sat, 28 Sep 2024 13:55:39 +0000RicochetThe whole gang is finally back stateside and even in the same time zone, but somehow John and Lucretia found themselves being stalked by Kamala Harris on Friday. First  the Veep extraordinaire turned up near Lucretia's border town to talk tough on...
At least she had a better trip than Ukraine's Zelensky. Or Israel's Simcha Rothman at Berkeley, whose cancelation by an anti-Semitic mob John recounts even as he blames Steve, who managed to miss the excitement.

The bartenders also review the appalling case of Penn's punishment of Amy Wax, and connect it to the obvious cheating elite universities are doing with their admissions in the aftermath of the Harvard case. The point: the toxic DEI ideology may be on the defensive right now, but it is not going quietly into the night.

Finally, Steve notes some curious and hopeful survey data about the election, along with some tips for what to watch for in the early voting states. Cheers!]]>3728false507fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-after-all--62067486first contribution to our new "Political Questions" Substack. Warning—no prudence, but Machiavelli is involved!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62067486Sun, 22 Sep 2024 15:42:58 +0000RicochetWell, a forensic miracle recovered the lost or rogue audio file for this week's episode, which feature just John Yoo and Lucretia because Steve was in some kind of second-hand smoke daze over in Amsterdam. John and Lucretia do their usual spirited...first contribution to our new "Political Questions" Substack. Warning—no prudence, but Machiavelli is involved!]]>4720false506fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-no-garlands-for-garland--61701548
But the heart of the episode is the serious business of Merrickl Garland's tone-deaf speech (even John thinks so) claiming politics never enters into Justice Department decisions, which wouldn't even convince his own mother.

Then on to a brief discussion of Steve's recent article on the revival of the common law, in which the term "prudence" is not mentioned (though he does use the term "Zeitgeist," mostly to annoy Lucretia). John is skeptical, while Lucretia is merely her contrary self (default: Steve is wrong! What's the question?)

Note to listeners: We have tried with this episode to take control of of the timing of ad placements (thought not specific content!) so that ads stop appearing randomly or in the middle of sentences. We'll just have to see how it turns out. It's a laborious process.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61701548Sun, 15 Sep 2024 07:57:08 +0000RicochetThe whole gang is back together this week with a rousing review of the week's highlights, including a post-modern take on the Trump-Harris debate, and the dogs-and-cats-living-togther-before-being-eaten memestorm out of Ohio that is driving the left...
But the heart of the episode is the serious business of Merrickl Garland's tone-deaf speech (even John thinks so) claiming politics never enters into Justice Department decisions, which wouldn't even convince his own mother.

Then on to a brief discussion of Steve's recent article on the revival of the common law, in which the term "prudence" is not mentioned (though he does use the term "Zeitgeist," mostly to annoy Lucretia). John is skeptical, while Lucretia is merely her contrary self (default: Steve is wrong! What's the question?)

Note to listeners: We have tried with this episode to take control of of the timing of ad placements (thought not specific content!) so that ads stop appearing randomly or in the middle of sentences. We'll just have to see how it turns out. It's a laborious process.]]>4306false505fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-analogy-free-edition--61295481
And are we really going to do Russia Hoax 2.0? Gee—if only there was someone on the episode who could offer an analogy from Russia Hoax 1.0, but the usual supplier was banished.

Just imagine how long this episode would have been with some historical analogies, which, let's face it, are the "more cowbell" of the Three Whisky Happy Hour.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61295481Sat, 07 Sep 2024 16:55:30 +0000RicochetWith Steve stuck on an ice floe somewhere up around the Arctic Circle, John and Lucretia run wild (also long!) with the microphone in his absence, riffing along about ther latest in lawfare—did Judge Marchan blink by postponing his sentencing of...
And are we really going to do Russia Hoax 2.0? Gee—if only there was someone on the episode who could offer an analogy from Russia Hoax 1.0, but the usual supplier was banished.

Just imagine how long this episode would have been with some historical analogies, which, let's face it, are the "more cowbell" of the Three Whisky Happy Hour.]]>4810falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-who-is-this-prudence-person--61220804Power Line post of Steve's passing along a substantive exchange on Twitter between the Babylon Bee's great Seth Barron and Lucretia on the subject of abortion and prudential politics. 

In what ways do the parallels between slavery and abortion apply today? Trump's equivocations are causing considerable distress among many Pro-Life advocates, who point to Lincoln as a superior example—as is quite right to do. But is that example correctly understood? Lucretia thinks not. But the prudence Lucretia and Steve impute to Lincoln is hard to define in bright line ways, because at the summit it can't be defined by any abstract rules beyond being able to proportion means to ends, which assumes a lot already, since there are always multiple competing ends, each subject to deliberation.

But one big thing gets in the way of clear thinking about this difficult matter: utilitarianism. And our resident Bethamite and McRib consumer is dug in on the matter, and we wander into a lot of historical examples for illumination. It gets pretty lively along the way.  We'll let listeners decide if Lucretia and Steve make the case adequately. 

The poet Randall Jarrell once supposedly said, "If only we could get our hands on this person named 'Society,' we could fix everything." We could easily offer the obvious paraphrase of this for John, and call it a day.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61220804Sat, 31 Aug 2024 10:04:36 +0000RicochetAfter some preliminary discussion of hot dogs and Kamala's stolen fast food valor, this special episode gets down to serious business—a seminar on the topic of political prudence for a thoroughly recalcitrant and skeptical John Yoo. This topic grew...Power Line post of Steve's passing along a substantive exchange on Twitter between the Babylon Bee's great Seth Barron and Lucretia on the subject of abortion and prudential politics. 

In what ways do the parallels between slavery and abortion apply today? Trump's equivocations are causing considerable distress among many Pro-Life advocates, who point to Lincoln as a superior example—as is quite right to do. But is that example correctly understood? Lucretia thinks not. But the prudence Lucretia and Steve impute to Lincoln is hard to define in bright line ways, because at the summit it can't be defined by any abstract rules beyond being able to proportion means to ends, which assumes a lot already, since there are always multiple competing ends, each subject to deliberation.

But one big thing gets in the way of clear thinking about this difficult matter: utilitarianism. And our resident Bethamite and McRib consumer is dug in on the matter, and we wander into a lot of historical examples for illumination. It gets pretty lively along the way.  We'll let listeners decide if Lucretia and Steve make the case adequately. 

The poet Randall Jarrell once supposedly said, "If only we could get our hands on this person named 'Society,' we could fix everything." We could easily offer the obvious paraphrase of this for John, and call it a day.]]>4110false503fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-democratic-nomos--61138824
Otherwise the gang in is happy spirits because we're resupplied with good spirits this week, as a fine whisky and wine outlet (Grapes and Grains—they don't even have a website up yet) has at last opened a superb branch nearby Steve's remote location. How fine? Steve has his eye on a 75-year-old single malt that is for sale at the mere price of $89,999. He decided to fill up his gas tank instead (this being California).

The big news of Friday was RFK Jr's endorsement of Trump, about which we have some actual reporting to offer listeners, along with our evaluations of the Democratic convention, which was anything but nomos or physis. It was pure nemesis.

Lucretia and Steve also smack John around a bit for his USA Today article on how the leftism of law schools threatens the survival of the Constitution was defective because it didn't go far enough!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61138824Sat, 24 Aug 2024 17:33:57 +0000RicochetJohn Yoo hosts this week, and adds to his appalling hypocrisy with his admission that he is teaching a class this summer on the Law of the Sea treaty, even as he continues to embargo any and all discussion of the Clean Air Act!  Otherwise the gang in...
Otherwise the gang in is happy spirits because we're resupplied with good spirits this week, as a fine whisky and wine outlet (Grapes and Grains—they don't even have a website up yet) has at last opened a superb branch nearby Steve's remote location. How fine? Steve has his eye on a 75-year-old single malt that is for sale at the mere price of $89,999. He decided to fill up his gas tank instead (this being California).

The big news of Friday was RFK Jr's endorsement of Trump, about which we have some actual reporting to offer listeners, along with our evaluations of the Democratic convention, which was anything but nomos or physis. It was pure nemesis.

Lucretia and Steve also smack John around a bit for his USA Today article on how the leftism of law schools threatens the survival of the Constitution was defective because it didn't go far enough!]]>4110false502fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-kamalamamadrama--61060240
Of course we have our weekly update on Kamalamamadrama, dissect the meaning of the abrupt firing of Columbia's president (with Steve arguing she is a liar in any case), 

After reviewing some encourging recent legal initiatives, involving property rights, UCLA's tolerance of anti-Semitism on campus, and the ongoing legal tussle over the southern border, we finally get around to another rousing argument pitting Steve and Lucretia against John Yoo over his stubborn positivism. Is John just punking all of us? That's Steve's hypothesis. In any case, we went into overtime a bit on this one, but the episode offers some excellent improv bumper music at the end that we bet no one knows, for the hearty souls who hear us out. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61060240Sat, 17 Aug 2024 03:38:20 +0000RicochetLucretia hosts this week, which means 'Swift Boating' has a whole new meaning, as Taylor Swift's whirled tour on behalf of whirled peas has run into Islamic terrorism, but shhhh, you can't say that in Britain right now, so how can they let her concert...
Of course we have our weekly update on Kamalamamadrama, dissect the meaning of the abrupt firing of Columbia's president (with Steve arguing she is a liar in any case), 

After reviewing some encourging recent legal initiatives, involving property rights, UCLA's tolerance of anti-Semitism on campus, and the ongoing legal tussle over the southern border, we finally get around to another rousing argument pitting Steve and Lucretia against John Yoo over his stubborn positivism. Is John just punking all of us? That's Steve's hypothesis. In any case, we went into overtime a bit on this one, but the episode offers some excellent improv bumper music at the end that we bet no one knows, for the hearty souls who hear us out. ]]>4970false501fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-walzing-or-breaking--60981056https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60981056Sat, 10 Aug 2024 18:55:46 +0000RicochetJohn Yoo hosts this week's 500th episode of the Power Line family of podcasts, which turns out to have a common theme: dance steps. Kamalamadingdong (someone's—I won't say who but you can guess—new nickname for the Dem nominee) thinks she can Walz to...4013false500fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-human-nature-and-american-identity--60911872the central political and moral-philosophical issue of our age: human nature. 

Everyone seems to think Trump blundered by questioning the authenticity of Harris's changing ethnic identity, but Steve and Lucretia—in rare heated agreement—think it was a masterstroke, albeit with Trump's usual heavy-handed and perhaps clumsy way. And we use for our article of the week the usually sound Abigail Shrier's Free Press article, "Republicans, You’re Going After Kamala All Wrong," that we think gets the matter exactly backwards.

But it when we turn to the controversy over gender identity in the Olympics that we deepen the story. Take in at your leisure the case of Caster Semenya, a genuinely "intersex" South African 800-meter runner born with female genitalia who is not allowed to compete in the Olympics track and field competition because of high male testosterone levels. This is the same extremely rare anomaly as the Algerian boxer at the center of controversy right.  (Also note the holder of the women's 800 meter world record, Jarmila Kratochvílová, set back in 1983—currently the oldest track and field world record.  Kratochvílová is thought to have been heavily doped up, as was common with Eastern European athletes in those days, but it is hard to say.)

Steve's theory about how the left's war on human nature also applies to why Harris is such a miserable boss—hardly a rare trait among leftists. John doesn't quite buy the metaphysical explanation, but we're used to this my now.

Finally, Steve offers a brief homily about moral education drawn from a short passage from Leo Strauss's classic essay "What Is Political Philosophy" to make a point about what's wrong with the left's narrative about the Israel-Gaza War.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60911872Sat, 03 Aug 2024 16:42:39 +0000RicochetWhat do Trump's controversial appearance before black journalists, the Olympics controversy over the gender of boxers, and the protean identity of Kamala Harris have in common? Simple—they are all an aspect of what Steve believes is the central...the central political and moral-philosophical issue of our age: human nature. 

Everyone seems to think Trump blundered by questioning the authenticity of Harris's changing ethnic identity, but Steve and Lucretia—in rare heated agreement—think it was a masterstroke, albeit with Trump's usual heavy-handed and perhaps clumsy way. And we use for our article of the week the usually sound Abigail Shrier's Free Press article, "Republicans, You’re Going After Kamala All Wrong," that we think gets the matter exactly backwards.

But it when we turn to the controversy over gender identity in the Olympics that we deepen the story. Take in at your leisure the case of Caster Semenya, a genuinely "intersex" South African 800-meter runner born with female genitalia who is not allowed to compete in the Olympics track and field competition because of high male testosterone levels. This is the same extremely rare anomaly as the Algerian boxer at the center of controversy right.  (Also note the holder of the women's 800 meter world record, Jarmila Kratochvílová, set back in 1983—currently the oldest track and field world record.  Kratochvílová is thought to have been heavily doped up, as was common with Eastern European athletes in those days, but it is hard to say.)

Steve's theory about how the left's war on human nature also applies to why Harris is such a miserable boss—hardly a rare trait among leftists. John doesn't quite buy the metaphysical explanation, but we're used to this my now.

Finally, Steve offers a brief homily about moral education drawn from a short passage from Leo Strauss's classic essay "What Is Political Philosophy" to make a point about what's wrong with the left's narrative about the Israel-Gaza War.]]>3597false499fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-tin-foil-or-popcorn--60820684
Listeners may know that Lucretia, this week's host, has been partial in the past to Glenmorangie, which the great Kingsley Amis noted "has been called delicate and mild, even faintly sweet." This is not a description anyone would ever use about Lucretia, making this a dubious match. Tonight she had two varieties of Glenfiddich on hand, which Amis called "fruity and well balanced." Maybe she's better matched with Macallan, which Amis says is "powerful yet smooth." That sounds more like it!

By popular demand, we took up a news items we didn't get to last week in the crush of shocking news stories, namely Judge Aileen Cannon's ruling that special counsel Jack Smith's appointment as special counsel to torment Trump is unconstitutional. Steve invented a special judicial scale—the Silberman Scale from 1 - 10—for John Yoo to grade the opinion, and he gave it a solid 8, which is pretty darn good. 

From there—oh my! Lucretia unveiled her handcrafted tin foil cowboy hat, as we kicked around whether the loss of trust in key government institutions (cough, cough—FBI—cough, cough, or cough—Secret Service—cough) is because they are merely incompetent and negligent, or whether their carelessness is deliberate. From there John Hinderaker gave us an update on the FBI investigation of the firebombing of his office building back in January, and finally we all gave our predictions for Kamala Harris's running mate, but not until we rolled out the first of whiat is doubtless to be many weeks of ritual denunciation of Harris. So if you missed the live taping, pour yourself a nice, dry single malt and settle in.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60820684Sat, 27 Jul 2024 04:12:32 +0000RicochetLike an old 80s sitcom, this episode was taped before a live audience of about 90 regular listeners who carried on a vigorous commentary and questions in the Zoom chat, and we had a special guest at the very end—John Hinderaker in the (virtual) flesh!...
Listeners may know that Lucretia, this week's host, has been partial in the past to Glenmorangie, which the great Kingsley Amis noted "has been called delicate and mild, even faintly sweet." This is not a description anyone would ever use about Lucretia, making this a dubious match. Tonight she had two varieties of Glenfiddich on hand, which Amis called "fruity and well balanced." Maybe she's better matched with Macallan, which Amis says is "powerful yet smooth." That sounds more like it!

By popular demand, we took up a news items we didn't get to last week in the crush of shocking news stories, namely Judge Aileen Cannon's ruling that special counsel Jack Smith's appointment as special counsel to torment Trump is unconstitutional. Steve invented a special judicial scale—the Silberman Scale from 1 - 10—for John Yoo to grade the opinion, and he gave it a solid 8, which is pretty darn good. 

From there—oh my! Lucretia unveiled her handcrafted tin foil cowboy hat, as we kicked around whether the loss of trust in key government institutions (cough, cough—FBI—cough, cough, or cough—Secret Service—cough) is because they are merely incompetent and negligent, or whether their carelessness is deliberate. From there John Hinderaker gave us an update on the FBI investigation of the firebombing of his office building back in January, and finally we all gave our predictions for Kamala Harris's running mate, but not until we rolled out the first of whiat is doubtless to be many weeks of ritual denunciation of Harris. So if you missed the live taping, pour yourself a nice, dry single malt and settle in.]]>4570false498fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-was-that-a-week-or-a-year--60752044
Is there anything new or original left to be said about the political events of the week, starting with the attempted assassination of President Trump, the nomination of J.D. Vance (allowing Lurcretia to say "I told you so!" yet again—isn't this getting monotonous by this point), and then Trump's near Castroesque-length acceptance speech? Why yes—yes there is. Steve, John, and Lucretia offer several observations we haven't yet heard from the legion of other pundits and analysts, which leads to a surprisingly sharp argument about free trade and potential tariffs under a Trump-Vance administration, which extends to a vigorous discussion of another substantial import of the moment—illegal immigrants.

Steve also explains why, if you listened carefully to Trump's speech, you'll see that Reaganism isn't quite dead yet, why it was also a Jedi-mind trick on Biden, and why many of the news stories about Biden's possible withdrawal from the race have a implicit subtext that party leaders really really don't want Kamala Harris either, but can't say so publicly. We end the week with our shopping lists: more popcorn for John and Steve, and more tin foil for Lucretia.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60752044Sat, 20 Jul 2024 18:10:52 +0000RicochetWell that certainly was a week. Seems more like a year now since the news that Judge Cannon declared special DoJ prosecutor Jack Smith's appointment was unconstitutional, but it was only Monday. But we didn't even get into this issue in this episode,...
Is there anything new or original left to be said about the political events of the week, starting with the attempted assassination of President Trump, the nomination of J.D. Vance (allowing Lurcretia to say "I told you so!" yet again—isn't this getting monotonous by this point), and then Trump's near Castroesque-length acceptance speech? Why yes—yes there is. Steve, John, and Lucretia offer several observations we haven't yet heard from the legion of other pundits and analysts, which leads to a surprisingly sharp argument about free trade and potential tariffs under a Trump-Vance administration, which extends to a vigorous discussion of another substantial import of the moment—illegal immigrants.

Steve also explains why, if you listened carefully to Trump's speech, you'll see that Reaganism isn't quite dead yet, why it was also a Jedi-mind trick on Biden, and why many of the news stories about Biden's possible withdrawal from the race have a implicit subtext that party leaders really really don't want Kamala Harris either, but can't say so publicly. We end the week with our shopping lists: more popcorn for John and Steve, and more tin foil for Lucretia.]]>3707false497fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-rifts-rifts-everywhere--60684289
First off, we note the sudden media/Democratic Party discovery of "Project 2025," and enumerate a few items we wish would be included, like year-round McRibs at McDonalds, and an end to the designated hitter rule in the National League. Then John provides an on-scene account of this week's National Conservatism conference where he was a speaker, and where he took note for the very first time of the "trad wives" movement, which really represents an implicit final rejection of immanentizing the eschaton. 

From there we take up some listener requests for "explainers" about the peculiar 12th Amendment (since Trump may choose a running mate from Florida, causing confusion and uncertainty), and then the workings of the 25th Amendment, which we all agree is unlikely to work on President Biden unless he actually lapses into a coma or something. Trump can render this moot, however, if he picks Steve and Lucretia's choices for Veep; John is going for a Florida veepnom.

Beneath the surface of all these issues is the knotty problem of KAH-mala. We ponder a few possibilities on this that so far we haven't heard anyone else present.  

Exit music this week, once against chosen for topicality: "Rift" from Phish, since some aspects of it sound like they almost could be thinking of Kamala:

Last night, in the moments my thoughts were adrift
And coasting a terrace, approaching a rift
Through which I could spy several glimpses beneath
Of the darkness the light from above could not reach
I spied wings of reason, herself taking flight
And upon yonder precipice saw her alight
And glared back at me one last look of dismay
As if she were the last one she thought I'd betray]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60684289Sat, 13 Jul 2024 18:46:59 +0000RicochetThe prolonged agony of Joe Biden is causing rifts in the political universe similar to what a black hole does—a vortex sucking everything into a void beyond which lie quantum unknowns. This episode ponders a number of those unknowns as best we can....
First off, we note the sudden media/Democratic Party discovery of "Project 2025," and enumerate a few items we wish would be included, like year-round McRibs at McDonalds, and an end to the designated hitter rule in the National League. Then John provides an on-scene account of this week's National Conservatism conference where he was a speaker, and where he took note for the very first time of the "trad wives" movement, which really represents an implicit final rejection of immanentizing the eschaton. 

From there we take up some listener requests for "explainers" about the peculiar 12th Amendment (since Trump may choose a running mate from Florida, causing confusion and uncertainty), and then the workings of the 25th Amendment, which we all agree is unlikely to work on President Biden unless he actually lapses into a coma or something. Trump can render this moot, however, if he picks Steve and Lucretia's choices for Veep; John is going for a Florida veepnom.

Beneath the surface of all these issues is the knotty problem of KAH-mala. We ponder a few possibilities on this that so far we haven't heard anyone else present.  

Exit music this week, once against chosen for topicality: "Rift" from Phish, since some aspects of it sound like they almost could be thinking of Kamala:

Last night, in the moments my thoughts were adrift
And coasting a terrace, approaching a rift
Through which I could spy several glimpses beneath
Of the darkness the light from above could not reach
I spied wings of reason, herself taking flight
And upon yonder precipice saw her alight
And glared back at me one last look of dismay
As if she were the last one she thought I'd betray]]>3964false496fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-special-july-4-edition-should-i-stay-or-should-i-go--60602979
Meanwhile, there's a good dad joke going around (so naturally Steve told it, but you'll have to listen to catch it—this is a no-spoiler show note zone man!) that sets up a pivot to the last couple of decisions of the Supreme Court term just ended, especially the case involving presidential immunity. John explains why both sides of the issue are getting it wrong, while Steve and Lucretia trump John's legalese with some good old political philosophy, enlisting as an expert witness Harvey Mansfield.

Picking exit music this week was a no-brainer, given the main topic: The Clash (fits, no?), "Should I Stay or Should I Go?"

Should I stay, or should I go now?
Should I stay, or should I go now?
If I go, there will be trouble
And if I stay, it will be double
So come on and let me know

This indecision's bugging me
If you don't want me, set me free
Exactly whom I'm supposed to be
Don't you know which clothes even fit me?
Come on and let me know 
Should I cool it, or should I blow?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60602979Thu, 04 Jul 2024 18:12:40 +0000RicochetFor your listening pleasure while you fire up the grill and align your fireworks today or over the weekend, the gang assembled for a special July 4 edition of the 3WHH, with extensive discussion—and disagreement—about whether President Biden will step...
Meanwhile, there's a good dad joke going around (so naturally Steve told it, but you'll have to listen to catch it—this is a no-spoiler show note zone man!) that sets up a pivot to the last couple of decisions of the Supreme Court term just ended, especially the case involving presidential immunity. John explains why both sides of the issue are getting it wrong, while Steve and Lucretia trump John's legalese with some good old political philosophy, enlisting as an expert witness Harvey Mansfield.

Picking exit music this week was a no-brainer, given the main topic: The Clash (fits, no?), "Should I Stay or Should I Go?"

Should I stay, or should I go now?
Should I stay, or should I go now?
If I go, there will be trouble
And if I stay, it will be double
So come on and let me know

This indecision's bugging me
If you don't want me, set me free
Exactly whom I'm supposed to be
Don't you know which clothes even fit me?
Come on and let me know 
Should I cool it, or should I blow?]]>3732false495fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-pm-tony-abbott-surveys-the-world--60582445this YouTube video.

In our conversation Abbott ranges from the Ukraine War and the Middle East to the Climate Cult and the ruin of identity politics everywhere. We also digress to learn more about the origins of Australia's mandatory voting system, which reformers in the U.S. sometimes think we should try.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60582445Tue, 02 Jul 2024 21:33:42 +0000RicochetLast month John Yoo and Steve Hayward, larping around central Europe in search of the rule of law, happened to make the acquaintance for former (and perhaps future?) Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who graciously agreed to sit down for a...this YouTube video.

In our conversation Abbott ranges from the Ukraine War and the Middle East to the Climate Cult and the ruin of identity politics everywhere. We also digress to learn more about the origins of Australia's mandatory voting system, which reformers in the U.S. sometimes think we should try.]]>1659false494fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-triumph-at-the-court-on-the-debate-stage--60549505did show up, though you had to wonder whether they really intended a Weekend at Bernie's sequel.

John Yoo hosts this week's episode, and manages both to coax some cheerfulness out of Lucretia, but also skillfully avoiding the important Supreme Court opinion involving The Statute That Cannot Be Named on This Podcast. 

We break down the highlights and lowlights of both the debate and the Supreme Court opinions, with Lucretia offering some praise for Chief Justice Roberts for a change, while just about giving up hope for Justice Barrett, who seems to be angling to become the next David Souter on the Court. To be continued with a special July 4 episode next week.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60549505Sat, 29 Jun 2024 18:16:37 +0000RicochetHas there been a worse week for the left in the last 25 years? First "Squadster" Jamal Bowman loses his House seat, then the Supreme Court delivers blow-after-blow to the foundations of the administrative state, and then Biden didn't show up for a...did show up, though you had to wonder whether they really intended a Weekend at Bernie's sequel.

John Yoo hosts this week's episode, and manages both to coax some cheerfulness out of Lucretia, but also skillfully avoiding the important Supreme Court opinion involving The Statute That Cannot Be Named on This Podcast. 

We break down the highlights and lowlights of both the debate and the Supreme Court opinions, with Lucretia offering some praise for Chief Justice Roberts for a change, while just about giving up hope for Justice Barrett, who seems to be angling to become the next David Souter on the Court. To be continued with a special July 4 episode next week.]]>4281false493fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-simcha-rothman-on-israel-s-judicial-crisis--60519417issued a ruling that the government may not exempt the haredim (Israel's ultra-orthodox community) from military service. The ruling went further, though, than just ending an exemption from service: the court ruled that government funding must be cut off from any yeshivas (schools) that do not comply with the ruling.

Aside from the legal reasoning behind this ruling is the larger question of the continuing arrogation of power by Israel's high court. Last month John Yoo and Steve Hayward, overseas for a conference on international law, sat with with Simcha Rothman, a senior member of the Knesset who, as chair of the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, has been deeply involved with proposals to reform and rein in the runaway judiciary. This controversy was roiling Israeli politics last year until the events of October 7 put it on the back burner, but we think Americans will be surprised to learn more about the peculiar circumstances of Israeli's judiciary. If you think America's judiciary can be activist and unaccountable, just wait till you hear from Simcha.

Toward the end we also move on to a general discussion of the Gaza War.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60519417Wed, 26 Jun 2024 19:03:32 +0000RicochetIf you follow news out of Israel these days—and who doesn't?—you may have caught the story early this week that Israel's Supreme Court...issued a ruling that the government may not exempt the haredim (Israel's ultra-orthodox community) from military service. The ruling went further, though, than just ending an exemption from service: the court ruled that government funding must be cut off from any yeshivas (schools) that do not comply with the ruling.

Aside from the legal reasoning behind this ruling is the larger question of the continuing arrogation of power by Israel's high court. Last month John Yoo and Steve Hayward, overseas for a conference on international law, sat with with Simcha Rothman, a senior member of the Knesset who, as chair of the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, has been deeply involved with proposals to reform and rein in the runaway judiciary. This controversy was roiling Israeli politics last year until the events of October 7 put it on the back burner, but we think Americans will be surprised to learn more about the peculiar circumstances of Israeli's judiciary. If you think America's judiciary can be activist and unaccountable, just wait till you hear from Simcha.

Toward the end we also move on to a general discussion of the Gaza War.]]>2390false492fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-nitrous-oxide-from-the-court--60473589please decode just what the Supreme Court did this week, especially in the Moore v U.S. case that dealt with the income tax. Expert commentary seems divided on just what the Court meant, but as John filed an amicus brief in that case, he's the ideal person to break it down for us. 

But not before finding a new way to torment him with a successor to the Statute That Cannot Be Named—the nitrogen cycle! And really it fits if you think about it, since the Supreme Court seems to have hit the nitrous oxide a bit too hard in this week's rulings. 

Finally, a look at the latest campus news, including how Columbia University is surely going to regret that Alvin Bragg dismissed charges against Columbia students who occupied and vandalized university property. Prediction: there's a 50/50 chance that Columbia doesn't even open up for in-person campus life this fall.


]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60473589Sat, 22 Jun 2024 17:15:22 +0000RicochetWe hadn't even planned to do a regular episode this week because John Yoo is over in Korea, Steve has been away at a three-day conference, and Lucretia is breaking in a new kitten. But we received urgent messages from listeners and readers asking us...please decode just what the Supreme Court did this week, especially in the Moore v U.S. case that dealt with the income tax. Expert commentary seems divided on just what the Court meant, but as John filed an amicus brief in that case, he's the ideal person to break it down for us. 

But not before finding a new way to torment him with a successor to the Statute That Cannot Be Named—the nitrogen cycle! And really it fits if you think about it, since the Supreme Court seems to have hit the nitrous oxide a bit too hard in this week's rulings. 

Finally, a look at the latest campus news, including how Columbia University is surely going to regret that Alvin Bragg dismissed charges against Columbia students who occupied and vandalized university property. Prediction: there's a 50/50 chance that Columbia doesn't even open up for in-person campus life this fall.


]]>3475false491fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-above-behind-and-below-the-law--60396090
Steve argues that behind the left's primal drive for power that can explain the outcome-oriented constitutionalism of the left on display since the Progressive Era lies a more sinister but less recognized aspect of leftist politics: American leftists are basically socialist revolutionaries, but rather than conduct direct revolution (with certain isolated exceptions), they prefer to use the rule of law to subvert the rule of law.  Steve thinks an important clue to understanding this dynamic (about which too many conservatives and Republicans are clueless) can be found in a reconsideration of . . . the Spanish Civil War. (See Nathan Pinkoski's fine essay reviewing the revisionist literature that essentially says everything you think you know about teh Spanish Civil War is wrong, and just imagine what Franco could have done if only he'd had some helicopters.)

Lucretia as always is less convinced by Steve's historical analogies and, having had three espressos after lunch and before taping, offers her own special sauce to understanding the problem, yet somehow omitted the usual snark about Steve's whisky of the week, Laphroaig Quarter-Cask.

Finally, in honor of Pride Month, some topical exit music this week from the great Jonathan Richman.

And thanks to the many Power Line readers who tuned in for the live taping.  Sorry we didn't get to more of your questions and comments.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60396090Sat, 15 Jun 2024 17:14:27 +0000RicochetNo sooner do we have a "reunion" episode last week than travel schedules blow it all up again. With John Yoo away on another junket (supposedly teaching a summer law seminar somewhere, but really in search of more elusive McRibs), Lucretia and Steve...
Steve argues that behind the left's primal drive for power that can explain the outcome-oriented constitutionalism of the left on display since the Progressive Era lies a more sinister but less recognized aspect of leftist politics: American leftists are basically socialist revolutionaries, but rather than conduct direct revolution (with certain isolated exceptions), they prefer to use the rule of law to subvert the rule of law.  Steve thinks an important clue to understanding this dynamic (about which too many conservatives and Republicans are clueless) can be found in a reconsideration of . . . the Spanish Civil War. (See Nathan Pinkoski's fine essay reviewing the revisionist literature that essentially says everything you think you know about teh Spanish Civil War is wrong, and just imagine what Franco could have done if only he'd had some helicopters.)

Lucretia as always is less convinced by Steve's historical analogies and, having had three espressos after lunch and before taping, offers her own special sauce to understanding the problem, yet somehow omitted the usual snark about Steve's whisky of the week, Laphroaig Quarter-Cask.

Finally, in honor of Pride Month, some topical exit music this week from the great Jonathan Richman.

And thanks to the many Power Line readers who tuned in for the live taping.  Sorry we didn't get to more of your questions and comments.]]>3899false490fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-reunion-episode--60323898Jed Rubenfeld's argument that Trump isn't technically a "convicted felon" yet, and might have strong case for immediate relief from the Supreme Court. 

We finally have a long-postponed update on the situation in Ukraine, where there have been a number of developments over the last two weeks that make the war more volatile. The French are sending in troops ('advisers,' but that sounds too familiar), while we have apparently greenlit Ukraine to attack inside Russian with our weapons—so long as we approve the targets. What could go wrong? (And why is Hungary opposing the NATO position on Ukraine? Not for the reasons you read in the American media. . .)

Finally, for our Article of the Week we take up the issue of climate change litigation, which John wrote about a few days ago for National Review, and which Steve is working separately on an article about European lawfare in this domain.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60323898Sat, 08 Jun 2024 19:39:43 +0000RicochetThe Three Whisky Happy Hour bartenders are finally back in the same time zone, and Lucretia fills in Steve and John about what happened while they were away partying in Europe. We mostly skip over doting on Biden's dotage, and take up...Jed Rubenfeld's argument that Trump isn't technically a "convicted felon" yet, and might have strong case for immediate relief from the Supreme Court. 

We finally have a long-postponed update on the situation in Ukraine, where there have been a number of developments over the last two weeks that make the war more volatile. The French are sending in troops ('advisers,' but that sounds too familiar), while we have apparently greenlit Ukraine to attack inside Russian with our weapons—so long as we approve the targets. What could go wrong? (And why is Hungary opposing the NATO position on Ukraine? Not for the reasons you read in the American media. . .)

Finally, for our Article of the Week we take up the issue of climate change litigation, which John wrote about a few days ago for National Review, and which Steve is working separately on an article about European lawfare in this domain.]]>3453false489fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/classic-format-edition-scoping-the-european-election-scene-with-john-o-sullivan--60287403
Most of the polls suggest that right-of-center "populist" parties are likely to see the largest gains in this round of elections, though likely not large enough to command a coalition majority, but we'll have to see.

But wait! There's more! On July 4—an auspicuous day for Americans obviously—Britain heads to the polls for a general election, and all of the polls indicate the Conservative Party is heading for an epic wipeout at the hands of Labour. What explains the Tories' dismal prospects just five years after their largest landslide win in 70 years? To say they have underperformed the last five years under Boris Johnson and his successors is an understatement. From COVID lockdowns to Net-Zero energy madness, who needs the Tories when you can get real socialism from Labour? And just how will the Tories dust themselves off and recover?

I sat down a few days back with John O'Sullivan to sort it all out. John has had a long and distinguished career in journalism and politics, having served as editor of National Review in the late 1980s and 1990s, and as chief speechwriter for Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for a time. Nowadays he is the president of the Danube Institute here in Budapest, where he overseas an active program of visiting journalists, academics, and political figures from all over the globe.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60287403Wed, 05 Jun 2024 16:20:06 +0000RicochetBUDAPEST, June 5: This Sunday the member states of the European Union will be going to the polls to elect their members of the European Parliament. I don't exactly know just what the European Parliament does either, and it has become boring viewing...
Most of the polls suggest that right-of-center "populist" parties are likely to see the largest gains in this round of elections, though likely not large enough to command a coalition majority, but we'll have to see.

But wait! There's more! On July 4—an auspicuous day for Americans obviously—Britain heads to the polls for a general election, and all of the polls indicate the Conservative Party is heading for an epic wipeout at the hands of Labour. What explains the Tories' dismal prospects just five years after their largest landslide win in 70 years? To say they have underperformed the last five years under Boris Johnson and his successors is an understatement. From COVID lockdowns to Net-Zero energy madness, who needs the Tories when you can get real socialism from Labour? And just how will the Tories dust themselves off and recover?

I sat down a few days back with John O'Sullivan to sort it all out. John has had a long and distinguished career in journalism and politics, having served as editor of National Review in the late 1980s and 1990s, and as chief speechwriter for Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for a time. Nowadays he is the president of the Danube Institute here in Budapest, where he overseas an active program of visiting journalists, academics, and political figures from all over the globe.]]>2264false488fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-our-president-banged-a-porn-star-and-we-had-world-peace--60248286
Rather than rehash the details of the case, which everyone has picked over thoroughly by this point, the whisky bar considers what at means, and what may or should happen next. Lucretia thinks the American republica died on May 30 (USA, 1776 to May 30, 2024, RIP), while Steve thinks this is another dismal turning point comparable to the way the demagogic attack on Robert Bork in 1987 poisoned and embittered our judicial politics ever since. The connecting thread between the two: Joe Biden, who may be the single-most destructive figure in American politics in the last 50 years—worse even than Obama, who was at least subtle in his contempt for the United States. It was Biden who gave in to the progressive left over Bork in 1987, and now giving in to the progressive left's Trump Derangement Syndrome and warping our legal order.

John looks beyond the appeals in the New York courts to a possible motion for a writ of mandamus from the U.S. Supreme Court, while all three whisky swillers agree that gane theory tells us that the only way to stop this kind of partisan lawfare is for Republicans to teach Democrats that two can play this game. And Lucretia has a list! Do Republicans have the stomach for it? Doubtful.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60248286Sat, 01 Jun 2024 20:08:07 +0000RicochetLucretia hosts this episode from her bunker in an undisclosed bunker in the desert southwest while Steve and John are still galavanting over in Europe. And as hinted in a Power Line post, she is thermo-nuclear furious about the Trump verdict.  Rather...
Rather than rehash the details of the case, which everyone has picked over thoroughly by this point, the whisky bar considers what at means, and what may or should happen next. Lucretia thinks the American republica died on May 30 (USA, 1776 to May 30, 2024, RIP), while Steve thinks this is another dismal turning point comparable to the way the demagogic attack on Robert Bork in 1987 poisoned and embittered our judicial politics ever since. The connecting thread between the two: Joe Biden, who may be the single-most destructive figure in American politics in the last 50 years—worse even than Obama, who was at least subtle in his contempt for the United States. It was Biden who gave in to the progressive left over Bork in 1987, and now giving in to the progressive left's Trump Derangement Syndrome and warping our legal order.

John looks beyond the appeals in the New York courts to a possible motion for a writ of mandamus from the U.S. Supreme Court, while all three whisky swillers agree that gane theory tells us that the only way to stop this kind of partisan lawfare is for Republicans to teach Democrats that two can play this game. And Lucretia has a list! Do Republicans have the stomach for it? Doubtful.]]>3534false487fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-eugene-konotorovich-on-the-lessons-of-oct-7--60205163
In any case, because of the time difference and other challenges, Lucretia couldn't join us, so we have a guest host holding down her spot as the third host (and also to maintain the crucial two-against-John ratio), and we have decided to give him his very own Roman-inspired pseudonym, "Hadleius Arkesius." 

We indulge way too much time with our opening banter and general discussion of our experience pondering the problem of the decay of the rule of law before getting to the main event, which is a conversation with Prof. Eugene Kontorovich, who is professor of law at George Mason University's Scalia Law School, and head of the international law department at the Kohelet Policy Forum, one of Israel's largest think tanks.  Prof. Kontorovich divides his time between the United States and Israel.

A few weeks back Eugene wrote a bracing article in Tablet on "The Ugly Lessons of October 7," and we review the article with him along with developments of the last week, such as the move of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Our conversation with Eugene begins around the 18 minute mark.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60205163Wed, 29 May 2024 05:42:30 +0000RicochetThis week's special episode originates in Budapest, where John Yoo and I were presenting at a two-day conference on the decay of the rule of law in Europe. You think things are bad with the U.S. judiciary? It's much worse over here. (I'll post some...
In any case, because of the time difference and other challenges, Lucretia couldn't join us, so we have a guest host holding down her spot as the third host (and also to maintain the crucial two-against-John ratio), and we have decided to give him his very own Roman-inspired pseudonym, "Hadleius Arkesius." 

We indulge way too much time with our opening banter and general discussion of our experience pondering the problem of the decay of the rule of law before getting to the main event, which is a conversation with Prof. Eugene Kontorovich, who is professor of law at George Mason University's Scalia Law School, and head of the international law department at the Kohelet Policy Forum, one of Israel's largest think tanks.  Prof. Kontorovich divides his time between the United States and Israel.

A few weeks back Eugene wrote a bracing article in Tablet on "The Ugly Lessons of October 7," and we review the article with him along with developments of the last week, such as the move of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Our conversation with Eugene begins around the 18 minute mark.]]>2754false486fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-bad-lawyers-and-worse-decisions--60084084
This week also marked the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, which we have deplored before on account of the poor reasoning for the halfway right result, but a our Article of the Week from our friend Shep Melnick of Boston College draws our attention to some ongoing ambiguities of Brown that still afflict our civil rights law. You'd think after 70 years we might have figured it out, but no—and worse, the ambiguity is likely on purpose, because it suits the shifting strategy and tactics of the identitarian left.

Other topics covered briefly this week include the collapsing case against Trump in Manhattan, Trump's VP sweepstakes (you can scratch Kristi Noem from the list), the latest Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition and King Charles's ghastly portrait (hard to say which is worse here), Harrison Butker's cultural butt kick, and, finally, how to devise some tests to judge whether higher education is truly reversing its multi-decade slide into pernicious leftism.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60084084Sat, 18 May 2024 17:37:04 +0000RicochetListeners want to know from John: did Justice Clarence Thomas let us down with his ruling in this week's 7 - 2 decision upholding the unique funding structure of Elizabeth Warren's Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB), which she designed...
This week also marked the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, which we have deplored before on account of the poor reasoning for the halfway right result, but a our Article of the Week from our friend Shep Melnick of Boston College draws our attention to some ongoing ambiguities of Brown that still afflict our civil rights law. You'd think after 70 years we might have figured it out, but no—and worse, the ambiguity is likely on purpose, because it suits the shifting strategy and tactics of the identitarian left.

Other topics covered briefly this week include the collapsing case against Trump in Manhattan, Trump's VP sweepstakes (you can scratch Kristi Noem from the list), the latest Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition and King Charles's ghastly portrait (hard to say which is worse here), Harrison Butker's cultural butt kick, and, finally, how to devise some tests to judge whether higher education is truly reversing its multi-decade slide into pernicious leftism.]]>4175falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bonus-classic-episode-the-unprotected-class-with-jeremy-carl--60077053The Unprotected Class: How Anti-White Racism Is Tearing America Apart. Jeremy commits heresy in this book, offerng statistics that you aren't supposed to mention, and truths that, in an earlier age, might have got you burned at the stake. In publishing this book Jeremy joins the ranks of fellow brave souls such as Heather Mac Donald, Steve Sailer, Zach Goldberg, and a handful of others who do not shrink from challenging the enforced orthodoxy that approves of anti-white discrimination and scapegoating.

It is, Jeremy rightly notes, a formula that if continued much longer will divide the nation so badly that we won't be able to live together. He thinks the old fashioned principle of basic human equality rightly understood, and old ethic of the "melting pot" that brought together different ethnicities into a common citizenship and shared national identity needs to be restored, and soon. He offers some suggestions, some difficult, some happily already starting to happen. One good sign: the book is getting a lot of attention. Maybe the ice is finally breaking.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/60077053Fri, 17 May 2024 21:39:01 +0000RicochetThis classic format episode features Steve in a one-on-one conversation with with Jeremy Carl, author of a dynamite (almost literally) new book entitled...The Unprotected Class: How Anti-White Racism Is Tearing America Apart. Jeremy commits heresy in this book, offerng statistics that you aren't supposed to mention, and truths that, in an earlier age, might have got you burned at the stake. In publishing this book Jeremy joins the ranks of fellow brave souls such as Heather Mac Donald, Steve Sailer, Zach Goldberg, and a handful of others who do not shrink from challenging the enforced orthodoxy that approves of anti-white discrimination and scapegoating.

It is, Jeremy rightly notes, a formula that if continued much longer will divide the nation so badly that we won't be able to live together. He thinks the old fashioned principle of basic human equality rightly understood, and old ethic of the "melting pot" that brought together different ethnicities into a common citizenship and shared national identity needs to be restored, and soon. He offers some suggestions, some difficult, some happily already starting to happen. One good sign: the book is getting a lot of attention. Maybe the ice is finally breaking.]]>3029false484fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-judges-without-judgment--59983611
Certainly we have a president without judgment, and we begin with pondering the question of just when it was that Bernie Sanders became president, because it is impossible to see how a Sanders administration would differ from everything the Biden administration has done. Steve notes a recent American Conservative article that picks up on parts of the Hur report on Biden. While everybody focused on the parts of the report that dealt with Biden's senility, other parts of the report show that Biden has actually had terrible judgment for his entire political career.

Finally, we look at Steve's City-Journal article on the parallels between 1968 and today, and wonder how it is possible for so many of our "leaders" in high education to have so little good judgment or common sense about what ought to be done. (Lucretia recommends pepper-bullets, which sound like some kind of high-velocity jalapenos.)]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59983611Sat, 11 May 2024 21:00:10 +0000RicochetJohn Yoo hosts this week's episode from exile in Austin, Texas, where he humors Steve and Lucretia's the extra-legal views on the Trump trials and tribulations in a Manhattan courtroom, and speculate how Trump's "Letter from the Rikers Island Jail"...
Certainly we have a president without judgment, and we begin with pondering the question of just when it was that Bernie Sanders became president, because it is impossible to see how a Sanders administration would differ from everything the Biden administration has done. Steve notes a recent American Conservative article that picks up on parts of the Hur report on Biden. While everybody focused on the parts of the report that dealt with Biden's senility, other parts of the report show that Biden has actually had terrible judgment for his entire political career.

Finally, we look at Steve's City-Journal article on the parallels between 1968 and today, and wonder how it is possible for so many of our "leaders" in high education to have so little good judgment or common sense about what ought to be done. (Lucretia recommends pepper-bullets, which sound like some kind of high-velocity jalapenos.)]]>4367false483fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bonus-episode-three-whisky-after-hours-what-to-make-of-the-anti-semitism-awareness-act--59865320
To recap: Lucretia thinks it is a stupid idea (hence, "Don't murder a man who is committing suicide"), while John thought it was also unsound on basic free speech principles. Steve was, naturally, in the middle, ending up as road kill for his analysis of why Republicans thought there were some political mischief to be made.

So we decided to order another round of drinks (or, in Lucretia's case, four margaritas to honor Cinco de Mayo) and try to go through the issue more thoroughly, especially taking account of David Bernstein's observations at National Review Online that there's a lot of disinformation about what the bill does and doesn't do.

We also wanted to take up the argument Harry Jaffa argued more than 60 years ago that a free society could, under certain circumstances, curtail the speech of Nazis, Communists, and . . . anti-Semites? . . . in defense of a free society. Jaffa argued:

“Does a free society prove false to itself if it denies civil liberties to Communists, Nazis, or anyone else who would use these liberties, if he could, as a means of destroying the free society? The answer, I believe, is now plain that it does not. Is saying this I do not counsel, or even justify, any particular measure for dealing with persons of such description. What is right in any case depends on the facts of that case, and I am here dealing only with principles, not their application. However, those who think every denial of civil liberties is equally derogatory of the character of a free society, without reference to the character of the persons being denied, make this fundamental error: they confuse ends with means. . .  [But] it is seldom either expedient or wise to suppress advocacy of even inhuman doctrines in a community like ours, it is not for that reason unjust.”

Does the current campus scene arise to this standard? What does prudence counsel? The normally quarrelsome threesome at the whisky bar arrive at surprising agreement on the matter. Hint: We rather like Jaffa’s conclusion to his classic essay: “The more we can accomplish by opinion, the less we will have to do by law.”



]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59865320Mon, 06 May 2024 04:00:17 +0000RicochetThere was a lot of listener and reader interest in our too brief comments on the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act in our last episode, and we realized this issue deserved keeping the whisky bar open after the usual 2 am closing time to extend our treatment...
To recap: Lucretia thinks it is a stupid idea (hence, "Don't murder a man who is committing suicide"), while John thought it was also unsound on basic free speech principles. Steve was, naturally, in the middle, ending up as road kill for his analysis of why Republicans thought there were some political mischief to be made.

So we decided to order another round of drinks (or, in Lucretia's case, four margaritas to honor Cinco de Mayo) and try to go through the issue more thoroughly, especially taking account of David Bernstein's observations at National Review Online that there's a lot of disinformation about what the bill does and doesn't do.

We also wanted to take up the argument Harry Jaffa argued more than 60 years ago that a free society could, under certain circumstances, curtail the speech of Nazis, Communists, and . . . anti-Semites? . . . in defense of a free society. Jaffa argued:

“Does a free society prove false to itself if it denies civil liberties to Communists, Nazis, or anyone else who would use these liberties, if he could, as a means of destroying the free society? The answer, I believe, is now plain that it does not. Is saying this I do not counsel, or even justify, any particular measure for dealing with persons of such description. What is right in any case depends on the facts of that case, and I am here dealing only with principles, not their application. However, those who think every denial of civil liberties is equally derogatory of the character of a free society, without reference to the character of the persons being denied, make this fundamental error: they confuse ends with means. . .  [But] it is seldom either expedient or wise to suppress advocacy of even inhuman doctrines in a community like ours, it is not for that reason unjust.”

Does the current campus scene arise to this standard? What does prudence counsel? The normally quarrelsome threesome at the whisky bar arrive at surprising agreement on the matter. Hint: We rather like Jaffa’s conclusion to his classic essay: “The more we can accomplish by opinion, the less we will have to do by law.”



]]>2736false482fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-never-murder-a-man-who-is-committing-suicide--59815861New York Times), wondering why anyone would want to distract attention away from Democrats tieing themselves in electoral hangman's knots over the anti-Semitism raging wild inside their party and their wholly-owned subsidiary college campuses. Republicans ought to impose a gag order on themselves, and crusade against the gag order on Trump in his current trial in New York. Concerning which, John has several observations.

And about that campus scene: another week, and another data point for Steve's thesis that "it's going to get worse before it gets worse." About the only sensible conclusion is that somewhere in the Great Beyond, Tom Wolfe is behind the whole current scene. Maybe we can still get a sequel from him, Bonfire of the Inanities.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59815861Sat, 04 May 2024 15:13:23 +0000RicochetLucretia hosts this week's episode, reminding us once again that Republicans are living up to their reputation as "the stupid party" with the proposed "Anti-Semitism Awareness Act" that seems to have overlooked this quaint old thing called the First...New York Times), wondering why anyone would want to distract attention away from Democrats tieing themselves in electoral hangman's knots over the anti-Semitism raging wild inside their party and their wholly-owned subsidiary college campuses. Republicans ought to impose a gag order on themselves, and crusade against the gag order on Trump in his current trial in New York. Concerning which, John has several observations.

And about that campus scene: another week, and another data point for Steve's thesis that "it's going to get worse before it gets worse." About the only sensible conclusion is that somewhere in the Great Beyond, Tom Wolfe is behind the whole current scene. Maybe we can still get a sequel from him, Bonfire of the Inanities.]]>3598falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/victims-of-communism-memorial-day--59753100Elizabeth Spalding, chair of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. (Elizabeth is also Senior Fellow at the Pepperdine University School of Public Policy and Visiting Fellow at the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College.)

The Foundation has opened the Victims of Communism Museum in downtown Washington DC, and you should put it on your itinerary for your next visit to the nation's capital. 

We call this a "hybrid" format because it comes in two parts. Following the conversation with Elizabeth, this episode offers Steve's recent speech at the Victims of Communism Museum about Reagan and Churchill on the Cold War, a major part of Steve's book about the two great statesmen. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59753100Wed, 01 May 2024 19:16:27 +0000RicochetToday is May Day, but also the Victims of Communism Memorial Day, and as such today is the prefect days for this classic-hybrid format podcast, featuring Steve Hayward in a conversation with...Elizabeth Spalding, chair of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. (Elizabeth is also Senior Fellow at the Pepperdine University School of Public Policy and Visiting Fellow at the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College.)

The Foundation has opened the Victims of Communism Museum in downtown Washington DC, and you should put it on your itinerary for your next visit to the nation's capital. 

We call this a "hybrid" format because it comes in two parts. Following the conversation with Elizabeth, this episode offers Steve's recent speech at the Victims of Communism Museum about Reagan and Churchill on the Cold War, a major part of Steve's book about the two great statesmen. ]]>3530false480fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-sober-thoughts-on-immunity--59668304Taming the Prince. As usual, we fought to a draw.

Our second subject is the ongoing Kristalnacht on campus. There's not much new to say except to calibrate how cowardly university administrators continue to be, and note that even some liberals, like George Packer in The Atlantic (who provides our article of the week, "The Campus-Left Occupation That Broke Higher Education") are starting to figure out what conservatives have known about higher education for two generations now. It's as if no one ever bothered to notice Closing of the American Mind.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59668304Fri, 26 Apr 2024 17:51:56 +0000RicochetWe're going up a day earlier than usual this week, partly because our constantly irregular travel schedules complicated things again, but more importantly to be timely, as John, Steve, and Lucretia have LOTS of thoughts on the Supreme Court argument...Taming the Prince. As usual, we fought to a draw.

Our second subject is the ongoing Kristalnacht on campus. There's not much new to say except to calibrate how cowardly university administrators continue to be, and note that even some liberals, like George Packer in The Atlantic (who provides our article of the week, "The Campus-Left Occupation That Broke Higher Education") are starting to figure out what conservatives have known about higher education for two generations now. It's as if no one ever bothered to notice Closing of the American Mind.]]>3668false479fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-two-whisky-happy-hour-will-it-get-worse-before-it-gets-worse--59567502ad-free episode is probably better thought of as a Two Whisky Happy Hour, because John Yoo is away on a lecture- and Philly-cheesesteak-procurement tour back east, and Lucretia is out of action right now, too, though she appears in this episode by proxy, so to speak. So two whiskies it is.

Last weekend, Lucretia and I offered a keynote session for Ammo Grrrll's annual CommenterCon conference in Phoenix, which is an annual gathering of Ammo Grrrll's best friends and devoted fans from around the country. My theme was "Will it get worse before it gets worse?", and Lucretia offered some thoughts on the future of free speech.

We had some technical difficulties with our sound recording devices, so the recording has a sudden and noticeable quality shift right in the middle, and you can't always make out the audience questions perfectly, but we think listeners will still enjoy most of it.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59567502Sat, 20 Apr 2024 17:09:37 +0000RicochetThis week's ad-free episode is probably better thought of as a Two Whisky Happy Hour, because John Yoo is away on a lecture- and Philly-cheesesteak-procurement tour back east, and Lucretia is out of action right now, too, though she appears in this...ad-free episode is probably better thought of as a Two Whisky Happy Hour, because John Yoo is away on a lecture- and Philly-cheesesteak-procurement tour back east, and Lucretia is out of action right now, too, though she appears in this episode by proxy, so to speak. So two whiskies it is.

Last weekend, Lucretia and I offered a keynote session for Ammo Grrrll's annual CommenterCon conference in Phoenix, which is an annual gathering of Ammo Grrrll's best friends and devoted fans from around the country. My theme was "Will it get worse before it gets worse?", and Lucretia offered some thoughts on the future of free speech.

We had some technical difficulties with our sound recording devices, so the recording has a sudden and noticeable quality shift right in the middle, and you can't always make out the audience questions perfectly, but we think listeners will still enjoy most of it.]]>3646false529fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-letter-from-the-birmingham-starbucks-edition--59459958
Closely related, while the Biden Administration seems determined to tamp down the prospect of a wider war in the Middle East, it seems to be inviting one with Antony (Blank) Blinken saying a week ago that Ukraine should or would become a member of NATO. Are they trying to make Russia dig in, or draw the U.S. more directly into the war (which NATO membership would require)? We also ponder J.D. Vance's very clear-headed New York Times op-ed that reviews the grim math of the Ukranian battle scene, making us wonder whether the Biden Administration has any strategy at all beyond "fight to the last Ukranian."

Then we ponder briefly the astounding scene of the anti-Semitic protests in the back yard of Berkeley Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, with Steve arging that to see this incident as a matter of the limits of free speech is woefully inadequate. 

But the bulk of the episode is devoted to analyzing the latest abortion controversies, starting with the Arizona Supreme Court decision upholding the validity of Arizona's pre-Roe statutes, and observing as usual the way this narrow and largely technical ruling is being mis-reported in the media and misrepresented by the left. The main portion of this segment, though, is devoted to Trump's announcement that he does not support federal legislation of abortion and wants to leave the issue iup to the states. Does this make him the modern-day equivalent of Stephen Douglas, as John Davidson argues in our Article of the Week over at The Federalist? Lucretia will startle many regular listeners with her analysis of the matter, to which John and Steve largely agree.

In fact, it is an amazing how much agreement we had this week, but perhaps because we recorded in the morning sans-whisky, and with Steve and Lucretia ailing.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59459958Sun, 14 Apr 2024 18:53:29 +0000RicochetSteve hosts this crisp episode despite his creaky voice from a springtime bug (and Lucretia is partly hobbled, too) covering a lot of ground, starting with a brief recap of the latest (unanimous!) property rights victory at the Supreme Court, but then...
Closely related, while the Biden Administration seems determined to tamp down the prospect of a wider war in the Middle East, it seems to be inviting one with Antony (Blank) Blinken saying a week ago that Ukraine should or would become a member of NATO. Are they trying to make Russia dig in, or draw the U.S. more directly into the war (which NATO membership would require)? We also ponder J.D. Vance's very clear-headed New York Times op-ed that reviews the grim math of the Ukranian battle scene, making us wonder whether the Biden Administration has any strategy at all beyond "fight to the last Ukranian."

Then we ponder briefly the astounding scene of the anti-Semitic protests in the back yard of Berkeley Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, with Steve arging that to see this incident as a matter of the limits of free speech is woefully inadequate. 

But the bulk of the episode is devoted to analyzing the latest abortion controversies, starting with the Arizona Supreme Court decision upholding the validity of Arizona's pre-Roe statutes, and observing as usual the way this narrow and largely technical ruling is being mis-reported in the media and misrepresented by the left. The main portion of this segment, though, is devoted to Trump's announcement that he does not support federal legislation of abortion and wants to leave the issue iup to the states. Does this make him the modern-day equivalent of Stephen Douglas, as John Davidson argues in our Article of the Week over at The Federalist? Lucretia will startle many regular listeners with her analysis of the matter, to which John and Steve largely agree.

In fact, it is an amazing how much agreement we had this week, but perhaps because we recorded in the morning sans-whisky, and with Steve and Lucretia ailing.

]]>4121false406fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-on-earthquakes-physical-and-political--59318077
Aside from these unexpected things, there were fresh tremors for Trump's legal problems, Biden's long-expected turn against Israel that was designed to appear to a constituency of one (hint: the person insists on being called DOKTOR), fresh encomiums for Mitch McConnell (okay—it was not unanimous), and finally into some tremors for the income tax.  

As Stan Evans liked to say, "Any country that can land a man on the moon can abolish the income tax," and now a member of the House has proposed repealing the 16th Amendment. Especially salient in light of the pending Supreme Court case that might allow the government to tax unrealized asset gains (a back-door wealth tax), which will guarantee that the government will adopt a de facto policy of 10 percent inflation forever.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59318077Sat, 06 Apr 2024 12:47:27 +0000RicochetJohn Yoo takes command of host duties this week, as Steve was on the road at an academic conference at City University of New York, where a knowledgeable faculty member remarked that he was surprised Steve didn't need an armed guard. The conference...
Aside from these unexpected things, there were fresh tremors for Trump's legal problems, Biden's long-expected turn against Israel that was designed to appear to a constituency of one (hint: the person insists on being called DOKTOR), fresh encomiums for Mitch McConnell (okay—it was not unanimous), and finally into some tremors for the income tax.  

As Stan Evans liked to say, "Any country that can land a man on the moon can abolish the income tax," and now a member of the House has proposed repealing the 16th Amendment. Especially salient in light of the pending Supreme Court case that might allow the government to tax unrealized asset gains (a back-door wealth tax), which will guarantee that the government will adopt a de facto policy of 10 percent inflation forever.]]>4753false516fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-to-obscenity-and-beyond--59223929
All three of us independently chose the same article for our picks for Article of the Week—Walter Russell Mead's Tablet magazine piece entitled "Twilight of the Wonks." It has some magnificently harsh language about the leaders of our elite educational institutions, such as "moral jellyfish," and leaders who are "careerist mediocrities who specialize in uttering the approved platitudes of the moment." We're less sure about Mead's diagnosis about the role of narrow specialization in the decay of our universities.

At least we have Krispy Kreme donuts coming soon to McDonald's to look forward to.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59223929Fri, 29 Mar 2024 21:57:34 +0000RicochetThis week's episode has it all, starting with the lamentable fact that when you hear "porn is everywhere these days," it included even the Powerline website this week, and then proceeding to the obscenity of the John Eastman disbarment, the...
All three of us independently chose the same article for our picks for Article of the Week—Walter Russell Mead's Tablet magazine piece entitled "Twilight of the Wonks." It has some magnificently harsh language about the leaders of our elite educational institutions, such as "moral jellyfish," and leaders who are "careerist mediocrities who specialize in uttering the approved platitudes of the moment." We're less sure about Mead's diagnosis about the role of narrow specialization in the decay of our universities.

At least we have Krispy Kreme donuts coming soon to McDonald's to look forward to.]]>4593false475fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-with-a-twist--59147392Hadley Arkes! Thus this episode become a Positivism-Free Zone, in which we review the deepest ground of the natural law unencumbered by John's usual alarums, excursions, and errors.

The episode comes in three parts: Hadley made some news yesterday, celebrating the retirement of the noted Notre Dame Law professor Gerard V. Bradley, who will be joining Hadley at the James Wilson Institute on Natural Law and the American Founding. 

From there Hadley proceeds to answering the question that we've been kicking around ever since the Dobbs decision, namely, just how should pro-life politicians break out of their self-imposed muteness about abortion. Hadley has the strategy.

Finally, we spend some time toward the end getting down some of Hadley's "origin story" that brought him to Leo Strauss's classroom at the University of Chicago back in the 1960s, and key friendships made along the way—especially our late friend and unsung hero Michael Uhlmann.

Note: We had some internet glitches while recording this episode that weren't easily edited or smoothed over, so we ask listeners' indulgence with these hiccups, in return for which we'll present this installment ad-free.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59147392Sat, 23 Mar 2024 15:23:21 +0000RicochetThis episode could be mistaken for the Three Martini Happy Hour, because this week's episode comes with a tangy twist. John Yoo is away this week, so we brought in a ringer to take his place: Prof. https://jameswilsoninstitute.org/about/about-page-3!...Hadley Arkes! Thus this episode become a Positivism-Free Zone, in which we review the deepest ground of the natural law unencumbered by John's usual alarums, excursions, and errors.

The episode comes in three parts: Hadley made some news yesterday, celebrating the retirement of the noted Notre Dame Law professor Gerard V. Bradley, who will be joining Hadley at the James Wilson Institute on Natural Law and the American Founding. 

From there Hadley proceeds to answering the question that we've been kicking around ever since the Dobbs decision, namely, just how should pro-life politicians break out of their self-imposed muteness about abortion. Hadley has the strategy.

Finally, we spend some time toward the end getting down some of Hadley's "origin story" that brought him to Leo Strauss's classroom at the University of Chicago back in the 1960s, and key friendships made along the way—especially our late friend and unsung hero Michael Uhlmann.

Note: We had some internet glitches while recording this episode that weren't easily edited or smoothed over, so we ask listeners' indulgence with these hiccups, in return for which we'll present this installment ad-free.]]>4659false474fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-hur-harried-hopeless-and-fiery--59064908
Well the 3WHH is authentically fiery! Four habanero spicy! This week more than ever.

After dissecting the Hur testimony and its missed opportunities, we take on the issue of whether Biden is playing senile on purpose, what to make of the Tik-Tok forced sale proposal, what to make of Chuck Schumer's proposal for an putsch in Israel, and finally, another round in the ring on constitutional originalism, prompted by Frank DiVito's article out this week, "Can Constitutional Originalism Overcome Our Crisis?"]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59064908Sat, 16 Mar 2024 05:20:43 +0000RicochetMove over "Republicans pounce" as the favorite media deflection. We now know that when an old man yells at clouds—or members of Congress—the media fall in line and declare it "fiery." Well the 3WHH is authentically fiery! Four habanero spicy! This...
Well the 3WHH is authentically fiery! Four habanero spicy! This week more than ever.

After dissecting the Hur testimony and its missed opportunities, we take on the issue of whether Biden is playing senile on purpose, what to make of the Tik-Tok forced sale proposal, what to make of Chuck Schumer's proposal for an putsch in Israel, and finally, another round in the ring on constitutional originalism, prompted by Frank DiVito's article out this week, "Can Constitutional Originalism Overcome Our Crisis?"]]>4118false473fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-normalizing-dishonesty-edition--58983844
Among the news and issues treated this week: Why Biden isn't FDR (he's not even Harry Truman); why this was the worst SOTU (Lucretia offers a different acronym) speech ever; whether there are signs of life for the GOP in California after all; how immigration and abortion are playing out in the campaign cycle so far; how to think about the Supreme Court decision in the Colorado case dealing with Trump's eligibility for the ballot (hint—it ain't over till it's over); and finally, can Harvard be serious in asking for a government bailout? The unifying theme here is galloping dishonesty, which is being normalized more and more every day.

Our articles of the week are (from Steve): Daniel Patrick Moynihan's classic essay "Defining Deviancy Down," newly salient in an age of truth-denying euphemisms like "justice-involved youth" and "newcomers" instead of "migrants" (which was a substitute for "illegal alien"); Lucretia ponders the challenges of Alex Berenson's Substack article on new threats to free speech; And John draws our attention to the original 14th Amendment article from Baude and Paulson that brought us to the Supreme Court steps earlier this week, plus responses (also here) that got overlooked at the time, now largely vindicated.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58983844Sat, 09 Mar 2024 18:46:51 +0000RicochetLucretia hosts this week's episode, which we recorded in the morning over coffee instead of whisky because travel schedules prevented the normal and proper Friday evening happy hour, and guess what? We're even worse without whisky!  Among the news...
Among the news and issues treated this week: Why Biden isn't FDR (he's not even Harry Truman); why this was the worst SOTU (Lucretia offers a different acronym) speech ever; whether there are signs of life for the GOP in California after all; how immigration and abortion are playing out in the campaign cycle so far; how to think about the Supreme Court decision in the Colorado case dealing with Trump's eligibility for the ballot (hint—it ain't over till it's over); and finally, can Harvard be serious in asking for a government bailout? The unifying theme here is galloping dishonesty, which is being normalized more and more every day.

Our articles of the week are (from Steve): Daniel Patrick Moynihan's classic essay "Defining Deviancy Down," newly salient in an age of truth-denying euphemisms like "justice-involved youth" and "newcomers" instead of "migrants" (which was a substitute for "illegal alien"); Lucretia ponders the challenges of Alex Berenson's Substack article on new threats to free speech; And John draws our attention to the original 14th Amendment article from Baude and Paulson that brought us to the Supreme Court steps earlier this week, plus responses (also here) that got overlooked at the time, now largely vindicated.]]>4668false472fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-eye-bleach-edition--58807805
Say what?

Well, it turns out that that Judge Arthur Engoron, who oversaw Trump's alleged fraud trial in New York City, apparently has a case of Anthony Weiner envy, and posted some rather racy locker room pics of himself some years back. And right in the middle of our discussion Lucretia flashed the pictures up on the Zoom screen, sending John and Steve rushing for some eye-bleach. There must be something in the bottled water Manhattan Democrats drink. (And doesn't Engoron sound like the name of a dwarve or elve who goes bad in Lord of the Rings?) Click through the link here if you are brave.

In any case, we do finally get around to a new segment of the 3WHH, where we note three articles from the last week for what they can tell us about something. John chose those stupid presidential rankings; Lucretia chose an MSNBC article from leftist columnist Paul Waldman that unwittingly admits that everything conservatives say about the administrative state is completely true; and Steve picked Karol Markowitz's NY Post column reflecting on how recent social science that ratifies the conservative view that two-parent families are the best way to raise children is so contoversial with the left, which is no surprise.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58807805Sat, 24 Feb 2024 16:28:23 +0000RicochetThis episode has everything: a how-to guerilla guide to improving your McDonald's hamburger experience; a spirited discussion of the Alabama Supreme Court decision that defines frozen embryos as persons (Steve thinks the media is willfully...
Say what?

Well, it turns out that that Judge Arthur Engoron, who oversaw Trump's alleged fraud trial in New York City, apparently has a case of Anthony Weiner envy, and posted some rather racy locker room pics of himself some years back. And right in the middle of our discussion Lucretia flashed the pictures up on the Zoom screen, sending John and Steve rushing for some eye-bleach. There must be something in the bottled water Manhattan Democrats drink. (And doesn't Engoron sound like the name of a dwarve or elve who goes bad in Lord of the Rings?) Click through the link here if you are brave.

In any case, we do finally get around to a new segment of the 3WHH, where we note three articles from the last week for what they can tell us about something. John chose those stupid presidential rankings; Lucretia chose an MSNBC article from leftist columnist Paul Waldman that unwittingly admits that everything conservatives say about the administrative state is completely true; and Steve picked Karol Markowitz's NY Post column reflecting on how recent social science that ratifies the conservative view that two-parent families are the best way to raise children is so contoversial with the left, which is no surprise.]]>4234false471fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-real-prosecutors-of-atlanta-unreality-show--58702990
Steve show up, however, with a gin martini instead of peaty whisky, which drew a rebuke from You Know Who, who had three proper whiskies on hand for the episode.

But this episode isn't all fun and giggles. We also rake up the ongoing immigration saga in Washington, complete now with an impeachment! And also analysis of Trump's supposed attack on NATO and surrender to Putin, though some of us think this is another sign of Trump's peculiar genius.

Finally, can we really be so lucky that a week later the Hur report is the gift that keeps on giving?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58702990Fri, 16 Feb 2024 04:53:20 +0000RicochetWe're up a day early with this week's episode because of schedule problems, but mostly to get a drop on the streaming services with our new (un)reality TV show, "The Real Prosecutors of Atlanta," starring Big Fani Willis. OMG, is this not the best...
Steve show up, however, with a gin martini instead of peaty whisky, which drew a rebuke from You Know Who, who had three proper whiskies on hand for the episode.

But this episode isn't all fun and giggles. We also rake up the ongoing immigration saga in Washington, complete now with an impeachment! And also analysis of Trump's supposed attack on NATO and surrender to Putin, though some of us think this is another sign of Trump's peculiar genius.

Finally, can we really be so lucky that a week later the Hur report is the gift that keeps on giving?]]>3958false470fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-25th-hour--58635946The Twenty-Fifth Hour is the 1950 novel by the Romanian writer C. Virgil Gheorghiu that weaves a tangled, early post-modern tale of central Europe and the Balkans in World War II. It is justly forgotten today, but the title is back in a manner of speaking because it highlights the great irony of the Left's Ahab-like pursuit of the Great Orange Whale (to mix literary references).

Anyone else recall back in 2017 how a concerted mob of concerned citizens suggested the presidential disability clause of the 25th Amendment be invoked to remove President Trump from office? Think of it as a 25th Hour moment. This week ended with the 25th Hour being invoked to remove Joe Biden from office because of his obvious and rapidly advancing senility. Yet one more example of how a strategy to get Trump, like the Me Too movement, has circled around like a rogue torpedo to explode in the face of the Left.

The week began with such promise for the anti-Trump crusade. The walls were closing in on the breaking dam that would drown the freshly roosting chickens! Bam: no immunity for you! And the Supreme Court might allow Trump to be banned from the ballot! Except that didn't go according to script. And then the report of the greatest Hur since Ben Hur, declaring that Biden isn't competent to stand trial for the very same "willful" crime for which Trump is being prosecuted, but is somehow competent to remain president? The Left should have taken a lesson from those failed exploding cigars they tried to use on Castro 60 years ago.

But about that disability clause in the 25th Amendment: we take a closer look, and note that Section 4 in particular is not as clear cut and simple as it sounds. Meaning we're likely stuck so long as Edith Wilson. . ., er, we mean, DOCTOR Jill Biden has anything to say about it.

And finally, we close out this week's epsiode with happy 64th birthday wishes to Lucretia, so the exit bumper music is fairly predictable, isn't it? (Though I chose a rendition from an obscure artist just to annoy this week's host!)]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58635946Sat, 10 Feb 2024 18:30:25 +0000RicochetThe Twenty-Fifth Hour is the 1950 novel by the Romanian writer C. Virgil Gheorghiu that weaves a tangled, early post-modern tale of central Europe and the Balkans in World War II. It is justly forgotten today, but the title is back in a manner of...The Twenty-Fifth Hour is the 1950 novel by the Romanian writer C. Virgil Gheorghiu that weaves a tangled, early post-modern tale of central Europe and the Balkans in World War II. It is justly forgotten today, but the title is back in a manner of speaking because it highlights the great irony of the Left's Ahab-like pursuit of the Great Orange Whale (to mix literary references).

Anyone else recall back in 2017 how a concerted mob of concerned citizens suggested the presidential disability clause of the 25th Amendment be invoked to remove President Trump from office? Think of it as a 25th Hour moment. This week ended with the 25th Hour being invoked to remove Joe Biden from office because of his obvious and rapidly advancing senility. Yet one more example of how a strategy to get Trump, like the Me Too movement, has circled around like a rogue torpedo to explode in the face of the Left.

The week began with such promise for the anti-Trump crusade. The walls were closing in on the breaking dam that would drown the freshly roosting chickens! Bam: no immunity for you! And the Supreme Court might allow Trump to be banned from the ballot! Except that didn't go according to script. And then the report of the greatest Hur since Ben Hur, declaring that Biden isn't competent to stand trial for the very same "willful" crime for which Trump is being prosecuted, but is somehow competent to remain president? The Left should have taken a lesson from those failed exploding cigars they tried to use on Castro 60 years ago.

But about that disability clause in the 25th Amendment: we take a closer look, and note that Section 4 in particular is not as clear cut and simple as it sounds. Meaning we're likely stuck so long as Edith Wilson. . ., er, we mean, DOCTOR Jill Biden has anything to say about it.

And finally, we close out this week's epsiode with happy 64th birthday wishes to Lucretia, so the exit bumper music is fairly predictable, isn't it? (Though I chose a rendition from an obscure artist just to annoy this week's host!)]]>4411false469fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-civil-war-and-the-fire-this-time--58556833where?? Mexico!?!? So after all that talk the last couple weeks saying the situation at the southern border did not constitute an "invasion," now he's in Mexico on some undisclosed clandestine mission. Which makes no sense: they don't even have McRibb there.

Taking John's place this week is Inez Stepman of the Independent Women's Forum, frequent contributor to the New York Post, First Things, The Federalist, and other premier outlets, and co-host of the High Noon podcast on the Ricochet network. She was more than game to join Lucretia in beating up on Steve.

We invited Inez to weigh in on the long-running debate we've been having here about the Civil War, how to understand it correctly, and how presidential candidates like Nikki Haley should talk about it. From the we take a look of David Frum's quixotic attempt in The Atlantic to "uncancel Woodrow Wilson," to which were in heated agreement that David is off his rocker.

Then John Hinderaker joins us to give us the latest news about the firebombing of his office this past week, plus a few summary impressions of the Michael Mann vs. Mark Steyn cage match playing out in court in Washington DC, where John sat in on the trial several days last week. Does this politically-motivated arson fire presage a return to the bad old days of the Weather Underground of the late 1960s?

Thematic exit music this week is "Burning Up My Time" by Pigeons Playing Ping Pong.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58556833Sat, 03 Feb 2024 19:27:35 +0000RicochetJohn Yoo is where?? Mexico!?!? So after all that talk the last couple weeks saying the situation at the southern border did not constitute an "invasion," now he's in Mexico on some undisclosed clandestine mission. Which makes no sense: they don't even...where?? Mexico!?!? So after all that talk the last couple weeks saying the situation at the southern border did not constitute an "invasion," now he's in Mexico on some undisclosed clandestine mission. Which makes no sense: they don't even have McRibb there.

Taking John's place this week is Inez Stepman of the Independent Women's Forum, frequent contributor to the New York Post, First Things, The Federalist, and other premier outlets, and co-host of the High Noon podcast on the Ricochet network. She was more than game to join Lucretia in beating up on Steve.

We invited Inez to weigh in on the long-running debate we've been having here about the Civil War, how to understand it correctly, and how presidential candidates like Nikki Haley should talk about it. From the we take a look of David Frum's quixotic attempt in The Atlantic to "uncancel Woodrow Wilson," to which were in heated agreement that David is off his rocker.

Then John Hinderaker joins us to give us the latest news about the firebombing of his office this past week, plus a few summary impressions of the Michael Mann vs. Mark Steyn cage match playing out in court in Washington DC, where John sat in on the trial several days last week. Does this politically-motivated arson fire presage a return to the bad old days of the Weather Underground of the late 1960s?

Thematic exit music this week is "Burning Up My Time" by Pigeons Playing Ping Pong.]]>4260false468fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-civil-war-at-the-border-special-edition--58462642complete accord*—against John's positivist position of federal supremacy uber alles.

Our normally genteel whisky-sipping salon became more of a bourbon-swilling barroom brawl, and indeed we were tempted to call this episode "Showdown at the Positive Law Corral." Steve thinks the crisis over Texas's assertion of its right to defend the border, and the demand of the Biden Administration that Texas back down by tomorrow, represents the kind of "right of revolution" moment contemplated in the Declaration of Independence, especially since the governors of 25 other states have signaled their agreement with Texas.

But the rare concord between Steve and Lucretia breaks down when the subject turns to the Haley-Trump cage match in New Hampshire primary.


(*To paraphrase an old Bill Buckley line, if you think it is hard to argue with Lucretia, just try agreeing with her. It's nearly impossible.)]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58462642Fri, 26 Jan 2024 18:40:54 +0000RicochetThis special ad-free edition, posted a day ahead of the usual schedule because of the urgency of events at the southern border, finds the 3WHH hosts engaging in their own civil war over the question of whether states have any remedy when the federal...complete accord*—against John's positivist position of federal supremacy uber alles.

Our normally genteel whisky-sipping salon became more of a bourbon-swilling barroom brawl, and indeed we were tempted to call this episode "Showdown at the Positive Law Corral." Steve thinks the crisis over Texas's assertion of its right to defend the border, and the demand of the Biden Administration that Texas back down by tomorrow, represents the kind of "right of revolution" moment contemplated in the Declaration of Independence, especially since the governors of 25 other states have signaled their agreement with Texas.

But the rare concord between Steve and Lucretia breaks down when the subject turns to the Haley-Trump cage match in New Hampshire primary.


(*To paraphrase an old Bill Buckley line, if you think it is hard to argue with Lucretia, just try agreeing with her. It's nearly impossible.)]]>4386false467fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-inside-john-s-briefs-plus-the-civil-war-over-the-civil-war--58383746
We mostly skip over the fine points of John's brief and take in a wider look at the entire pool of briefs filed in this case, wondering, for example, why the world needs an Amicus brief from the Ryan Binkley for President campaign. This prompts us into wider still observations about other current issues involving the administrative state, which somehow managed to bring up the Statute usually banned from mention on this podcast, John Locke, and the weaknesses of modern property rights theory.

Which ultimately brings us to the question heldover from the last two weeks: Nikki Haley and the Civil War. It is now apparent that Haley's momentum in the nomination contest halted abruptly with her flub of the Civil War question, and alas some of our friends are still not getting the question right, such as our good friend Dan Oliver. We go over the matter from Square One, and try—not for the first time—to school John on the issue of prudence. Oh, and we also make our prediction for the New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries coming up.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58383746Sat, 20 Jan 2024 18:52:31 +0000RicochetThis week's episode covers more ground more quickly than a Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes passing attack. Which the Philadephia Eagles won't get to experience because they flopped in the first round of the playoffs last weekend, falsifying one of John...
We mostly skip over the fine points of John's brief and take in a wider look at the entire pool of briefs filed in this case, wondering, for example, why the world needs an Amicus brief from the Ryan Binkley for President campaign. This prompts us into wider still observations about other current issues involving the administrative state, which somehow managed to bring up the Statute usually banned from mention on this podcast, John Locke, and the weaknesses of modern property rights theory.

Which ultimately brings us to the question heldover from the last two weeks: Nikki Haley and the Civil War. It is now apparent that Haley's momentum in the nomination contest halted abruptly with her flub of the Civil War question, and alas some of our friends are still not getting the question right, such as our good friend Dan Oliver. We go over the matter from Square One, and try—not for the first time—to school John on the issue of prudence. Oh, and we also make our prediction for the New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries coming up.]]>3893false466fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-iowa-stubborn-edition--58290927
And we're so by God stubborn
We can stand touching noses
For a week at a time
And never see eye to eye!

Is it Trump, DeSantis, Haley—or the legions of lawyers waging endless lawfare against Trump? It's a trick question. Lucretia—the host for this week's episode—actually hails originally from Mason City, Iowa, which is the inspiration for "River City" in the Broadway play, which explains a lot about our Lucretia when you think about it.

Anyway, John and Steve declare their picks if they were caucusgoers, but then the episode turns quickly to the latest frontiers of the lawfare against Trump, from which we have an inside perch of sorts: John is busy spending the weekend workng up an amicus brief for the upcoming Supreme Court hearing on the case involving Colorado's attempt to ban Trump from the ballot on grounds he is an "insurrectionist." (Trump, not John.) And since the brief have to be turned in next Thursday for this fast-track case, it's very fresh in mind.

We also consider the latest developments in other Trump cases, too. Did Trump's lawyers really claim that in fact he could shoot someone on 5th Avenue if he was back in the White House. (Short answer: No.) And what accounts for Hunter Biden's reversal of his refusal to submit to a House subpoena for a deposition? Has Texas first the first shot of a new rebellion by taking over part of the souther border? Has the Supreme Court signaled that enough is enough with rampant urban homelessness by granting cert in an appeal of lower court rulings that the homeless have 8th Amendment (that's right, 8th Amendment) rights to sleep on the streets wherever they want? (The Court had previously declined to hear this issue.)

All that and our usual good cheer and raspberries, including the fact that we recorded on Edmund Burke's birthday. To paraphrase the great lyric from our title tune, "Oh, there's nothin' halfway/About the Whisky way we treat you/If we treat you/Which we may not do at all."]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58290927Sat, 13 Jan 2024 16:54:00 +0000RicochetOn the eve of the Iowa caucuses Monday, we got to wondering just who or what lives up to the description of "Iowa Stubborn" in Meredith Wilson's "Music Man": And we're so by God stubborn We can stand touching noses For a week at a time And never see...
And we're so by God stubborn
We can stand touching noses
For a week at a time
And never see eye to eye!

Is it Trump, DeSantis, Haley—or the legions of lawyers waging endless lawfare against Trump? It's a trick question. Lucretia—the host for this week's episode—actually hails originally from Mason City, Iowa, which is the inspiration for "River City" in the Broadway play, which explains a lot about our Lucretia when you think about it.

Anyway, John and Steve declare their picks if they were caucusgoers, but then the episode turns quickly to the latest frontiers of the lawfare against Trump, from which we have an inside perch of sorts: John is busy spending the weekend workng up an amicus brief for the upcoming Supreme Court hearing on the case involving Colorado's attempt to ban Trump from the ballot on grounds he is an "insurrectionist." (Trump, not John.) And since the brief have to be turned in next Thursday for this fast-track case, it's very fresh in mind.

We also consider the latest developments in other Trump cases, too. Did Trump's lawyers really claim that in fact he could shoot someone on 5th Avenue if he was back in the White House. (Short answer: No.) And what accounts for Hunter Biden's reversal of his refusal to submit to a House subpoena for a deposition? Has Texas first the first shot of a new rebellion by taking over part of the souther border? Has the Supreme Court signaled that enough is enough with rampant urban homelessness by granting cert in an appeal of lower court rulings that the homeless have 8th Amendment (that's right, 8th Amendment) rights to sleep on the streets wherever they want? (The Court had previously declined to hear this issue.)

All that and our usual good cheer and raspberries, including the fact that we recorded on Edmund Burke's birthday. To paraphrase the great lyric from our title tune, "Oh, there's nothin' halfway/About the Whisky way we treat you/If we treat you/Which we may not do at all."]]>4288false465fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-happy-insurrection-day-edition--58218503
We'll get to Joe Biden in due course, but the real insurrection this week took place at Harvard, where, as John Yoo predicted last week (we have receipts!) Claudine Gay was ousted in a right-wing putsch, a vertiable academic insurrection against all that is true and good (if you believe the left and Gay's causal explanation). A harbinger of things to come? Our panel weighs the chances, but the key clue to real change will be whether Harvard starts by reforming its governing board, currently dominated by political hacks. And who will be the next president of Harvard? We offer some guesses. . .

Then we turn to Biden's demagogic campaign speech warning about the "end of democracy," and are undecided whether it deserves a sneer or a snort, but above all wondering if will backfire on Biden. Clearly Democrats hope to bait Trump into making crazy statements, but Trump's way-outside-the-box comments are fairly well discounted by now. Is this the best they've got? Well, at least they are securing their base of NPR listeners.


We also take up the late-breaking news that the Supreme Court will take up on an expedited schedule the Colorado ruling throwing Trump off the ballot, with a few early thoughts, though we'll be all over this story in depth right after the oral argument next month.

And finally, a few quick closing thoughts on the latest Jeffrey Epstein non-revelations.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58218503Sat, 06 Jan 2024 17:29:34 +0000RicochetRonald Reagan used to joke that for Republicans, every day is the 4th of July, while for Democrats every day is April 15. Today we need to update that contrast by noting that the favorite new holiday for Democrats is January 6—"Insurrection Day."...
We'll get to Joe Biden in due course, but the real insurrection this week took place at Harvard, where, as John Yoo predicted last week (we have receipts!) Claudine Gay was ousted in a right-wing putsch, a vertiable academic insurrection against all that is true and good (if you believe the left and Gay's causal explanation). A harbinger of things to come? Our panel weighs the chances, but the key clue to real change will be whether Harvard starts by reforming its governing board, currently dominated by political hacks. And who will be the next president of Harvard? We offer some guesses. . .

Then we turn to Biden's demagogic campaign speech warning about the "end of democracy," and are undecided whether it deserves a sneer or a snort, but above all wondering if will backfire on Biden. Clearly Democrats hope to bait Trump into making crazy statements, but Trump's way-outside-the-box comments are fairly well discounted by now. Is this the best they've got? Well, at least they are securing their base of NPR listeners.


We also take up the late-breaking news that the Supreme Court will take up on an expedited schedule the Colorado ruling throwing Trump off the ballot, with a few early thoughts, though we'll be all over this story in depth right after the oral argument next month.

And finally, a few quick closing thoughts on the latest Jeffrey Epstein non-revelations.]]>4900false464fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-gala-new-year-s-edition--58156489
What's the difference between a prediction and a surprise? Well think about it this way: who would have predicted, at year end 2022, that right now our favorite Democratic Senator would be . . . John Fetterman? Black swans everywhere are saying, "I did NOT see that coming!"

But before getting started with your 2024 Bingo card we take note of the dumbest controversy of the week, which is seeing some conservatives upset at the "Conservative Dad's Real Women of America" 2024 calendar, which features fetching photos of leading conservative heroines such as Riley Gaines in fetching outfits. Along the way we learn that somewhere in a box in her garage, Lucretia has some modeling photos from her time doing the Jane Fonda workout back in the 1980s, and so we're committing ourselves to producing a 3WHH calendar at some point.

And speaking of attractive women in unattractive poses, Nikki Haley got her second strike this week (her first being the blunder several weeks ago of proposing to ban anonymous accounts on social media) when she completely flubbed the "planted" question about the cause of the Civil War. We deplore her Kamala-esque answer and attempts a cleaning it up, but are relieved that at least she didn't say "tariffs."

And as befits any fast-moving party conversation, we take surprising digressions, such as a detour into the legacy of Edward Tufte, who reminds us that Stalin had the greatest Power Point presentations ("no one has bullet points like Stalin's bullet points!") and also the single greatest chart of all time.

Eventually we get down to business with our picks for Story of the Year for 2023 (hint: Steve says "party like it's 1954!"), and our surprises for 2024. Get your Bingo cards ready. And also enjoy our exit bumper music this week from Spike Jones. Happy new year!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58156489Sat, 30 Dec 2023 18:46:44 +0000RicochetWho needs a rockin new year's party when you have the Three Whisky Happy Hour in peak form, dishing out on the top stories of 2023, and, in the spirit of the late financial analyst Byron Wein, offering a range of potential low-probability surprises...
What's the difference between a prediction and a surprise? Well think about it this way: who would have predicted, at year end 2022, that right now our favorite Democratic Senator would be . . . John Fetterman? Black swans everywhere are saying, "I did NOT see that coming!"

But before getting started with your 2024 Bingo card we take note of the dumbest controversy of the week, which is seeing some conservatives upset at the "Conservative Dad's Real Women of America" 2024 calendar, which features fetching photos of leading conservative heroines such as Riley Gaines in fetching outfits. Along the way we learn that somewhere in a box in her garage, Lucretia has some modeling photos from her time doing the Jane Fonda workout back in the 1980s, and so we're committing ourselves to producing a 3WHH calendar at some point.

And speaking of attractive women in unattractive poses, Nikki Haley got her second strike this week (her first being the blunder several weeks ago of proposing to ban anonymous accounts on social media) when she completely flubbed the "planted" question about the cause of the Civil War. We deplore her Kamala-esque answer and attempts a cleaning it up, but are relieved that at least she didn't say "tariffs."

And as befits any fast-moving party conversation, we take surprising digressions, such as a detour into the legacy of Edward Tufte, who reminds us that Stalin had the greatest Power Point presentations ("no one has bullet points like Stalin's bullet points!") and also the single greatest chart of all time.

Eventually we get down to business with our picks for Story of the Year for 2023 (hint: Steve says "party like it's 1954!"), and our surprises for 2024. Get your Bingo cards ready. And also enjoy our exit bumper music this week from Spike Jones. Happy new year!]]>4934false463fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-conversation-with-will-inboden--58133818Peacemaker: Ronald Reagan, the Cold War, and the World on the Brink. (Steve reviewed the book favorably in the Free Beacon.)

In his distinguished career Inboden has worked on Captiol Hill and at the National Security Council under President George W. Bush. He was professor and director of the Willian Clements Center for National Security at the University of Texas at Austin, but is now the brand new director of the Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida, which is one of the brand new initiatives several states have set in motion at their public universities to generate some actual intellectual diversity on campus.

This two-part conversation covers both topics—Reagan's statesmanship, and the problems of higher education today. And because this episode features The Gipper, it ends with a departure from the usual closing bumper music.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58133818Wed, 27 Dec 2023 21:43:13 +0000RicochetThis special holiday week bonus episode features a conversation between Steve and Will Inboden, author of a fabulous recent book based on the very latest declassified files of the Reagan presidency entitled...Peacemaker: Ronald Reagan, the Cold War, and the World on the Brink. (Steve reviewed the book favorably in the Free Beacon.)

In his distinguished career Inboden has worked on Captiol Hill and at the National Security Council under President George W. Bush. He was professor and director of the Willian Clements Center for National Security at the University of Texas at Austin, but is now the brand new director of the Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida, which is one of the brand new initiatives several states have set in motion at their public universities to generate some actual intellectual diversity on campus.

This two-part conversation covers both topics—Reagan's statesmanship, and the problems of higher education today. And because this episode features The Gipper, it ends with a departure from the usual closing bumper music.]]>2407false462fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-live-holiday-edition--58104584
But if the judgment of our three bartenders remains divided, we are unanimous in scorn for the Colorado Supreme Court, who somehow think that safeguarding us from "threat to democracy" requires preventing political parties from choosing their nominees, and since when did Orwell don judicial robes?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58104584Sat, 23 Dec 2023 16:45:29 +0000RicochetThis week's special, ad-free edition of the 3WHH was recorded in live webinar format with about 80 of our most loyal listeners tuning in and heckling us MST3K style (IYKYK) in the chat room, but for a holiday episode it partook more of Judgment Day at...
But if the judgment of our three bartenders remains divided, we are unanimous in scorn for the Colorado Supreme Court, who somehow think that safeguarding us from "threat to democracy" requires preventing political parties from choosing their nominees, and since when did Orwell don judicial robes?]]>4960false461fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-in-context--58024763
While we await Don King's promotion for Cage Match 2 next week, we devote this episode to catching up on the other news of the moment, especially the rot in higher education as fully revealed by last week's ignominious appearance of the presidents of three Poison Ivy League universities (boy did we call it or what).

But then we also note the curious legal cases that popped up this week, especially Jack Smith's Hail Mary pass to the Supreme Court to try Trump as soon as possible, but the equally inside-out coverage of what a novelist might call "The President's Heart Is a Lonely Hunter Biden." Somehow we ended up with a digression into religious liberty, and pondering whether the Hell's Angels might be a bona fide religion that might be useful in some circumstances.

Next week, back to the Cage for Round Two!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58024763Sat, 16 Dec 2023 04:25:04 +0000RicochetThe cleaning crew is still scrubbing the blood off the floor from last week's cage match about Ukraine and January 6, and already Ali and Frazier (that is, Lucretia and John) want to go for a sequel—maybe "Rumble in the Faculty Club Food Court" or...
While we await Don King's promotion for Cage Match 2 next week, we devote this episode to catching up on the other news of the moment, especially the rot in higher education as fully revealed by last week's ignominious appearance of the presidents of three Poison Ivy League universities (boy did we call it or what).

But then we also note the curious legal cases that popped up this week, especially Jack Smith's Hail Mary pass to the Supreme Court to try Trump as soon as possible, but the equally inside-out coverage of what a novelist might call "The President's Heart Is a Lonely Hunter Biden." Somehow we ended up with a digression into religious liberty, and pondering whether the Hell's Angels might be a bona fide religion that might be useful in some circumstances.

Next week, back to the Cage for Round Two!]]>4383false460fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-cage-match-edition--57961447
But then we get down to business, with the bruising cage match. Steve did his best to play a "neutral" Sean Hannity, posing challenges to both John and Lucretia about both topics, but occasionally donning a Hershey's Kiss-sized tin foil hat on a couple of points. Score the jabs about roundhouse blows at home, and send in your point total in the comment threads.

John and Lucretia were united on one topic, though: Both attacked Steve for his fondness for classic Genesis, which Steve discussed at length this week on Steve Gosney's Rumble channel here (or YouTube version here) if you have the proper tastes in "rock music that went to college," to quote Jody Bottum on prog rock. Natually, Steve takes out revenge with the exit music, with a fragment of a classic Genesis song that includes the fitting lyric, "Even academics, searching printed word. . ." Who can name that song without looking it up?

Note: We haad a few technical glitches recording this episode, with some abrupt edits and incomplete thoughts in a couple places, but listeners should be able to make out the main threads.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57961447Sat, 09 Dec 2023 19:13:59 +0000RicochetWe finally get around to our promised but delayed cage match about Ukraine and unanswered questions about January 6, and alas, all of Steve's attempts to cheer up Lucretia with the week's great news—the Hunter Biden indictment, the embarrassment of...
But then we get down to business, with the bruising cage match. Steve did his best to play a "neutral" Sean Hannity, posing challenges to both John and Lucretia about both topics, but occasionally donning a Hershey's Kiss-sized tin foil hat on a couple of points. Score the jabs about roundhouse blows at home, and send in your point total in the comment threads.

John and Lucretia were united on one topic, though: Both attacked Steve for his fondness for classic Genesis, which Steve discussed at length this week on Steve Gosney's Rumble channel here (or YouTube version here) if you have the proper tastes in "rock music that went to college," to quote Jody Bottum on prog rock. Natually, Steve takes out revenge with the exit music, with a fragment of a classic Genesis song that includes the fitting lyric, "Even academics, searching printed word. . ." Who can name that song without looking it up?

Note: We haad a few technical glitches recording this episode, with some abrupt edits and incomplete thoughts in a couple places, but listeners should be able to make out the main threads.]]>3927false459fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-john-yoo-one-on-one-with-charles-barkley--57883467neocon, which is fighting words not just in the desert west), as well as the problem of January 6, but the passing of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and Henry Kissinger diverted us, along with the DeSantis-Newsom debate.

Along the way we were treated to an extraordinary tale—John Yoo, as a young Supreme Court clerk, going one-on-one with the visiting Charles Barkley at the Supreme Court's own basketball court, which is known as the highest court in the land because it is located on the upper story of the Supreme Court building. Can you guess how it went? (Barkley was still playing in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns at the time.) It was the surprise revelation of this episode.

We had lots of critical (though respectful) things to say about both Justice O'Connor and Henry the K, and I suspect as usual listeners will find our contentions unique and not widely mentioned in the torrents of encomiums for both historic figures this week.

And we promise we'll go the cage match next week, or your money back. (Though we did do a small preview with a brief argument about why the cause of Israel should rank higher than the cause of Ukraine.)]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57883467Sat, 02 Dec 2023 04:12:47 +0000RicochetSo we had promised last week that this episode would feature a cage match between Lucretia and John about realism versus idealism as applied to the Ukraine War (especially since John baited Lucretia by calling her a neocon, which is fighting words not...neocon, which is fighting words not just in the desert west), as well as the problem of January 6, but the passing of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and Henry Kissinger diverted us, along with the DeSantis-Newsom debate.

Along the way we were treated to an extraordinary tale—John Yoo, as a young Supreme Court clerk, going one-on-one with the visiting Charles Barkley at the Supreme Court's own basketball court, which is known as the highest court in the land because it is located on the upper story of the Supreme Court building. Can you guess how it went? (Barkley was still playing in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns at the time.) It was the surprise revelation of this episode.

We had lots of critical (though respectful) things to say about both Justice O'Connor and Henry the K, and I suspect as usual listeners will find our contentions unique and not widely mentioned in the torrents of encomiums for both historic figures this week.

And we promise we'll go the cage match next week, or your money back. (Though we did do a small preview with a brief argument about why the cause of Israel should rank higher than the cause of Ukraine.)]]>4448false458fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-deciding-between-bad-and-worse--57806213
In the middle of this episode that ranges from the metaphysics of free speech to Nikki Haley's chances to the Argentinian and Dutch election results along with the Israel-Hamas deal, Steve recalls hearing Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu in person in Washington several years back explaining that the reality of the Middle East is that often the choice is between bad and worse, and this becomes the unifying theme for several of our disparate topic today.

In some ways, this episode turned into previews of coming attractions, as we set up a clash of the titans (that is, Lucretia against all comers) next week on the ongoing dispute about January 6, and the essence of "neoconservative" foreign policy. Consider these teases as a placeholder, along with our custom exit music, "Am I Very Wrong?" (to which question Lucretia typically answers "YES!"), a 1967 tune by a then-obscure combo whose name will not be uttered here:

Am I very wrong
To hide behind the glare of an open minded stare
Am I very wrong
To wander in the fear of a never ending lie
Am I very wrong
To try to close my ears to the sound they play so loud]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57806213Sat, 25 Nov 2023 19:05:41 +0000RicochetWhile most other podcasts are taking the Thanksgiving holiday off, your three bartenders behind the Three Whisky Happy Hour remain on the job, because no one wants leftover podcasts for the long weekend. Steve and Lucretia had traditional home-cooked...
In the middle of this episode that ranges from the metaphysics of free speech to Nikki Haley's chances to the Argentinian and Dutch election results along with the Israel-Hamas deal, Steve recalls hearing Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu in person in Washington several years back explaining that the reality of the Middle East is that often the choice is between bad and worse, and this becomes the unifying theme for several of our disparate topic today.

In some ways, this episode turned into previews of coming attractions, as we set up a clash of the titans (that is, Lucretia against all comers) next week on the ongoing dispute about January 6, and the essence of "neoconservative" foreign policy. Consider these teases as a placeholder, along with our custom exit music, "Am I Very Wrong?" (to which question Lucretia typically answers "YES!"), a 1967 tune by a then-obscure combo whose name will not be uttered here:

Am I very wrong
To hide behind the glare of an open minded stare
Am I very wrong
To wander in the fear of a never ending lie
Am I very wrong
To try to close my ears to the sound they play so loud]]>4419false457fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-on-students-for-in-justice-in-palestine--57692774
Thus, we recur to some older writings of David Lowenthal and Harry Jaffa on this point, and suggest that is it not difficult at all in principle to distinguish between political speech that deserves protection and speech from would-be tyrants who, if successful, would take away everyone else's right to speech (if not right to life in the case of Jews) if they gained power. Whether to do so is a matter of prudence and circumstance, but one of the lessons of history is that if a nation waits too long (cough, cough—Germany in the 1930s—cough, cough) to assert its right of self-preservation against the barbarians in its midst, a free society is lost.

The question of barbarism is central to the second part of today's episode, where we sort out some of the basic issues of the laws of war and just war theory. And we use Angelo Codevilla as one of our expert witnesses on this subject, which shouldn't be that hard to sort out, but somehow is if you only read the New York Times or some other pre-school level source.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57692774Sat, 18 Nov 2023 03:24:50 +0000RicochetHoo-boy—pour yourself three-fingers of your favorite high-proof single malt for this episode of the Three Whisky Happy Hour, as Steve, John, and Lucretia throw down hard on the limits of free speech in theory and practice. A lot of people—some of them...
Thus, we recur to some older writings of David Lowenthal and Harry Jaffa on this point, and suggest that is it not difficult at all in principle to distinguish between political speech that deserves protection and speech from would-be tyrants who, if successful, would take away everyone else's right to speech (if not right to life in the case of Jews) if they gained power. Whether to do so is a matter of prudence and circumstance, but one of the lessons of history is that if a nation waits too long (cough, cough—Germany in the 1930s—cough, cough) to assert its right of self-preservation against the barbarians in its midst, a free society is lost.

The question of barbarism is central to the second part of today's episode, where we sort out some of the basic issues of the laws of war and just war theory. And we use Angelo Codevilla as one of our expert witnesses on this subject, which shouldn't be that hard to sort out, but somehow is if you only read the New York Times or some other pre-school level source.]]>3939false456fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fdr-and-civil-liberties-with-david-beito--57652046
Meanwhile, historians have neglected FDR's record on civil liberties, with the conspicuous exception of the internment of Japanese Americans in World War II because that is too large a blot to be ignored (though even that story is not understood fully or accurately). Historian David Beito explores this forgotten aspect of FDR and the New Deal in his new book, The New Deal's War on the Bill of Rights: The Untold Story of FDR's Concentration Camps, Censorship, and Mass Surveilance. There's probably a connection between the New Deal's political economy and constitutionalism and these offenses to civil liberties—the point Hayek made in his misunderstood Road to Serfdom—that modern-day FDR admirers ought to keep in mind]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57652046Wed, 15 Nov 2023 18:39:56 +0000RicochetFranklin Roosevelt and the New Deal are back in fashion these days, featuring some truly strange bedfellows. Liberal intellectuals told President Biden that he could become the next FDR if he simply spent like a convention of drunken sailors, but some...
Meanwhile, historians have neglected FDR's record on civil liberties, with the conspicuous exception of the internment of Japanese Americans in World War II because that is too large a blot to be ignored (though even that story is not understood fully or accurately). Historian David Beito explores this forgotten aspect of FDR and the New Deal in his new book, The New Deal's War on the Bill of Rights: The Untold Story of FDR's Concentration Camps, Censorship, and Mass Surveilance. There's probably a connection between the New Deal's political economy and constitutionalism and these offenses to civil liberties—the point Hayek made in his misunderstood Road to Serfdom—that modern-day FDR admirers ought to keep in mind]]>2818false455fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-return-of-the-king--57598952
After reviewing a few new legal developments in the largehr Trump saga, we get down to exploring the mounting crisis of anti-Semitism, with an analysis of why this current eruption of anti-Semitism we're seeing nwo is not your grandfather's anti-Semitism, but is in fact ax expression of a much deeper problem with the maliganancy of the progressive left. College administrators who think they can weather the storm and wait for the fury to abate on its own are deluded.

We're going to retur next week with a sequel, and explain to everyone why a wholesale purge of leftist institutions is not a violation of free speech rightly understood, or merely "right-wing cancel culture," as the left and too many simple-minded libertarians think. Fire away (heh).]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57598952Sat, 11 Nov 2023 15:34:34 +0000RicochetWith John Yoo, who accuses Lucretia and Steve of being closet monarchists, back from his jungle adventures in South America (albeit without any archeological relics to satify his Indiana Jones fantasies) and sitting in the host chair this week, the...
After reviewing a few new legal developments in the largehr Trump saga, we get down to exploring the mounting crisis of anti-Semitism, with an analysis of why this current eruption of anti-Semitism we're seeing nwo is not your grandfather's anti-Semitism, but is in fact ax expression of a much deeper problem with the maliganancy of the progressive left. College administrators who think they can weather the storm and wait for the fury to abate on its own are deluded.

We're going to retur next week with a sequel, and explain to everyone why a wholesale purge of leftist institutions is not a violation of free speech rightly understood, or merely "right-wing cancel culture," as the left and too many simple-minded libertarians think. Fire away (heh).]]>4410false454fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-with-special-guest-amy-wax--57511403
Prof. Wax isn't at liberty to discuss the details of her ongoing ordeal, but we do get into the thick of several pertinent questions, such as:

—Does the current crisis of tolerance for anti-Semitism on campus represent a possible inflection point to turn back “wokery” at last, or will this episode prove that higher education has passed the point of no return?

—Is there any evidence that the high-profile donor revolt at Penn and elsewhere is having an effect?

—On a wider note, many conservative law professors are leaving their posts because of the increasing ideological hostility. This seems another bad omen for academia.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57511403Sat, 04 Nov 2023 16:54:18 +0000RicochetWith John Yoo still away somewhere in the jungles of South America, Steve and Lucretia are delighted to be joined by a very special guest, Prof. Amy Wax of Penn Law School. Followers of the campus scene may be familiar with Penn Law's crusade to fire...
Prof. Wax isn't at liberty to discuss the details of her ongoing ordeal, but we do get into the thick of several pertinent questions, such as:

—Does the current crisis of tolerance for anti-Semitism on campus represent a possible inflection point to turn back “wokery” at last, or will this episode prove that higher education has passed the point of no return?

—Is there any evidence that the high-profile donor revolt at Penn and elsewhere is having an effect?

—On a wider note, many conservative law professors are leaving their posts because of the increasing ideological hostility. This seems another bad omen for academia.]]>3995false453fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/america-s-proxy-wars-a-conversation-with-col-austin-bay--57486429Col. Austin Bay, one of the proprietors of the indispensable Strategy Page, columnist for Creators Syndicate, and author of the splendid Cocktails from Hell: Five Complex Wars Shaping the 21st Century.

His column last week is a brief and lucid tour through the proxy wars America is currently confronting (against Russia and Iran, by way of Ukraine and Israel), and our conversation goes into much greater depth on both of these conflicts as well as our potential conflict with rapidly-arming China.

Can Ukraine defeat Russia? What must Israel do to prevail, and what are the risks of a wider war? Some of what Col. Bay lays out will curl your hair and make you want to buy a lot of canned goods, but he also gets into detail about how combined arms work on the battlefield and especially in the kind of urban warfare U.S. forces faced in Iraq and Israel is facing now in Gaza.

The biggest risk of the moment, Bay agrees, is with America's pathetic leadership class, making him more worried for the fate of the country than at any time in the last 20 years.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57486429Thu, 02 Nov 2023 17:58:30 +0000RicochetAnother bonus classic format edition, this time featuring Steve in extended conversation with https://austinbay.net, one of the proprietors of the indispensable https://strategypage.com/on_point/20231025225450.aspx, columnist for Creators Syndicate,...Col. Austin Bay, one of the proprietors of the indispensable Strategy Page, columnist for Creators Syndicate, and author of the splendid Cocktails from Hell: Five Complex Wars Shaping the 21st Century.

His column last week is a brief and lucid tour through the proxy wars America is currently confronting (against Russia and Iran, by way of Ukraine and Israel), and our conversation goes into much greater depth on both of these conflicts as well as our potential conflict with rapidly-arming China.

Can Ukraine defeat Russia? What must Israel do to prevail, and what are the risks of a wider war? Some of what Col. Bay lays out will curl your hair and make you want to buy a lot of canned goods, but he also gets into detail about how combined arms work on the battlefield and especially in the kind of urban warfare U.S. forces faced in Iraq and Israel is facing now in Gaza.

The biggest risk of the moment, Bay agrees, is with America's pathetic leadership class, making him more worried for the fate of the country than at any time in the last 20 years.]]>3997false452fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-conversation-with-hadley-arkes-about-natural-law--57444204Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences that "Natural law, which was for many centuries the basis of the predominant Western political thought, is rejected in our time by almost all students of society who are not Roman Catholics." In the decades since then, however, natural law has enjoyed a revival of sorts, and is implicated today in the rise of constitutional originalism at the Supreme Court.

But it is also a confusing subject, because many so-called "new natural law" theories seem to concede too much to modern philosophy, as if the great tradition of natural law begins with Bentham. To be sure, the classical authors such as Aristotle, Cicero, and Aquinas were not simple thinkers on the subject, but their work tends not bog down with specialized jargon or abstruse theory.

One person stands out for rescuing the older tradition of natural law: Hadley Arkes, author of Mere Natural Law: Originalism and the Anchoring Truths of the Constitution. In this conversation, Steve Hayward draws out the basics of the argument from Prof. Arkes, and extends the line of reasoning to today's controversies about free speech and "cancel culture," which are more confused than ever with the sudden eruption of anti-Semitism on college campuses.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57444204Mon, 30 Oct 2023 18:19:19 +0000RicochetWay back in 1960, Leo Strauss wrote in the Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences that "Natural law, which was for many centuries the basis of the predominant Western political thought, is rejected in our time by almost all students of society who are...Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences that "Natural law, which was for many centuries the basis of the predominant Western political thought, is rejected in our time by almost all students of society who are not Roman Catholics." In the decades since then, however, natural law has enjoyed a revival of sorts, and is implicated today in the rise of constitutional originalism at the Supreme Court.

But it is also a confusing subject, because many so-called "new natural law" theories seem to concede too much to modern philosophy, as if the great tradition of natural law begins with Bentham. To be sure, the classical authors such as Aristotle, Cicero, and Aquinas were not simple thinkers on the subject, but their work tends not bog down with specialized jargon or abstruse theory.

One person stands out for rescuing the older tradition of natural law: Hadley Arkes, author of Mere Natural Law: Originalism and the Anchoring Truths of the Constitution. In this conversation, Steve Hayward draws out the basics of the argument from Prof. Arkes, and extends the line of reasoning to today's controversies about free speech and "cancel culture," which are more confused than ever with the sudden eruption of anti-Semitism on college campuses.]]>1944false451fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-crowd-pleaser-edition--57422439
We talked about the reasons to be bullish about the new Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, along with discussion of the strategic challenges facing Israel and the United States, and more—always more—on the rot in our universities.

In between these three main topics we took up listener questions about social contract theory, whether the U.S. could realistically find itself in a real civil war some time soon, and whether the general challenges of political leadership in a time of deep polarization can be overcome.

A real crowd-pleaser, we hope.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57422439Sat, 28 Oct 2023 17:23:20 +0000RicochetWith John Yoo away this week on a junket to South America, Steve and Lucretia reverted to old times and scheduled a live taping where we fielded questions and comments in a webinar format. We talked about the reasons to be bullish about the new...
We talked about the reasons to be bullish about the new Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, along with discussion of the strategic challenges facing Israel and the United States, and more—always more—on the rot in our universities.

In between these three main topics we took up listener questions about social contract theory, whether the U.S. could realistically find itself in a real civil war some time soon, and whether the general challenges of political leadership in a time of deep polarization can be overcome.

A real crowd-pleaser, we hope.]]>4377false450fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-campus-conundrums-over-hamas-and-frankie-five-angels-returns--57337811
Topic 2: Time to "decolonize" all the academic departments that won't shut up about "colonialism." Full stop.

And has anyone in DC figured out yet that the move by renegade Republicans to oust Speaker McCarthy and leave the Speaker's chair empty was a clever plot to get Democrats to vote for a de facto government shutdown, and stymie aid to Ukraine? Who are the dumb guys now?

And what to make of the plea deals of Sydney Powell and Kenneth Cheesebro in the Georgia prosecutions of the supposed Trump RICO conspiracy? We speculate that both Powell and Cheesebro might reprise the great star turn of Frankie Pentangelo in Godfather II.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57337811Sat, 21 Oct 2023 20:24:30 +0000RicochetThe only thing more predictable than a sunrise in the east is a Hamas claim that Israel bombed a Gaza hospital and that the Western media would report it as dictated because the story was just too good to check, though we always thought the mainstream...
Topic 2: Time to "decolonize" all the academic departments that won't shut up about "colonialism." Full stop.

And has anyone in DC figured out yet that the move by renegade Republicans to oust Speaker McCarthy and leave the Speaker's chair empty was a clever plot to get Democrats to vote for a de facto government shutdown, and stymie aid to Ukraine? Who are the dumb guys now?

And what to make of the plea deals of Sydney Powell and Kenneth Cheesebro in the Georgia prosecutions of the supposed Trump RICO conspiracy? We speculate that both Powell and Cheesebro might reprise the great star turn of Frankie Pentangelo in Godfather II.]]>4637false355fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-hamas-on-campus--57232167
Topic two is the domestic political scene. Who needs a Speaker of the House anyway? But more curious is the case of RFK Jr., who has now decided to run as an independent nex year. Is there a chance he could actually win, say, for instance, if Biden tumbles down the stairs of Air Force One in early October, and can't be replaced on the ballot—never mind the prospect that he might draw more votes from Trump than from Biden. The point is, black swan events are becoming so much more common than maybe it is time to bring back white swan events.

We do live up to our name at the open, however, with some whisky recommendations from the GoodSpirit whisky bar in Budapest.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57232167Sat, 14 Oct 2023 08:23:55 +0000RicochetNever mind Hamas in Gaza: what do we do with Hamas ideology on American college campuses? On top of the pusillanmous responses of college presidents we can clearly see the emerging theme of moral equivalence between Israel and Hamas, out of which the...
Topic two is the domestic political scene. Who needs a Speaker of the House anyway? But more curious is the case of RFK Jr., who has now decided to run as an independent nex year. Is there a chance he could actually win, say, for instance, if Biden tumbles down the stairs of Air Force One in early October, and can't be replaced on the ballot—never mind the prospect that he might draw more votes from Trump than from Biden. The point is, black swan events are becoming so much more common than maybe it is time to bring back white swan events.

We do live up to our name at the open, however, with some whisky recommendations from the GoodSpirit whisky bar in Budapest.]]>2950false448fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-dog-days-of-the-biden-presidency--57146432would he kick a dog? The evidence accumulates that Joe Biden is not just a terrible president, but a terrible human being.

From there we take up the inner desires of Kamp Kommandant Hillary Klinton, the good news (for John) of the return of the McRibb, and the demise of Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Which somehow leads to a discussion of President James K. Polk, whom John thinks is an executive to be highly esteemed, drawing immediate 50-cal fire from Lucretia. And we also marvel afresh at the feral genius of Trump's method of contesting the kangaroo court fraud trial under way in New York.

But it isn't all bad news. We celebrate the fact that apparently women, too, think a lot about the Roman Empire, though Lucretia prefers to think of the Roman Republic instead, since she founded it.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57146432Sat, 07 Oct 2023 18:20:28 +0000RicochetLucretia, freshly back in the U.S. from her adventures with Steve in Budapest, is in the host chair for this week's episode, and she's not in a good mood. And it's not jet lag. Looking out at the concurrent disasters at home and abroad at the...would he kick a dog? The evidence accumulates that Joe Biden is not just a terrible president, but a terrible human being.

From there we take up the inner desires of Kamp Kommandant Hillary Klinton, the good news (for John) of the return of the McRibb, and the demise of Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Which somehow leads to a discussion of President James K. Polk, whom John thinks is an executive to be highly esteemed, drawing immediate 50-cal fire from Lucretia. And we also marvel afresh at the feral genius of Trump's method of contesting the kangaroo court fraud trial under way in New York.

But it isn't all bad news. We celebrate the fact that apparently women, too, think a lot about the Roman Empire, though Lucretia prefers to think of the Roman Republic instead, since she founded it.]]>3741false347fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-phila-pest-edition--57003946
John gives us on-scene reports from ground-zero of the "recreational shopping" going on in Philadelphia, plus an update on his three days of testimony in the incredible John Eastman disbarrment trial going on in California. We also cover the aftermath of our event with Heather Mac Donald at Berkeley Law, which made it all the way to Jesse Watter's show on Fox News, and has gained something like 3 million views online.

But that's nothing compared to our beat down on the implosion of Ibram X. Kendi (Sen. John Kennedy's favorite "butthole professor"), which was not only predictable, but was predicted! By Glenn Loury, among others, whose profanity-laced rant about Kendi to John McWhorter we excerpt here for its news value, but also underscore the main point that the academic exaltation of an intellectual fraud like Kendi is another indication of the corruption and deep politicization of our universities today.

Government shutdown? GOP debate? The rest of the Supreme Court docket for the new term beginning Monday. Yes—we cover all that too. Better get a second bottle of Hungarian wine.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57003946Sat, 30 Sep 2023 15:29:56 +0000RicochetSettle in with your best chilled Hungarian dessert wine and Philly cheese steak for this cosmopolitan issue, which finds John Yoo—host for this week's episode—tired out from looting in his home town of Philadelphia, while Lucretia and Steve are...
John gives us on-scene reports from ground-zero of the "recreational shopping" going on in Philadelphia, plus an update on his three days of testimony in the incredible John Eastman disbarrment trial going on in California. We also cover the aftermath of our event with Heather Mac Donald at Berkeley Law, which made it all the way to Jesse Watter's show on Fox News, and has gained something like 3 million views online.

But that's nothing compared to our beat down on the implosion of Ibram X. Kendi (Sen. John Kennedy's favorite "butthole professor"), which was not only predictable, but was predicted! By Glenn Loury, among others, whose profanity-laced rant about Kendi to John McWhorter we excerpt here for its news value, but also underscore the main point that the academic exaltation of an intellectual fraud like Kendi is another indication of the corruption and deep politicization of our universities today.

Government shutdown? GOP debate? The rest of the Supreme Court docket for the new term beginning Monday. Yes—we cover all that too. Better get a second bottle of Hungarian wine.]]>5049false446fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-no-qualified-whisky-immunity--56910636on the rocks (insert shudders and horror here), and quickly moves on to the news that hasn't broken yet, so we'll fix it: Gavin Newson is running for president. We know—he hasn't offically announced, but he's behaving like a candidate more and more every day. And why has no one noticed that Newsom would also solve the Democrats' Kamala problem? (See the Constitution, Article II, Section 1, especially the passage that reads, "The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves." That rules out Kamala as Newsom's running mate, which is okay because Newsom and Harris hate each other.

We also devote too much time to the sartorial severity that is the Fetterman Senate Dress code, and you'll just need to listen to hear who Lucretia calls "Senator Stripper Boots."

From there Steve gives a central European "sit rep" on attitudes there about the Ukraine War, American policy about the war, and general political matters, all gleaned from Steve's conversations with highly placed (and very smart) Hungarian sources.

We've been wanting to talk about a legal issue that's been our mind for a while, and we finally get to it in this episode in depth: qualified immunity. We don't quite reach a firm conlusion about how the doctrine should be reformed, but you'll feel smarter for our dissection of it.

Finally, a few quick notes on the Kendi implosion, missing jet fighters, and other fun matters. But not to worry—we're still drinking our whisky neat, even if David Brooks kills his with four ice cubes. In an airport.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56910636Sat, 23 Sep 2023 18:33:29 +0000RicochetThis circuitious episode, hosted by Steve in Budapest with John Yoo in Dallas and Lucretia in her undisclosed desert location, starts off with the entirely predictable news that David Brooks drinks his whisky on the rocks (insert shudders and horror...on the rocks (insert shudders and horror here), and quickly moves on to the news that hasn't broken yet, so we'll fix it: Gavin Newson is running for president. We know—he hasn't offically announced, but he's behaving like a candidate more and more every day. And why has no one noticed that Newsom would also solve the Democrats' Kamala problem? (See the Constitution, Article II, Section 1, especially the passage that reads, "The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves." That rules out Kamala as Newsom's running mate, which is okay because Newsom and Harris hate each other.

We also devote too much time to the sartorial severity that is the Fetterman Senate Dress code, and you'll just need to listen to hear who Lucretia calls "Senator Stripper Boots."

From there Steve gives a central European "sit rep" on attitudes there about the Ukraine War, American policy about the war, and general political matters, all gleaned from Steve's conversations with highly placed (and very smart) Hungarian sources.

We've been wanting to talk about a legal issue that's been our mind for a while, and we finally get to it in this episode in depth: qualified immunity. We don't quite reach a firm conlusion about how the doctrine should be reformed, but you'll feel smarter for our dissection of it.

Finally, a few quick notes on the Kendi implosion, missing jet fighters, and other fun matters. But not to worry—we're still drinking our whisky neat, even if David Brooks kills his with four ice cubes. In an airport.]]>3479false445fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-cognitive-infrastructure-crisis--56818441
And isn't it nice that Virginia Democrats have offered us a whole new definition of a "working family"? Who knew that Only Fans might become a new source for campaign contributions. Also: once again the question—are Biden and Harris both on the Democrats' chopping block for next year?

Get this: the latest rationale for federal government censorship of the internet is protecting "cognitive infrastructure," which sounds beyond the perverse imagination even of Orwell. And you know how well things go when the government gets interested in infrastructure! But I now have an excuse for the next time I forget something: "My memory hit a pothole in my cognitive infrastructure!"

Finally, we close out with some actual news, namely, John Yoo sharing some perspective on his expert witness testimony in the ongoing disbarment proceeding against John Eastman this week.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56818441Sat, 16 Sep 2023 07:24:57 +0000RicochetLucretia hosts this week, as the fearsome threesome give a brief summary of a recent law school seminar on natural law and the Constitution we presented last week at Berkeley Law before a group of somewhat skeptical students, and then moving on to...
And isn't it nice that Virginia Democrats have offered us a whole new definition of a "working family"? Who knew that Only Fans might become a new source for campaign contributions. Also: once again the question—are Biden and Harris both on the Democrats' chopping block for next year?

Get this: the latest rationale for federal government censorship of the internet is protecting "cognitive infrastructure," which sounds beyond the perverse imagination even of Orwell. And you know how well things go when the government gets interested in infrastructure! But I now have an excuse for the next time I forget something: "My memory hit a pothole in my cognitive infrastructure!"

Finally, we close out with some actual news, namely, John Yoo sharing some perspective on his expert witness testimony in the ongoing disbarment proceeding against John Eastman this week.]]>4240false444fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-return-of-the-branch-covidians--56751772
Could this all be a sign of the deepening panic among Democrats over the latest polls showing Donald Trump stronger than ever, and ever increasing doubts about Joe Biden?

And speaking of Democrats, who knew that Democrats have become Carl Schmitt fans, as is seemingly the case with New Mexico Governor Grisham declaring that an "emergency" gives her the power to suspend the 2nd Amendment. This comes on the heels of the latest 5th Circuit Court ruling that the Biden Administration trampled the 1st Amendment with its Covid censorship regime.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56751772Sun, 10 Sep 2023 12:11:30 +0000RicochetWe're a day late and a person short this week, as we're missing John Yoo because of schedule conflicts. Over morning coffee instead of evening single malt, this shortened, ad-free epiode finds Lucretia and Steve wondering if the Branch Covidians can...
Could this all be a sign of the deepening panic among Democrats over the latest polls showing Donald Trump stronger than ever, and ever increasing doubts about Joe Biden?

And speaking of Democrats, who knew that Democrats have become Carl Schmitt fans, as is seemingly the case with New Mexico Governor Grisham declaring that an "emergency" gives her the power to suspend the 2nd Amendment. This comes on the heels of the latest 5th Circuit Court ruling that the Biden Administration trampled the 1st Amendment with its Covid censorship regime.]]>2837false443fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-saving-our-gerontocracy--56668701
Equally alarming is how the Baude-Paulsen argument for disqualiftying Trump for the presidency under the 14th Amendment is gaining traction. Could a county registrar of voters in some deep blue percinct throw the 2024 election into complete chaos? John has a good article on this scene suggesting the answer is a hard No, which we review.

Meanwhile, the whole Georgia case gets curiouser and curiouser, as you'd expect in our current Alice in Wonderland world of "verdict first, trial later" phase of Trump-specific law enforcement. But also some good news: the forces of decency are fighting back against the left's demagogic attack on Clarence Thomas.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56668701Sat, 02 Sep 2023 15:48:04 +0000RicochetNever mind saving “our democracy"—who's going to save our gerontocracy! With Mitch McConnell and Joe Biden in a contest for Greatest Brain Freeze Moment, while Dianne Feinstein and John Fetterman look on with envy, we are starting to long for the good...
Equally alarming is how the Baude-Paulsen argument for disqualiftying Trump for the presidency under the 14th Amendment is gaining traction. Could a county registrar of voters in some deep blue percinct throw the 2024 election into complete chaos? John has a good article on this scene suggesting the answer is a hard No, which we review.

Meanwhile, the whole Georgia case gets curiouser and curiouser, as you'd expect in our current Alice in Wonderland world of "verdict first, trial later" phase of Trump-specific law enforcement. But also some good news: the forces of decency are fighting back against the left's demagogic attack on Clarence Thomas.]]>4246false442fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/my-address-to-incoming-grad-students--56622163Edward Gaylord Visiting Professor at the School of Public Policy. Steve will be filling the large shoes of the late Ted McAllister, who passed away earlier this year, leaving a big hole in the SPP program.

Pepperdine's SPP Dean Pete Peterson asked Steve to offer the faculty address to this year's incoming class of graduate students during orientation last week, and he spoke on the relevant contemporary lessons from Max Weber's famous lecture "Politics as a Vocation," which intersects perfectly with Karl Rove's Wall Street Journal essay over the weekend on how America has sometimes been in much worse shape than today. True, but not exhaustive, and supposing natural cycles of history will take us out of our current funk is likely a mistake, akin to fiddling while Rome burns.

In one sentence, Steve's message to incoming students is that they'll need to step up their game even more than they might have thought. That's what Weber told students in 1919, and his lesson didn't fully take.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56622163Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:12:18 +0000RicochetThis classic format episode of the Power Line podcast features Steve Hayward all by himself, and breaks some news: Steve is returning to Pepperdine University this academic year as the...Edward Gaylord Visiting Professor at the School of Public Policy. Steve will be filling the large shoes of the late Ted McAllister, who passed away earlier this year, leaving a big hole in the SPP program.

Pepperdine's SPP Dean Pete Peterson asked Steve to offer the faculty address to this year's incoming class of graduate students during orientation last week, and he spoke on the relevant contemporary lessons from Max Weber's famous lecture "Politics as a Vocation," which intersects perfectly with Karl Rove's Wall Street Journal essay over the weekend on how America has sometimes been in much worse shape than today. True, but not exhaustive, and supposing natural cycles of history will take us out of our current funk is likely a mistake, akin to fiddling while Rome burns.

In one sentence, Steve's message to incoming students is that they'll need to step up their game even more than they might have thought. That's what Weber told students in 1919, and his lesson didn't fully take.]]>1992false441fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-mugged-by-reality--56596626https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56596626Sat, 26 Aug 2023 05:02:25 +0000RicochetWondering what to make of the first GOP debate, Trump's arrest and mug shot, and the apparently deteriorating battlefield situation in Ukraine? Then you've come to the right place. John Yoo hosts this week while we break it all down in crisp fashion,...4815false440fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-ricochet-overtime-edition--56521392Ricochet podcast in the absence of both Peter Robinson (still somewhere in the Witness Protection Program) and Rob Long (out walking a Hollywood picket line somewhere), and we made James Lileks' life completely miserable.

We decided that a couple of issues we brought up deserved some extended discussion in this bonus episode, starting with the "trust" question: why do Americans now hold nearly all major institutions, both public and private, in such low regard? We run through a number of factors, from ideology, competence, and corruption, but also wonder about whether our ruling elites today don't have the same kind of noblesse oblige that characterized the elites of the 1950s (the Dulles brothers get a special shout-out).

Next, we return to the question of "human rights" versus the natural rights of the American Founding, and the mischief that the rise of "human rights" has entailed in modern times. Steve had intended to nitpick John's understanding of Thomas Hobbes, but the Learned Lucretia shows up in force, with marvelous renditions of Locke and Hobbes, casting doubt on Steve's proposition that maybe there exists a "Hobbistotle" to go with Tom West's "Lockistotle." It's not as wonky and esoteric as it sounds! Well actually maybe it is, but we think you'll still enjoy this Trump and Biden-free episode (and ad-free, too!)

Our thanks, by the way, to the Ricochet team for the honor of occupying their show, and to James Lileks for his indulgence.

But because Lucretia and John once again wrongly dismiss Steve's embrace of prog rock ("Rock and roll that went to college," as Jody Bottum calls it), the exit music for this episode is an excerpt from "The Chamber of 32 Doors," which is the Prog Rock version of "Rich Men North of Richmond" which we discuss briefly in this episode.

I'd rather trust a countryman than a townman
You can judge by his eyes, take a look if you can
He'll smile through his guard, survival trains hard
I'd rather trust a man who works with his hands
He looks at you once, you know he understands
Don't need any shield, when you're out in the field. . .

The priest and the magician
Singin' all the chants that they have ever heard
And they're all calling out my name
Even academics, searching printed word

Maybe the academics will figure it out someday, but judging by the elite culture's reaction to "Rich Men North of Richmond," today is not that day.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56521392Sat, 19 Aug 2023 17:35:32 +0000RicochetAs loyal listeners know, yesterday Steve, John, and Lucretia took over the flagship https://ricochet.com/podcast/ricochet-podcast/a-sparking-powerline/in the absence of both Peter Robinson (still somewhere in the Witness Protection Program) and Rob...Ricochet podcast in the absence of both Peter Robinson (still somewhere in the Witness Protection Program) and Rob Long (out walking a Hollywood picket line somewhere), and we made James Lileks' life completely miserable.

We decided that a couple of issues we brought up deserved some extended discussion in this bonus episode, starting with the "trust" question: why do Americans now hold nearly all major institutions, both public and private, in such low regard? We run through a number of factors, from ideology, competence, and corruption, but also wonder about whether our ruling elites today don't have the same kind of noblesse oblige that characterized the elites of the 1950s (the Dulles brothers get a special shout-out).

Next, we return to the question of "human rights" versus the natural rights of the American Founding, and the mischief that the rise of "human rights" has entailed in modern times. Steve had intended to nitpick John's understanding of Thomas Hobbes, but the Learned Lucretia shows up in force, with marvelous renditions of Locke and Hobbes, casting doubt on Steve's proposition that maybe there exists a "Hobbistotle" to go with Tom West's "Lockistotle." It's not as wonky and esoteric as it sounds! Well actually maybe it is, but we think you'll still enjoy this Trump and Biden-free episode (and ad-free, too!)

Our thanks, by the way, to the Ricochet team for the honor of occupying their show, and to James Lileks for his indulgence.

But because Lucretia and John once again wrongly dismiss Steve's embrace of prog rock ("Rock and roll that went to college," as Jody Bottum calls it), the exit music for this episode is an excerpt from "The Chamber of 32 Doors," which is the Prog Rock version of "Rich Men North of Richmond" which we discuss briefly in this episode.

I'd rather trust a countryman than a townman
You can judge by his eyes, take a look if you can
He'll smile through his guard, survival trains hard
I'd rather trust a man who works with his hands
He looks at you once, you know he understands
Don't need any shield, when you're out in the field. . .

The priest and the magician
Singin' all the chants that they have ever heard
And they're all calling out my name
Even academics, searching printed word

Maybe the academics will figure it out someday, but judging by the elite culture's reaction to "Rich Men North of Richmond," today is not that day.]]>3845false358fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-screwball-edition--56449808not recommended.)

And what a lot of screwball news, starting with the designation of a DoJ special counsel to deal with Hunter Biden's special needs, a trial date and mini-gag order for Trump, and the flurry over the proposal of two conservative law professors to ban Trump's eligility for the ballot under Section III of the 14th Amendment about "insurrection." (If you are a glutton for the punishment of a 126-page law review article, you can view the whole thing here.) There's just one problem with this scenario: Trump hasn't been charged with fomenting insurrection or rebellion. Maybe the special counsel is waiting for another bad news dump on Hunter?

After some observations about the failed Ohio referendum this week we finallky getr down to some wider topics, including reflections on the astonishing interview last week with Obama biographer David Garrow in The Tablet, which presents about as unflattering a portrait of "the lightworker" as can be imagined. (If you haven't read the Garrow interview, do so at your earliest convenience.) And we also ponder the latest notable offerings on the state of the country from Victor Davis Hanson ("Who Will Say No to the Current Madness") and Jacob Howland ("America Is Now a Zombie State"). Steve, naturally, sees some signs of life while Lucretia, naturally, finds him to be too infernally optimistic.

Finally, a few suggestions for great general reading about politics, with Steve recommending a title from Kenneth Minogue and John recommending two titles from Daniel Bell. Lucretia is sticking with Calvin and Hobbes—the comic strip, not the 16th and 17th century authors!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56449808Sat, 12 Aug 2023 16:29:05 +0000RicochetThe late week news was so screwball that Steve surrendered to Screwball Peanut Butter Whiskey to cope while Lucretia the Lightweight settled for Irish coffee while John, out of place as usual, passed on a liquid lunch to have a real one. (By the way,...not recommended.)

And what a lot of screwball news, starting with the designation of a DoJ special counsel to deal with Hunter Biden's special needs, a trial date and mini-gag order for Trump, and the flurry over the proposal of two conservative law professors to ban Trump's eligility for the ballot under Section III of the 14th Amendment about "insurrection." (If you are a glutton for the punishment of a 126-page law review article, you can view the whole thing here.) There's just one problem with this scenario: Trump hasn't been charged with fomenting insurrection or rebellion. Maybe the special counsel is waiting for another bad news dump on Hunter?

After some observations about the failed Ohio referendum this week we finallky getr down to some wider topics, including reflections on the astonishing interview last week with Obama biographer David Garrow in The Tablet, which presents about as unflattering a portrait of "the lightworker" as can be imagined. (If you haven't read the Garrow interview, do so at your earliest convenience.) And we also ponder the latest notable offerings on the state of the country from Victor Davis Hanson ("Who Will Say No to the Current Madness") and Jacob Howland ("America Is Now a Zombie State"). Steve, naturally, sees some signs of life while Lucretia, naturally, finds him to be too infernally optimistic.

Finally, a few suggestions for great general reading about politics, with Steve recommending a title from Kenneth Minogue and John recommending two titles from Daniel Bell. Lucretia is sticking with Calvin and Hobbes—the comic strip, not the 16th and 17th century authors!]]>4303false438fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-two-whisky-happy-hour-the-view-from-europe-with-edoardo-raffiotta--56386199
First, did you know that Italy’s new and very popular prime minister Giorgia Meloni recently visited Washington and had a brief meeting with President Biden? I missed this too, as the meeting took place behind closed doors, probably to cover up the fact that Biden either fell asleep or sniffed PM Meloni’s blonde hair, and there was apparently no press availability or public photo op. Of course, Biden called Meloni a fascist when she was first elected, so I expect there was no enthusiasm for noting her visit.

The second item is an article in National Review ("The Italian Option") recently on Meloni, where Dalibor Rohac argues that Meloni is a better model for nationalist conservatives than Hungary’s Viktor Orban, because Meloni’s positions on various matters are more congenial to Americans. Maybe so, though I note Rohac’s article neglects to mention that Meloni is fond of Orban, having met with him a number of times. And Rohac is a defender of the European Union, which makes us suspicious right there.

Leaving aside the whole Hungary question for another day, this seems like an occasion to roll out at last a conversation Lucretia and Steve had recently with one of our favorite Italians thinkers—and part-time opera singer—Edoardo Raffiotta. Edoardo is professor of law at the University of Milan, where we first made his acquaintance last year at a conference. He specializes in European constitutional law, and especially the problems of emergency powers (hence is occasional interest in Carl Schmitt). He is also actively involved in legal issues pertaining to cyber-security and the fast-moving field of artificial intelligence, which of course are specialities of Lucretia. We wanted to hear first hand from Edoardo about Meloni and other topics—including opera. Stick around after we finish with Edoardo, because Lucretia and I will come back with a “postgame” show of sorts where we offer some additional reflections about the wider scene—and make a small news announcement.

And we manage to sneak in a few bars of Edoardo's favoite Puccini opera, La Rondine, at the end.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56386199Sun, 06 Aug 2023 19:03:35 +0000RicochetThis isn’t our normal 3WHH; John isn’t here, just Steve and Lucretia. So maybe a 2WHH. The occasion for today’s extra episode—since we moved up our usual weekly offering on account of the latest weekly Trump indictment, is to take note of two related...
First, did you know that Italy’s new and very popular prime minister Giorgia Meloni recently visited Washington and had a brief meeting with President Biden? I missed this too, as the meeting took place behind closed doors, probably to cover up the fact that Biden either fell asleep or sniffed PM Meloni’s blonde hair, and there was apparently no press availability or public photo op. Of course, Biden called Meloni a fascist when she was first elected, so I expect there was no enthusiasm for noting her visit.

The second item is an article in National Review ("The Italian Option") recently on Meloni, where Dalibor Rohac argues that Meloni is a better model for nationalist conservatives than Hungary’s Viktor Orban, because Meloni’s positions on various matters are more congenial to Americans. Maybe so, though I note Rohac’s article neglects to mention that Meloni is fond of Orban, having met with him a number of times. And Rohac is a defender of the European Union, which makes us suspicious right there.

Leaving aside the whole Hungary question for another day, this seems like an occasion to roll out at last a conversation Lucretia and Steve had recently with one of our favorite Italians thinkers—and part-time opera singer—Edoardo Raffiotta. Edoardo is professor of law at the University of Milan, where we first made his acquaintance last year at a conference. He specializes in European constitutional law, and especially the problems of emergency powers (hence is occasional interest in Carl Schmitt). He is also actively involved in legal issues pertaining to cyber-security and the fast-moving field of artificial intelligence, which of course are specialities of Lucretia. We wanted to hear first hand from Edoardo about Meloni and other topics—including opera. Stick around after we finish with Edoardo, because Lucretia and I will come back with a “postgame” show of sorts where we offer some additional reflections about the wider scene—and make a small news announcement.

And we manage to sneak in a few bars of Edoardo's favoite Puccini opera, La Rondine, at the end.]]>3297false437fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-special-mid-week-episode-on-the-trump-indictment--56348861
More seriously, John Yoo rightly describes this filing as the most serious political-criminal trial since the trial of Aaron Burr way back in 1807—a trial that, keep in mind—acquitted Burr on the charge opf treason. And the timing, coming amidst a lot of new revelations of Biden corruption this week—seems suspicious.

Where do we go from here? Should the GOP House move right away to an impeachment investigation of Biden, before the Justice Department names a special counsel that would ironically lock down a House investigation into an "ongoing investigation" by Justice?

We do, finally, get back to our leisurely summer stroll through best books, this week laying out criteria for what makes a good biography, with each of us offering up some representative picks, such as Lord Charnwood's Lincoln, Jean Edward Smith on John Marshall, and Plutarch. You'll have to listen to see which of us recommended what book or author—you may be surprised!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56348861Wed, 02 Aug 2023 19:06:44 +0000RicochetOur normal weekend rendezvous at the whisky bar was convened early this week to get out our fresh reactions to the Trump indictment for his role in the events of January 6, and our general reaction after reading the filing is—is this all there is?...
More seriously, John Yoo rightly describes this filing as the most serious political-criminal trial since the trial of Aaron Burr way back in 1807—a trial that, keep in mind—acquitted Burr on the charge opf treason. And the timing, coming amidst a lot of new revelations of Biden corruption this week—seems suspicious.

Where do we go from here? Should the GOP House move right away to an impeachment investigation of Biden, before the Justice Department names a special counsel that would ironically lock down a House investigation into an "ongoing investigation" by Justice?

We do, finally, get back to our leisurely summer stroll through best books, this week laying out criteria for what makes a good biography, with each of us offering up some representative picks, such as Lord Charnwood's Lincoln, Jean Edward Smith on John Marshall, and Plutarch. You'll have to listen to see which of us recommended what book or author—you may be surprised!]]>4110false436fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-a-pig-goes-to-market-the-l-word--56277581The Politically-Incorrect Guide to the Supreme Court (co-authored with Robert Delahunty). Naturally Steve and Lucretia have some issues to pick with John.

Steve manages to annoy everyone by noting the Statute-That-Cannot-Be-Named-On-This-Podcast (rhymes with Lean Fair Fact) and connecting it to the "L-Word," meaning the Lochner case. You thought it meant something else? How old fashioned and quaint in this Age of Infinite Pronouns.

And did Kamala Harris set a new low in hypocrisy and bad faith this week with her attack on Florida's African-American history standards? Let us count the ways. . .]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56277581Sat, 29 Jul 2023 14:20:52 +0000RicochetAfter clearing the decks of the latest headlines from the week involving Biden trials and Trump tribulations, we get down to business discussing John's new book...The Politically-Incorrect Guide to the Supreme Court (co-authored with Robert Delahunty). Naturally Steve and Lucretia have some issues to pick with John.

Steve manages to annoy everyone by noting the Statute-That-Cannot-Be-Named-On-This-Podcast (rhymes with Lean Fair Fact) and connecting it to the "L-Word," meaning the Lochner case. You thought it meant something else? How old fashioned and quaint in this Age of Infinite Pronouns.

And did Kamala Harris set a new low in hypocrisy and bad faith this week with her attack on Florida's African-American history standards? Let us count the ways. . .]]>4313false435fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/special-episode-william-b-allen-on-vp-harris-s-demagoguery--56233883curriculum guide for yourself, especially page six, where Harris and the rest of the race-obsessed educrat-complex twists one sentence in the most grotesque way imaginable.

The real sin of the curriculum guide, from the left's demented point of view, actually can be seen page eight, where the curriculum mentions including the history of slavery before 1619. Ah—there's the rub. The real reason Harris attacks the Florida curriculum is that it dares to correct the distortions and omissions of the 1619 Project, which has become the platform for saying that America was, and is, purely a slavocracy, and that American capitalism practically invented slavery.

One of my principal teachers in graduate school (and a past guest on this podcast), William B. Allen, was one of the authors of the new Florida curriculum guide, and he's been in high demand this week refuting the calumnies of our vice president. I managed to catch up with him this morning to note the obvious irony that the party of Calhoun would be reviving Calhounism just now, but trying to deflect it onto the other party. (Because of course the real reason for this attack is that Joe Biden might face Ron DeSantis as a candidate next year, so better start calling him a racist now.)]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56233883Wed, 26 Jul 2023 19:18:20 +0000RicochetI knew when I saw news of Vice President Kamala Harris claiming that Florida's new African-American history standards for public schools taught that "enslaved people benefitted from slavery," I knew instinctively that this was a lie of unusual...curriculum guide for yourself, especially page six, where Harris and the rest of the race-obsessed educrat-complex twists one sentence in the most grotesque way imaginable.

The real sin of the curriculum guide, from the left's demented point of view, actually can be seen page eight, where the curriculum mentions including the history of slavery before 1619. Ah—there's the rub. The real reason Harris attacks the Florida curriculum is that it dares to correct the distortions and omissions of the 1619 Project, which has become the platform for saying that America was, and is, purely a slavocracy, and that American capitalism practically invented slavery.

One of my principal teachers in graduate school (and a past guest on this podcast), William B. Allen, was one of the authors of the new Florida curriculum guide, and he's been in high demand this week refuting the calumnies of our vice president. I managed to catch up with him this morning to note the obvious irony that the party of Calhoun would be reviving Calhounism just now, but trying to deflect it onto the other party. (Because of course the real reason for this attack is that Joe Biden might face Ron DeSantis as a candidate next year, so better start calling him a racist now.)]]>999false434fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-eternal-infernal-optimism--56182555
Let's just say this episode revisits the events of January 6 with considerable disagreement among the panel about how it should be understood, what we still don't know, and how it is afftecting the next election cycle, concerning which, Luretia road-tests her latest outlandish theory. ("We're going to get comments on this one!", she promises.)

Then we assay the state of the widening Biden scandals, with Lucretia scorning Steve's "eternal infernal optimism" that sooner or later the media is going to jump on this scandal. Lucretia and John are skeptical. . .

Finally, are the dividends of the Harvard affirmation action admissions ruling already growing and spreading to the private sector? Have you noticed the news of the growing number of layoffs and shrinkages of corporate DEI offices? Who says there isn't any good news these days.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56182555Sat, 22 Jul 2023 04:49:53 +0000RicochetAre the anticipated coming Trump indictments serious? Defrauding the federal government? Obstructing Congress? Violating the Ku Klux Klan Act? This is indeed John McEnroe territory—"You cannot be serious!" But is it going to work? Let's just say this...
Let's just say this episode revisits the events of January 6 with considerable disagreement among the panel about how it should be understood, what we still don't know, and how it is afftecting the next election cycle, concerning which, Luretia road-tests her latest outlandish theory. ("We're going to get comments on this one!", she promises.)

Then we assay the state of the widening Biden scandals, with Lucretia scorning Steve's "eternal infernal optimism" that sooner or later the media is going to jump on this scandal. Lucretia and John are skeptical. . .

Finally, are the dividends of the Harvard affirmation action admissions ruling already growing and spreading to the private sector? Have you noticed the news of the growing number of layoffs and shrinkages of corporate DEI offices? Who says there isn't any good news these days.]]>4295false433fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-on-the-narrow-passage-by-glenn-ellmers--56106744The Narrow Passage: Plato, Foucault, and the Possibilty of Political Philosophy. Do not be intimidated by the mention of Foucault or anything else in the title, as this crispy-written and very accessible book comes in at a reader-friendly 79 pages (Glenn admits that it began as an essay that grew a little out of control). It sheds a lot of light on our current culture war, which is really a continuation of the ructions in the country from the left that began in the 1960s but fooled us by receding briefly in the shadows for a time when the Cold War ended. More than that, though, the roots of our current contentions trace all the way back to Plato, and from whom we may also find some answers. As as we say, all this in 79 pages!

Steve and Lucretia also dilate the Farce of the Week in Washington, the latest lower court rulings that look like promising attacks on the administrative state, and why the Equal Protection Clause was such a mess at the Supreme Court for 150 years, contra Alan Dershowitz's argument that Earl Warren had it right all along. No sale!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56106744Sat, 15 Jul 2023 00:24:38 +0000RicochetJohn Yoo is away overseas this week, so Steve and Lucretia are joined by Glenn Ellmers, author of the brand new book...The Narrow Passage: Plato, Foucault, and the Possibilty of Political Philosophy. Do not be intimidated by the mention of Foucault or anything else in the title, as this crispy-written and very accessible book comes in at a reader-friendly 79 pages (Glenn admits that it began as an essay that grew a little out of control). It sheds a lot of light on our current culture war, which is really a continuation of the ructions in the country from the left that began in the 1960s but fooled us by receding briefly in the shadows for a time when the Cold War ended. More than that, though, the roots of our current contentions trace all the way back to Plato, and from whom we may also find some answers. As as we say, all this in 79 pages!

Steve and Lucretia also dilate the Farce of the Week in Washington, the latest lower court rulings that look like promising attacks on the administrative state, and why the Equal Protection Clause was such a mess at the Supreme Court for 150 years, contra Alan Dershowitz's argument that Earl Warren had it right all along. No sale!]]>4764false432fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-uncensorable-three-whisky-happy-hour-still-loitering-at-the-courthouse--56032964
We also work through the aftermath of the Harvard/UNC decision, which is forcing the left to transfer their hated for Citizens United to this case. And what's up with the left's complaint that the 303 Creative case was a phony case? What's phony is the left's argument, which John Yoo (this week's show host) dispatches with ease, while Steve reminds us that the left has been contriving phony cases for decades.

Finally, since it was Fourth of July week, we reflect on the holiday this year, Steve gives a foerboding prediction for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration in 2026, and we offer up recommendations for the best books about the Declaration for our slowly developing reading list of essential whisky-wisdom pairings.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56032964Sat, 08 Jul 2023 05:13:23 +0000RicochetYou've heard of the Avengers. And the Incredibles. We at the 3WHH consider ourselves The Uncensorables. (Only because Justice League is taken.) In any case, just when you thought it was safe to pass by the courthouse and law library because the...
We also work through the aftermath of the Harvard/UNC decision, which is forcing the left to transfer their hated for Citizens United to this case. And what's up with the left's complaint that the 303 Creative case was a phony case? What's phony is the left's argument, which John Yoo (this week's show host) dispatches with ease, while Steve reminds us that the left has been contriving phony cases for decades.

Finally, since it was Fourth of July week, we reflect on the holiday this year, Steve gives a foerboding prediction for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration in 2026, and we offer up recommendations for the best books about the Declaration for our slowly developing reading list of essential whisky-wisdom pairings.]]>4743false431fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-that-s-a-wrap--55712595
But wait! There's more! The Court also smacked down Biden's student loan power grab, and vindicated the principle of free speech the right of conscience in turning back the coercive identitarian demand that a Christian website designer must be compelled to produce offensive products.

The 3WHH hosts were actually together in person this week for this episode, and marked the end of the Supreme Court term with a several nice rounds of Makers Mark. Next week we'll be back to our more "diverse" (heh) scope of wine, whisky, and wonkery, and we'll also get back to our slow-rolling "best books" deliberation.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/55712595Sat, 01 Jul 2023 14:58:14 +0000RicochetIt's over. The fat lady has sung. The Supreme Court ended its current term with a big bang, delivering a long-overdue smackdown of affirmative action that with any luck history will say was a turning point for restoring the proper understanding of...
But wait! There's more! The Court also smacked down Biden's student loan power grab, and vindicated the principle of free speech the right of conscience in turning back the coercive identitarian demand that a Christian website designer must be compelled to produce offensive products.

The 3WHH hosts were actually together in person this week for this episode, and marked the end of the Supreme Court term with a several nice rounds of Makers Mark. Next week we'll be back to our more "diverse" (heh) scope of wine, whisky, and wonkery, and we'll also get back to our slow-rolling "best books" deliberation.]]>2903false430fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-standing-down--54844585
The Court did deliver a disappointment of sorts in U.S. v. Texas, which rejected the state challenge to the Biden Administration's complete implosion of border enforcement, ruling that while states along the border have indeed suffered injury, they lack standing to sue, and/or the Court lacks a remedy it can supply, so the Biden Administration wins this round. But we break down the convoluted reasoning of the majority opinion (can it really be right that if the executive branch arrested just one person crossing the border instead of zero, states would lose standing to sue, or the Court any remedy whatsoever?), and wonder whether the case is nearly as good for liberals as they think, and whether the next item on the agenda for conservative jurisprudence is to develop a new doctrine of standing, as it did with the "major questions doctrine" promulgated last year.

We also look at the latest attacks on Supreme Court justices from the left. Justice Barrett sold her house to—gasp!—a conservative! Can you believe it? And finally we explore the state of abortion one year after Dobbs.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54844585Sat, 24 Jun 2023 12:10:18 +0000RicochetThe submersible that is the Biden presidency looks to be under as much increasing pressure as the Trump reboot tour, and maybe both will implode? And when is the Supreme Court going to end the suspense and deliver the rulings on the big cases we've...
The Court did deliver a disappointment of sorts in U.S. v. Texas, which rejected the state challenge to the Biden Administration's complete implosion of border enforcement, ruling that while states along the border have indeed suffered injury, they lack standing to sue, and/or the Court lacks a remedy it can supply, so the Biden Administration wins this round. But we break down the convoluted reasoning of the majority opinion (can it really be right that if the executive branch arrested just one person crossing the border instead of zero, states would lose standing to sue, or the Court any remedy whatsoever?), and wonder whether the case is nearly as good for liberals as they think, and whether the next item on the agenda for conservative jurisprudence is to develop a new doctrine of standing, as it did with the "major questions doctrine" promulgated last year.

We also look at the latest attacks on Supreme Court justices from the left. Justice Barrett sold her house to—gasp!—a conservative! Can you believe it? And finally we explore the state of abortion one year after Dobbs.]]>4331false429fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-pardon-me--54466488
Of course the last thing Biden wants to do right now is run on the issues, since he's doing such a dreadul job, and in any case there is no chance Trump will agree to any conditions for a pardon (such as admitting guilt or agreeing to drop out of the presidential election altogether). And it is doubtful Biden has either the statesmanship or the cynical wit to see the mischievous possibilities of a pardon.

From there the gang tries to read the tea leaves at the Supreme Court, which handed down another puzzling ruling this week regarding Indian adoptions, and finally we continue our "best of" recommended reading list with some nominations for best satirical fiction.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54466488Sat, 17 Jun 2023 04:28:53 +0000RicochetBy the end of the week when our three bartenders assembled, the Trump indictment had been pretty well munched and masticated, so there wasn't much left to say about the matter for the moment. But John Yoo has a wild idea to resolve the controversy:...
Of course the last thing Biden wants to do right now is run on the issues, since he's doing such a dreadul job, and in any case there is no chance Trump will agree to any conditions for a pardon (such as admitting guilt or agreeing to drop out of the presidential election altogether). And it is doubtful Biden has either the statesmanship or the cynical wit to see the mischievous possibilities of a pardon.

From there the gang tries to read the tea leaves at the Supreme Court, which handed down another puzzling ruling this week regarding Indian adoptions, and finally we continue our "best of" recommended reading list with some nominations for best satirical fiction.]]>4597biden,justicedepartment,supremecourt,trumpfalse428fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-bringing-the-smoke-and-the-fire--54168160
And just how did the Supreme Court manage to botch the Voting Rights Act case?


Finally, we begin rolling out our listener-requested Essential Reading List, starting with a couple titles for the category of philosophy. Naturally Steve and Lucretia divide on a title to recommend. Next week we'll either do histort or biography, which are also difficult categories, but that's part of the fun.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54168160Sat, 10 Jun 2023 00:05:40 +0000RicochetWho needs Steve's peaty, smoky whisky this week when Canada is supplying a surplus for half the nation? (But it ain't Canadian Club they're serving.) After clearing the smoke from our eyes—and our whisky glasses, we get down to business on what is...
And just how did the Supreme Court manage to botch the Voting Rights Act case?


Finally, we begin rolling out our listener-requested Essential Reading List, starting with a couple titles for the category of philosophy. Naturally Steve and Lucretia divide on a title to recommend. Next week we'll either do histort or biography, which are also difficult categories, but that's part of the fun.]]>4413false427fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-always-look-on-the-bright-side-of-life--54085254
Then, in response to some listener requests, we begin a preliminary excursion into a "Best Books" list, though we want to await John's return for an orderly treatment of this question. For this episode Steve and Lucretia talk about political novels, and why some are enduring, like Orwell's 1984 or Koestler's Darkness at Noon, and why others have been forgotten, like Andre Malraux's Man's Fate, or Wyndham Lewis's Revenge for Love (which Steve is reading right now). As usual Steve and Lucretia come at this subject from different directions, and finally settle together on . . . Shakespeare.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54085254Sat, 03 Jun 2023 16:21:17 +0000RicochetJohn Yoo is away traveling this weekend, so the 3WHH reverts to its old form, with Lucretia pummeling Steve like a chiropractor working on a stiff neck for his conventional thinking about the debt ceiling deal. But otherwise we're in a jolly mood this...
Then, in response to some listener requests, we begin a preliminary excursion into a "Best Books" list, though we want to await John's return for an orderly treatment of this question. For this episode Steve and Lucretia talk about political novels, and why some are enduring, like Orwell's 1984 or Koestler's Darkness at Noon, and why others have been forgotten, like Andre Malraux's Man's Fate, or Wyndham Lewis's Revenge for Love (which Steve is reading right now). As usual Steve and Lucretia come at this subject from different directions, and finally settle together on . . . Shakespeare.]]>4405false426fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/marx-neoliberalism-and-the-1619-project-with-phil-magness--54069662Phil Magness of the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) is one of the most productive—and provocative—working scholars today (with emphasis on working, as his output is prodigious).

This classic format episode features Steve Hayward and Phil in a one-on-one conversation about three of Phil's major areas of current research, starting with his co-authored article that breaks new ground in the history of Marxism, "The Mainstreaming of Marx: Measuring the Effect of the Russian Revolution on Karl Marx’s Influence," published recently in the Journal of Political Economy, one of the premier journals in economics. The article is causing heads to explode on the left, which means he must have hit a nerve.

From there we talk about the history of the intellectual left's favorite epithet today, "neoliberalism," but also about how the term has been embraced with almost the same pejorative meaning by some leading thinkers on the right. Is this a good idea?

Finally, as Phil has been one of the pre-eminent critics of the 1619 Project from the moment it first appeared four years ago, we catch up on the latest iterations of that popular leftist propaganda effort.

Everyone should follow Phil on Twitter, @PhilWMagness, and you'll see how he lives rent-free every day inside the heads of leftists.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54069662Thu, 01 Jun 2023 20:52:43 +0000Ricochethttps://www.aier.org/people/phillip-w-magness/ of the https://www.aier.org (AIER) is one of the most productive—and provocative—working scholars today (with emphasis on working, as his output is prodigious). This classic format episode features Steve...Phil Magness of the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) is one of the most productive—and provocative—working scholars today (with emphasis on working, as his output is prodigious).

This classic format episode features Steve Hayward and Phil in a one-on-one conversation about three of Phil's major areas of current research, starting with his co-authored article that breaks new ground in the history of Marxism, "The Mainstreaming of Marx: Measuring the Effect of the Russian Revolution on Karl Marx’s Influence," published recently in the Journal of Political Economy, one of the premier journals in economics. The article is causing heads to explode on the left, which means he must have hit a nerve.

From there we talk about the history of the intellectual left's favorite epithet today, "neoliberalism," but also about how the term has been embraced with almost the same pejorative meaning by some leading thinkers on the right. Is this a good idea?

Finally, as Phil has been one of the pre-eminent critics of the 1619 Project from the moment it first appeared four years ago, we catch up on the latest iterations of that popular leftist propaganda effort.

Everyone should follow Phil on Twitter, @PhilWMagness, and you'll see how he lives rent-free every day inside the heads of leftists.]]>2710false425fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-supreme-court-touchdowns--54016403
But wait! There's more! We also dispatch with prejudice the crazy idea of President Biden using the 14th Amendment to raise the debt ceiling, preview a couple of brand new cases that may start to undo the DEI regime, and puzzle over a head-scratching case from a few weeks ago involving California's extra-territorial imposition of regulations of pig-farming. As this poses an existential threat both to the availability of bacon supplies and McRibbs in California going forward, this is a matter of deep concern and outrage.

Speaking of pigs, John Yoo is about to come out with his own PIG book to go on your bookshelf right next to Steve's PIG book. That is, John and co-author Robert Delahunty are about to come out with The Politically-Incorrect Guide to the Supreme Court, which will make a nice pairing with both a good whisky and Steve's Politically-Incorrect Guide to the Presidents, from Wilson to Obama. We discuss the common points of interest between the two books, though Steve alleges that John and his co-author got the Lochner case wrong, as everyone usually does.

There is no truth to the rumor that Lucretia is writing The Politically-Incorrect Guide to Political Incorrectness, though she's the obvious choice for the title.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54016403Sat, 27 May 2023 15:20:39 +0000RicochetIt's late in the 4th quarter for this year's Supreme Court season, and the Justices are starting to score with some long bombs. Our 3WHH bartenders celebrated with entire flights of whisky (our kind of diversity!) while pondering Thursday's clean...
But wait! There's more! We also dispatch with prejudice the crazy idea of President Biden using the 14th Amendment to raise the debt ceiling, preview a couple of brand new cases that may start to undo the DEI regime, and puzzle over a head-scratching case from a few weeks ago involving California's extra-territorial imposition of regulations of pig-farming. As this poses an existential threat both to the availability of bacon supplies and McRibbs in California going forward, this is a matter of deep concern and outrage.

Speaking of pigs, John Yoo is about to come out with his own PIG book to go on your bookshelf right next to Steve's PIG book. That is, John and co-author Robert Delahunty are about to come out with The Politically-Incorrect Guide to the Supreme Court, which will make a nice pairing with both a good whisky and Steve's Politically-Incorrect Guide to the Presidents, from Wilson to Obama. We discuss the common points of interest between the two books, though Steve alleges that John and his co-author got the Lochner case wrong, as everyone usually does.

There is no truth to the rumor that Lucretia is writing The Politically-Incorrect Guide to Political Incorrectness, though she's the obvious choice for the title.]]>5211false424fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-woke-war-in-hollywood-with-christian-toto--53999237HollywoodInToto website, as well as a podcast, and a terrific recent book, Virtue Bombs: How Hollywood Got Woke and Lost Its Soul.

Our conversation ranges widely from the problems of streaming services, the leftward lurch that has nearly killed off late night talk shows, why Top Gun: Maverick was snubbed at the Oscars, and above all whether a backlash against wokery in Hollywood is approaching critical mass. There are some signs that it is. Stay tuned, but listen here and bookmark Christian's site and podcast.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53999237Thu, 25 May 2023 17:30:39 +0000RicochetThe hiatus in Hollywood brought on by the current writers strike seemed a good occasion to check in with Christian Toto, proprietor of the indispensable https://www.hollywoodintoto.com website, as well as a...HollywoodInToto website, as well as a podcast, and a terrific recent book, Virtue Bombs: How Hollywood Got Woke and Lost Its Soul.

Our conversation ranges widely from the problems of streaming services, the leftward lurch that has nearly killed off late night talk shows, why Top Gun: Maverick was snubbed at the Oscars, and above all whether a backlash against wokery in Hollywood is approaching critical mass. There are some signs that it is. Stay tuned, but listen here and bookmark Christian's site and podcast.]]>2409false423fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-lowdown-on-rfk-jr-with-kjt--53939690New York Post. This week Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is attracting surprising interest from many conservatives, visited the Post for a grilling from the Post's editorial board, and Kelly Jane opened up her reporter's notebook to share previously unreported statements RFK Jr offered at their 90-minute meeting. You won't want to miss her scoops shared exclusively with the 3WHH podcast.

John Yoo was late joining us—apparently he got stuck in an extra long McDonald's drive-through line right before show time—but did manage to break down the Durham report, and also gets in on the sequels with Kelly Jane, who has a lot of thoughts on the Ukraine situation from her experiences as an election watcher in recent years.

Since KJT is Canadian, we decided to honor her guest turn with exit music from the Barenaked Ladies, "New Kid on the Block," since we're definitely going to have her back on 3WHH. As mentioned early in this episode, she may not be a neat whisky drinker, but she has an epic cocktail game.

We're got a short pre-roll excerpt from John on the Ricochet podcast that we think is appropriate to share with our listeners, though I think Rob Long was not amused!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53939690Sat, 20 May 2023 04:57:53 +0000RicochetWith Steve Hayward back in the host chair this week, the 3WHH actually breaks some real news with special guest Kelly Janes Torrance, the op-ed editor of the indispensible New York Post. This week Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is attracting surprising...New York Post. This week Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is attracting surprising interest from many conservatives, visited the Post for a grilling from the Post's editorial board, and Kelly Jane opened up her reporter's notebook to share previously unreported statements RFK Jr offered at their 90-minute meeting. You won't want to miss her scoops shared exclusively with the 3WHH podcast.

John Yoo was late joining us—apparently he got stuck in an extra long McDonald's drive-through line right before show time—but did manage to break down the Durham report, and also gets in on the sequels with Kelly Jane, who has a lot of thoughts on the Ukraine situation from her experiences as an election watcher in recent years.

Since KJT is Canadian, we decided to honor her guest turn with exit music from the Barenaked Ladies, "New Kid on the Block," since we're definitely going to have her back on 3WHH. As mentioned early in this episode, she may not be a neat whisky drinker, but she has an epic cocktail game.

We're got a short pre-roll excerpt from John on the Ricochet podcast that we think is appropriate to share with our listeners, though I think Rob Long was not amused!]]>4200false422fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-wot-corruption--53846728Steve!

After the smelling salts were passed round to John and Steve (and fresh glasses of whisky poured), the bartenders get down to business, breaking down the rising anti-Semitism in the Democratic Party; Lucretia's first-hand report from the border in the immediate aftermath of the end of Title 42 and where the immigration disaster will go next (and once again, the responsible Lucretia surprises with her sympathy for asylum seekers); the travesty of the criminal indictment of Marine veteran Daniel Penny for his justified act of self-defense on the New York subway (just think of it as the attempt to run George Floyd 2.0); what to make of Trump's humiliation of CNN; what to make of the week's revelations of the Biden Family Crime Syndicate; and what to make of the Supreme Court interposing itself—by a rare 9 - 0 vote—between federal corruption probes of the states.

Because we're waiting on a serious corruption probe into the Bidens, and to go with our thoughts on how the country is repeating the worst of the 1970s, exit music this week is an old 70s-era Ambrosia tune, "Time Waits for No One."

Why am I searching and when will I know?
Are the years that I've waited with nothing to show?
I'm ready to listen I'm ready to win
But I can't wait much longer before we begin

Time waits for no one
Time waits for no one
No one, no one
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53846728Sat, 13 May 2023 16:17:37 +0000RicochetLucretia hosts this week's episode, and as Hamilton predicted about how executive power would promote sobriety, the awesome responsibility of the host chair led Lucretia to praise Kevin McCarthy for the second week in a row, and she even has nice...Steve!

After the smelling salts were passed round to John and Steve (and fresh glasses of whisky poured), the bartenders get down to business, breaking down the rising anti-Semitism in the Democratic Party; Lucretia's first-hand report from the border in the immediate aftermath of the end of Title 42 and where the immigration disaster will go next (and once again, the responsible Lucretia surprises with her sympathy for asylum seekers); the travesty of the criminal indictment of Marine veteran Daniel Penny for his justified act of self-defense on the New York subway (just think of it as the attempt to run George Floyd 2.0); what to make of Trump's humiliation of CNN; what to make of the week's revelations of the Biden Family Crime Syndicate; and what to make of the Supreme Court interposing itself—by a rare 9 - 0 vote—between federal corruption probes of the states.

Because we're waiting on a serious corruption probe into the Bidens, and to go with our thoughts on how the country is repeating the worst of the 1970s, exit music this week is an old 70s-era Ambrosia tune, "Time Waits for No One."

Why am I searching and when will I know?
Are the years that I've waited with nothing to show?
I'm ready to listen I'm ready to win
But I can't wait much longer before we begin

Time waits for no one
Time waits for no one
No one, no one
]]>5322false421fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whiskey-happy-hour-a-triple-shot-of-news--53759487
But then we get back to school, with John expressing his usual faux-puzzlement about the New York Times's genuine puzzlement of why conservatives "still" like Aristotle. Too bad there isn't an Aristotle for Dummies title we can send the Times, but we do manage to sort out John.

Finally, we round out this episode with some mockery of the high octane decadence of the ruling class as seen by the scheduing of the Met Gala and the White House Correspondents Dinner within 48 hours of each other last week. It must be exhausting for our rulers to keep up this kind of social schedule, not to mention the expense of the wardrobe. Tune in for Piers Morgan's fantastic headline about the scene, and grab a can of Raid.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53759487Sat, 06 May 2023 15:01:32 +0000RicochetWith all three bartenders back together and John Yoo in the host chair, the gang wonders why it is that Robert F. Kennedy Jr is so far making the most sense in the 2024 presidential race, how it is that Kevin McCarthy has (stop the presses!) actually...
But then we get back to school, with John expressing his usual faux-puzzlement about the New York Times's genuine puzzlement of why conservatives "still" like Aristotle. Too bad there isn't an Aristotle for Dummies title we can send the Times, but we do manage to sort out John.

Finally, we round out this episode with some mockery of the high octane decadence of the ruling class as seen by the scheduing of the Met Gala and the White House Correspondents Dinner within 48 hours of each other last week. It must be exhausting for our rulers to keep up this kind of social schedule, not to mention the expense of the wardrobe. Tune in for Piers Morgan's fantastic headline about the scene, and grab a can of Raid.]]>4234false420fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/when-race-trumps-merit-with-heather-mac-donald--53723545When Race Trumps Merit: How the Pursuit of Equity Sacrifices Excellence, Destroys Beauty, and Threatens Lives, explores how the current attack on meritocracy in the name of "equity" is rampaging through almost all American institutions, in particular arts and culture, but also higher education and corporate America.

Her bleak inventory includes the degredation of the sciences as well, which will if continued will exact a high cost. But our conversation also takes some unusual twists and turns, delving into some of the deeper aspects of the issues of race and merit that are typically neglected. We conclude our conversation with a discussion of Heather's recommendations for remedies, which will require some serious backbone on the part of the nation's political leadership that appears to be in short supply just now.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53723545Wed, 03 May 2023 02:12:18 +0000RicochetHeather Mac Donald may be the most fearless journalist in America. She is relentless in her reporting, bracing in her truth-telling, and ferocious in arguing her case. Her new book,...When Race Trumps Merit: How the Pursuit of Equity Sacrifices Excellence, Destroys Beauty, and Threatens Lives, explores how the current attack on meritocracy in the name of "equity" is rampaging through almost all American institutions, in particular arts and culture, but also higher education and corporate America.

Her bleak inventory includes the degredation of the sciences as well, which will if continued will exact a high cost. But our conversation also takes some unusual twists and turns, delving into some of the deeper aspects of the issues of race and merit that are typically neglected. We conclude our conversation with a discussion of Heather's recommendations for remedies, which will require some serious backbone on the part of the nation's political leadership that appears to be in short supply just now.]]>2585false419fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/celebrating-judge-carlos-bea--53688296
The answer is an n of 1, as statisticians would say: Judge Carlos T. Bea of Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, who the Los Angeles Daily Journal was correct to call "the most interesting judge on the 9th Circuit." Born in San Sebastian, Spain in 1934, his family left Spain for North America after the Spanish Civil War and on the eve of World War II. And the story only gets more interesting from there.

Judge Bea recently took senior status on the 9th Circuit, and the San Francisco chapter of the Federalist Society decided to throw a reception and celebration of his long and distinguished career in the law, inviting me to serve as an interlocutor with Judge Bea for a conversation that covers the highlights of his colorful life story along with his views on jurisprudence. He also supplies lessons on how to survive and prosper as a Republican in San Francisco.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53688296Sat, 29 Apr 2023 14:34:51 +0000RicochetWho is the only federal judge to have played basketball in the Olympics for Cuba? Who is the only federal judge known for driving around town in a 1960s-era convertable Rolls Royce? Who is the only federal judge who was nearly deported? The answer is...
The answer is an n of 1, as statisticians would say: Judge Carlos T. Bea of Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, who the Los Angeles Daily Journal was correct to call "the most interesting judge on the 9th Circuit." Born in San Sebastian, Spain in 1934, his family left Spain for North America after the Spanish Civil War and on the eve of World War II. And the story only gets more interesting from there.

Judge Bea recently took senior status on the 9th Circuit, and the San Francisco chapter of the Federalist Society decided to throw a reception and celebration of his long and distinguished career in the law, inviting me to serve as an interlocutor with Judge Bea for a conversation that covers the highlights of his colorful life story along with his views on jurisprudence. He also supplies lessons on how to survive and prosper as a Republican in San Francisco.]]>3747false418fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-almost-live-from-commenter-con-ii--53644517
After we kick around the stunning news about Tucker Carlson's startling exit from Fox News, and a few other background questions about favorite books, reasons for the never-ending whisky divide, and related, we turn to audience questions, in particular our nominees for who we'd like to lock up if we had genuine prosecutorial powers.

(John Yoo wasn't able to join us as he had to be in the classroom for the last week of his classes at Berkeley Law, but sent along a note: "I wish I were there, but on the advice of counsel, I've been warned against showing up anywhere where people calling themselves 'Ammo Grrrll' and 'Lucretia' are in attendance. Steve Hayward, not so much."]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53644517Tue, 25 Apr 2023 18:48:39 +0000RicochetThis week we took the 3WHH on the road for a special ad-free episode, as Lucretia and Steve recorded before a live audience at Commenter-Con II in Phoenix. Commenter-Con II is the inspiration of 'Ammo Grrrll" (known in real life as Susan Vass), with...
After we kick around the stunning news about Tucker Carlson's startling exit from Fox News, and a few other background questions about favorite books, reasons for the never-ending whisky divide, and related, we turn to audience questions, in particular our nominees for who we'd like to lock up if we had genuine prosecutorial powers.

(John Yoo wasn't able to join us as he had to be in the classroom for the last week of his classes at Berkeley Law, but sent along a note: "I wish I were there, but on the advice of counsel, I've been warned against showing up anywhere where people calling themselves 'Ammo Grrrll' and 'Lucretia' are in attendance. Steve Hayward, not so much."]]>3848false417fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-devil-and-miss-lucretia--53612310 NY Times v. Sullivan doctrine, to an extended discussion of the natural law arguments on abortion—the topic aborted last week for lack of time—and lastly to a look at notable political movies with the unlikely offering from Lucretia that an underrated moral-political movie worthy of note is . . . The Devil in Miss Jones??!!

Needless to say John and Steve didn't see that coming, and didn't know quite what to say. And this doesn't include our new segment, "Lucretia's Featured Rant of the Week," which debuted with a much deserved blast at the Department of Justice.

Steve gets his revenge at the very end, with exit music drawn from his favorite recent political movie that John and Lucretia have embargoed from further mention on the 3WHH.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53612310Sat, 22 Apr 2023 05:12:25 +0000RicochetIn what may be the most wide-ranging episode of the 3WHH yet, the troika ranges from the implications of the Fox News settlement with Dominion for the defective NY Times v. Sullivan doctrine, to an extended discussion of the natural law arguments on... NY Times v. Sullivan doctrine, to an extended discussion of the natural law arguments on abortion—the topic aborted last week for lack of time—and lastly to a look at notable political movies with the unlikely offering from Lucretia that an underrated moral-political movie worthy of note is . . . The Devil in Miss Jones??!!

Needless to say John and Steve didn't see that coming, and didn't know quite what to say. And this doesn't include our new segment, "Lucretia's Featured Rant of the Week," which debuted with a much deserved blast at the Department of Justice.

Steve gets his revenge at the very end, with exit music drawn from his favorite recent political movie that John and Lucretia have embargoed from further mention on the 3WHH.]]>4691false414fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/religious-liberty-and-the-american-founding-with-phil-munoz--53597389Groff vs. Dejoy, involving a Post Office mail carrier named Gerald Groff, who, for religious reasons, wished not to work on Sundays. Previously the postal service had granted this accommodation, which was easy back when the Post Office didn’t do mail delivery on Sundays. But a few years ago the Post Office started contracting with Amazon and other package delvery services to do Sunday deliveries, though they still granted Groff his religious accommodation. But then the Post Office changed its mind and compelled Groff to work Sundays. Hence this case, raising again an aspect of the First Amendment’s free exercise clause.

You would think after all these decades of both religious liberty cases and employment law cases that such a situation would be well-settled, but you would be wrong. In fact the First Amendment’s clauses related to the establishment and free exercise of religious remain highly contested and unsettled.

One person who has a deep grasp of the broader issue is Vincent Phillip Munoz, who is the Tocqueville Associate Professor of political science and law at the University of Notre Dame. His most recent book is “Religious Liberty and the American Founding: Natural Rights and the Original Meanings of the First Amendment’s Religion Clauses.” Phil’s work has been cited in several Supreme Court opinions on the issue.

Phil sat down recently with John Yoo and me to discuss the issue, and the wider issue of how constitutional originalism should be understood today. You could think of this episode as a “two-whisky happy hour,” as we wanted to have Lucretia Zoom in, but she wasn’t able to, so Phil got off the hook. But in any case, let’s turn to Phil now.

Note: Apologies for the background static and other sound issues. We had our communal microphone on the wrong settings, and it was not amenable to a post-production fix.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53597389Thu, 20 Apr 2023 18:46:51 +0000RicochetThis week the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Groff vs. Dejoy, involving a Post Office mail carrier named Gerald Groff, who, for religious reasons, wished not to work on Sundays. Previously the postal service had granted this...Groff vs. Dejoy, involving a Post Office mail carrier named Gerald Groff, who, for religious reasons, wished not to work on Sundays. Previously the postal service had granted this accommodation, which was easy back when the Post Office didn’t do mail delivery on Sundays. But a few years ago the Post Office started contracting with Amazon and other package delvery services to do Sunday deliveries, though they still granted Groff his religious accommodation. But then the Post Office changed its mind and compelled Groff to work Sundays. Hence this case, raising again an aspect of the First Amendment’s free exercise clause.

You would think after all these decades of both religious liberty cases and employment law cases that such a situation would be well-settled, but you would be wrong. In fact the First Amendment’s clauses related to the establishment and free exercise of religious remain highly contested and unsettled.

One person who has a deep grasp of the broader issue is Vincent Phillip Munoz, who is the Tocqueville Associate Professor of political science and law at the University of Notre Dame. His most recent book is “Religious Liberty and the American Founding: Natural Rights and the Original Meanings of the First Amendment’s Religion Clauses.” Phil’s work has been cited in several Supreme Court opinions on the issue.

Phil sat down recently with John Yoo and me to discuss the issue, and the wider issue of how constitutional originalism should be understood today. You could think of this episode as a “two-whisky happy hour,” as we wanted to have Lucretia Zoom in, but she wasn’t able to, so Phil got off the hook. But in any case, let’s turn to Phil now.

Note: Apologies for the background static and other sound issues. We had our communal microphone on the wrong settings, and it was not amenable to a post-production fix.]]>2821false415fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-no-leaking-here--53544729
John then walks us through the puzzles of the fast-moving case involving the revocation (stayed for the moment) of the aboritificent drug mifepristone, which turns quickly to a too-brief discussion of natural law and abortion, and why, to borrow once again Stan Evans's great line now more applicable than ever, it is a good thing Republicans are pro-life, since they spend so much time in the fetal position, unable to offer even the simplest public argument for their stance on the issue. (To be continued. . .)

Finally, Steve and Lucretia wonder why the leak of classified documents showing that the situation in Ukraine is very different from what we've been told (some people might call the party line a "lie," but that's just some people) isn't seen as the equivalent of the Pentagon Papers and Vietnam. Instead, we're being treated to a spectacle of government secrets unveiled by the cast of High School Musical: Gamer Sequel.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53544729Sat, 15 Apr 2023 14:54:01 +0000RicochetLucretia hosts the bar this week, as Steve and John extol the virtues of Japanese whisky while trolling the left for its latest futile attempt to take down Justice Clarence Thomas. Lucretia celebrates a brew pub in Arizona that stood up to the braying...
John then walks us through the puzzles of the fast-moving case involving the revocation (stayed for the moment) of the aboritificent drug mifepristone, which turns quickly to a too-brief discussion of natural law and abortion, and why, to borrow once again Stan Evans's great line now more applicable than ever, it is a good thing Republicans are pro-life, since they spend so much time in the fetal position, unable to offer even the simplest public argument for their stance on the issue. (To be continued. . .)

Finally, Steve and Lucretia wonder why the leak of classified documents showing that the situation in Ukraine is very different from what we've been told (some people might call the party line a "lie," but that's just some people) isn't seen as the equivalent of the Pentagon Papers and Vietnam. Instead, we're being treated to a spectacle of government secrets unveiled by the cast of High School Musical: Gamer Sequel.]]>4569false414fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-peak-crazy-achieved--53475913
John Yoo hosts this week's episode, which is good since Steve is under the weather with yet another bug of some kind, necessitating at least three whiskies, while Lucretia adds to her "Moron of the Week" designation with yet another new feature (which will rotate amongst the three of us every week) on . . . political philosophy! Don't groan—it's going to be fun. Especially since Steve demonstrates in this episode how it is possible to sneak up on John unawares with a reference to . . . the verboten Clean Air Act!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53475913Sat, 08 Apr 2023 05:10:09 +0000RicochetYou know how people who think they can top something crazy like to say, "Hold my beer"? Well, this week Budweiser decided to try to top Alvin Bragg's bogus indictment of Donald Trump by rebranding their "light" beer such that no one want to hold it...
John Yoo hosts this week's episode, which is good since Steve is under the weather with yet another bug of some kind, necessitating at least three whiskies, while Lucretia adds to her "Moron of the Week" designation with yet another new feature (which will rotate amongst the three of us every week) on . . . political philosophy! Don't groan—it's going to be fun. Especially since Steve demonstrates in this episode how it is possible to sneak up on John unawares with a reference to . . . the verboten Clean Air Act!]]>4529false413fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-israel-s-judicial-coup--53408780bad? How would we have known without an online training module?

The good news for Lucretia is that "making unpopular statements about controversial issues" is not considered abusive. The bad news is that "making egregious statements about a person's lifestyle" is considered abusive, so we have to stop ragging on John for his McRibb fixation.

The main subject this week is the turmoil in Israel about proposed reforms to its judiciary. Somehow this is an international story, as it involves possible interference from the United States, and with might be called the Internationale of the Administrative State. Did you know Israel doesn't have a written constitution? This is a large part of the problem. While the judicial reform package Netanyahu's government put forward may have some defects, its defeat—and defeat is what has occurred, make no mistake—is a loss for the cause of constitutional government everywhere.

We also get in some observations about the Nashville shooting, the proposed Census question about whether someone is a descendant of slaves, and a new feature: Lucretia's Stupid Person of the Week.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53408780Sat, 01 Apr 2023 04:07:14 +0000RicochetLot going on this week, including Steve successfully completing his mandatory online "Abusive Conduct Training," otherwise known as Lucretia's How-To Guide to Blunt Speaking. Did you know abusive conduct ias bad? How would we have known without an...bad? How would we have known without an online training module?

The good news for Lucretia is that "making unpopular statements about controversial issues" is not considered abusive. The bad news is that "making egregious statements about a person's lifestyle" is considered abusive, so we have to stop ragging on John for his McRibb fixation.

The main subject this week is the turmoil in Israel about proposed reforms to its judiciary. Somehow this is an international story, as it involves possible interference from the United States, and with might be called the Internationale of the Administrative State. Did you know Israel doesn't have a written constitution? This is a large part of the problem. While the judicial reform package Netanyahu's government put forward may have some defects, its defeat—and defeat is what has occurred, make no mistake—is a loss for the cause of constitutional government everywhere.

We also get in some observations about the Nashville shooting, the proposed Census question about whether someone is a descendant of slaves, and a new feature: Lucretia's Stupid Person of the Week.]]>4692false412fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-alvin-bragg-and-the-chipmunks--53356377Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1417368Sun, 26 Mar 2023 14:37:32 +0000RicochetWe’re a day late getting to the whisky bar this week on account of complicated travel schedules. Lucretia sits in the host chair as Steve was still feeling light-headed from too much high-altitude skiing while John is his usual jaunty self, baiting...Source]]>4405false411fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-silicon-death-valley-days--53271041Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1402341Sat, 18 Mar 2023 01:28:00 +0000RicochetJohn and Steve are off galavanting in Florida, up to all kinds of mischief and boozy dinners, so this episode was recorded sans whisky but after a lot of fine wines. So this episode really could have been called “the three Bordeaux happy hour,” plus...Source]]>4236false410fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-return-of-willmoore-kendall--53271052Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1398954Wed, 15 Mar 2023 20:29:52 +0000RicochetWillmoore Kendall Willmoore Kendall was one of the great political scientists of the postwar era, and has been back on our minds lately for a number of reasons. As a heterodox champion of Joe McCarthy in the 1950s, a critic of the place of John Locke...Source]]>2933false409fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-uniparty-on--53271044Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1397465Sat, 11 Mar 2023 16:43:39 +0000RicochetThe unifying theme to this week’s episode (recorded before a live Zoom audience) is that Republicans had a pretty good week, except for Sen. Mitch McConnell, who preceded falling down a stairway (Lucretia swears she didn’t push him, but we’re waiting...Source]]>4480false408fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-nature-of-the-administrative-state-with-john-marini-part-2--53271058Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1396052Wed, 08 Mar 2023 17:10:05 +0000RicochetJohn Marini was one of the first conservative thinkers in 2016 to recognize that Donald Trump posed an existential threat to the administrative state, in a series of articles that are included in a recent collection we highly recommend, Unmasking the...Source]]>3307false407fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/power-line-university-judicial-review-and-the-bill-of-rights--53271061Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1395076Mon, 06 Mar 2023 16:03:02 +0000RicochetOur ninth and final seminar of our series on The Federalist concludes our discussion of judicial review, with a detour to the famous case of Marbury v. Madison in 1803 that supposedly settled the matter, though Lucretia draws some fine and original...Source]]>4431false406fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-tackling-all-the-major-questions--53271071Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1394455Sat, 04 Mar 2023 15:11:44 +0000RicochetYou mean I can get these in triplicate now!?! This week the Three Whisky Happy Hour tackles not only the “major questions” doctrine at the Supreme Court, but the major question about McDonald’s new (but unadvertised) triple-cheeseburger, whether the...Source]]>4484false405fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-origin-of-the-administrative-state-with-john-marini-part-1--53271042Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1393082Wed, 01 Mar 2023 04:39:57 +0000RicochetThe “administrative state” is an obscure and ungainly phrase, but in recent years the term has burst out into general use, though it is often conflated with another term currently popular—the “deep state.” They are not the same thing, though they do...Source]]>2735false404fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-a-grand-week-indeed--53271070Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1391500Sat, 25 Feb 2023 03:35:40 +0000RicochetThe spectacle of Georgia’s grand jury forepermix is enough to induce a grand mal seizure, but we move on quickly from that spectacle to the specter of the Supreme Court pondering the Heisenberg Uncertainty Point of the Constitution: is the vice...Source]]>4564false403fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/power-line-university-session-8-the-federalist-the-judiciary--53271047Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1389035Sun, 19 Feb 2023 17:01:53 +0000RicochetSettle down class, time for our next lesson. This week we take up how The Federalist explains Article III, the judiciary, and especially the nowadays familiar power of judicial review, which is nowhere specified in the text of the Constitution, and...Source]]>3625false402fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-are-you-fully-aanapisi-yet--53271062Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1388122Sat, 18 Feb 2023 02:43:46 +0000RicochetJohn showing off his gourmet dinner. Getting together at the bar was a bit tricky this week since we’re all scattered to the wind and John Yoo thought it essential that he swing through a McDonald’s takeout window for the double-cheeseburger special...Source]]>4486false401fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-fab-four-for-the-400th--53271074Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1387692Fri, 17 Feb 2023 05:14:24 +0000RicochetCan it really be possible that this is the 400th episode of this ramshackle podcast? With such a milestone, it seemed a good occasion to get the Fantastic Four who work the site every day together at once (never simple to do), and we decided to do a...Source]]>3744false400fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/power-line-university-lesson-7-the-federalist-on-the-presidency--53271065Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1385638Mon, 13 Feb 2023 03:55:10 +0000RicochetSession 7 of our PLU short course on The Federalist met on Saturday this week, and took up Hamilton’s defense of the presidency from the anti-Federalist critics starting with Federalist 70, the paper where he discusses the famous phrase “energy in the...Source]]>4120false399fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-super-week-before-the-super-bowl--53271104Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1385075Sat, 11 Feb 2023 05:45:29 +0000RicochetLucretia hosts this week’s episode, though this does not let Steve and John off the hook for their Stockholm Syndrome symptoms in any way. The run-up to America’s most holy secular observance—the Super Bowl—found Steve having his own Bill &...Source]]>4437false398fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-memphis-blues-again--53271079Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1382353Sat, 04 Feb 2023 17:03:13 +0000RicochetJohn Yoo assumes the host chair for this week’s episode, and despite declaring this week to be a Ukraine-Free Zone, Lucretia still manages to get in a sequel to some of last week’s discussion threads. But the main event for the first third of this...Source]]>3974false397fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/power-line-university-lesson-6-the-progressive-attack-on-the-federalist--53271059Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1381647Thu, 02 Feb 2023 20:32:34 +0000RicochetThis week’s Power Line University seminar on The Federalist completes our discussion of the separation of powers in Federalists 47 – 51, and then takes an extended detour into the Progressive Era attack on the separation of powers and other basic...Source]]>3854false396fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-tanking-ukraine--53271083Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1379605Sat, 28 Jan 2023 18:26:06 +0000RicochetMany of The Federalist Papers bear the title, “The Same Subject Continued,” and with a lot of news about the Ukrainian situation coming out this week, we decided to continue last week’s vigorous argument over Ukraine with some of the new facts, such...Source]]>4243false395fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/power-line-university-lesson-5-federalist-47-51-and-the-separation-of-powers--53271086Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1378908Fri, 27 Jan 2023 03:04:35 +0000RicochetWe continue our leisurely stroll through The Federalist with an extended look at Federalist numbers 47 through 51, which explain the key concept of the separation of powers—a phrase that is nowhere found in the text of the Constitution, but which is...Source]]>4046false394fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jean-yarbrough-dan-lowenstein-on-the-liberal-arts--53271098Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1378320Wed, 25 Jan 2023 19:58:20 +0000RicochetThis classic format episode features a conversation with Dan Lowenstein, professor emeritus at UCLA Law School and, more importantly, the impresario of UCLA’s Center for the Liberal Arts and Free Institutions ( CLAFI), which he founded, along with one...Source]]>3625false393fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-freaks-geeks-leaks-and-ukrainamania--53271066Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1376822Sat, 21 Jan 2023 07:41:41 +0000RicochetThis week’s raucous episode, recorded well after conventional happy hour ends, ranged from Biden’s dementia to the failed Dobbs leak investigation, to Kevin McCarthy’s (relatively) good week, the post hockey ergo propter hockey fallacy, bidding good...Source]]>4435false392fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/power-line-university-lesson-4-federalists-33-45--53271053Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1376563Fri, 20 Jan 2023 16:45:41 +0000RicochetThis week’s class resumes our leisurely stroll through The Federalist starting with Federalists #33 and #37, and the “partly federal, partly national” character of the Union under the proposed Constitution—a subject that remains as confusing and...Source]]>4481false391fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-rummages-joe-s-garage-and-celebrates-paul-johnson--53271082Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1374494Sat, 14 Jan 2023 17:11:00 +0000RicochetJohn Yoo is away this week, so Hillsdale historian Richard Samuelson joins the Three Whisky Happy Hour for an extended discussion of the passing of Paul Johnson, and especially why he deserves to be considered one of the premier historians of all...Source]]>4722false390fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/power-line-university-lesson-3-federalist-11-23--53271118Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1373561Thu, 12 Jan 2023 17:58:42 +0000RicochetYesterday’s third class session of Power Line University went through Federalist 11 through 23, drawing out in particular some of Hamilton’s reflections on taxation that remain relevant to some of our tax debates today (especially Lizzie Warren’s...Source]]>4095false389fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-last-pope-the-next-speaker-and-hobbes--53271060Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1371261Fri, 06 Jan 2023 21:25:32 +0000RicochetOnly the 3WHH bartenders could possibly draw the connecting thread between the subjects of the passing of Pope Benedict XVI, the drama over the next Speaker of the House, and Thomas Hobbes. But with the help of a little fine whisky, we’re up to the...Source]]>4114false388fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/power-line-university-lesson-2-federalist-10--53271114Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1370661Thu, 05 Jan 2023 18:35:54 +0000RicochetYesterday we held our second class session of Power Line University, this time taking up the famous Federalist #10, drawing out key points of James Madison’s views on how an “extended republic”—long thought impossible—was a solution for the perpetual...Source]]>4294false387fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/scott-atlas-on-our-covid-mistakes--53271110Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1370176Wed, 04 Jan 2023 18:19:17 +0000RicochetThe response to COVID is arguably the single greatest public policy mistake in American history, which in turn became a global catastrophe since so many other nations followed the United States with foolish lockdowns, school closures, and other...Source]]>2995false386fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-celebrates-new-years--53271128Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1368820Sat, 31 Dec 2022 16:46:30 +0000RicochetJohn Yoo serves as lead bartender for this gala new year’s eve edition of the Three Whisky Happy Hour, though he was nearly deposed for arriving late and then taunting us with pics of his Korean new year’s feast (see nearby). To ring out 2022 and look...Source]]>4346false385fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/michael-anton-picks-up-the-gauntlet--53271095Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1368549Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:52:55 +0000Ricochet“Human rights do not exist,” claims an anonymous dissident conservative writer, but when he (at least we’re going to identify the author as a “he”—heh) added some animadversions about our pal Michael Anton, the fight was on! Anton has responded at...Source]]>3542false384fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/power-line-university-lesson-one-the-federalist--53271101Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1368173Thu, 29 Dec 2022 21:37:26 +0000RicochetLucretia and I held the first “classroom” for PLU (Power Line University) yesterday, with 110 people ultimately tuning in live for our first formal session on The Federalist Papers. We had a couple of technical difficulties—for some reason we kept...Source]]>4019false383fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-sci-fi-palooza-star-trek-vs-woke-trek--53271068Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1367614Wed, 28 Dec 2022 04:19:45 +0000RicochetWho knew that John Yoo is a total science fiction geek?! I’m going to have to go back and scour his law review article footnotes to see if I can detect esoteric references to Sci-Fi classics, which, it turns out, he has thoroughly familiarity. Ken...Source]]>3793false382fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-celebrates-stanford-s-christmas-list--53271100Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1366465Sat, 24 Dec 2022 16:55:54 +0000RicochetAs you may have heard, Stanford “University” embarrassed itself this week by issuing a list of 160 words or phrases that you shouldn’t use because they are not sufficiently “inclusive” or sensitive, including even “trigger warning,” because, Stanford...Source]]>3959false381fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/introducing-power-line-university--53271088Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1365739Thu, 22 Dec 2022 21:48:37 +0000RicochetWe get a steady stream of emails from readers and listeners who want to know if any of my or Lucretia’s college courses are webcast or otherwise available online, and unfortunately the answer is No, partly for legal reasons but also for some technical...Source]]>3970false380fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/carpe-diem-with-mark-perry--53271073Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1365235Wed, 21 Dec 2022 22:04:08 +0000RicochetWhat do you do when you wake up and see the news story of how the University of North Carolina is once again violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with a scholarship that specifically excludes white students from eligibility? Your first thought is...Source]]>2218falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-can-elections-be-fixed-and-not-just-rigged--53271087Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1363444Sat, 17 Dec 2022 16:52:11 +0000RicochetJohn Yoo is back at last from yet another Italian junket—yes, Lucretia let him back across the border unharmed!—and hosts this week’s episode in which we clarify some of the over-hasty arguments from last week’s highly thymotic episode about exactly...Source]]>3986false378fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/michael-walsh-against-the-great-reset--53271077Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1362532Thu, 15 Dec 2022 17:54:10 +0000RicochetWe live in a time of “crisis addicts,” in which the left cannot shake its addiction to what might be called “crisis porn.” Remember Rahm Emanuel proclaiming in 2009, “Never let a good crisis go to waste”? He was merely stating openly what has been...Source]]>3422false377fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-you-went-full-lincoln-john-never-go-full-lincoln--53271136Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1360388Sat, 10 Dec 2022 17:53:10 +0000RicochetHoo boy, this week’s happy hour very nearly descended into a full-scale bar room brawl, even though we recorded in the morning over coffee instead of single-malts because John Yoo is still over in Rome! (And may not come back after this episode!)...Source]]>4827false376fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ilya-shapiro-on-the-supreme-court--53271122Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1359430Thu, 08 Dec 2022 18:03:00 +0000RicochetWith the new Supreme Court term under way, and with several potential landmark oral arguments already in the can, I decided to catch up with Ilya Shapiro, director of constitutional studies at the Manhattan Institute, and author of Supreme Disorder:...Source]]>2548false375fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-on-the-crisis-of-our-time--53271113Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1356499Sat, 03 Dec 2022 18:59:08 +0000RicochetThe whisky bar is short one bartender this week as John Yoo is overseas yet again to Italy for some nefarious purpose, so it’s just Steve and Lucretia slinging the 180-proof analysis of the Twitter revelations and other news headlines of the end of...Source]]>3476false374fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/glenn-ellmers-on-hard-truths-radical-possibilities--53271140Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1343509Tue, 29 Nov 2022 22:17:16 +0000RicochetGlenn Ellmers has done it again, with a new provocation that “the constitutional republic created by our founders no longer exists.” His article posted at American Greatness, “ Hard Truths and Radical Possibilities,” backs up this startling...Source]]>3753false373fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-special-non-crypto-thanksgiving-edition--53271096Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1342533Fri, 25 Nov 2022 22:40:35 +0000RicochetIn this special Thanksgiving long weekend edition with John Yoo sitting in the rotating host chair, the 3WHH bartenders share some wine, whisky and food pairings from the big meal. Steve supplemented his usual fare with popovers, washed down with some...Source]]>4551false372fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/on-european-conservatism-with-alvino-mario-fantini--53271108Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1341694Wed, 23 Nov 2022 19:51:00 +0000RicochetOne of my favorite journals these days is The European Conservative, edited by the intrepid Alvino-Mario Fantini out of Vienna. Printed on heavy stock paper, its articles are adorned with fabulous reproductions of classic art, making it the kind of...Source]]>3019false371fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-back-to-school-of-athens--53271097Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1339718Fri, 18 Nov 2022 17:01:52 +0000RicochetYour Three Whisky Happy Hour bartenders wandered to Milan this week where we recorded a rare in-person episode, and since we met in Italy, naturally we taste-tested Austrian single-malt whisky, described on the label as “dark” and “peated.” You’ll...Source]]>3120false370fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-mcrib-election--53271063Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1337153Sat, 12 Nov 2022 06:47:56 +0000RicochetSome smart aleck wag at the Daily Caller has decided this midterm was the “McRib” election, saying “Democracy is like the McRib: It comes and goes mysteriously every two years or so and it is confusing. And, like politicians, once the McRib is...Source]]>3803false369fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-final-election-analysis-and-predictions--53271075Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1333834Sat, 05 Nov 2022 15:10:03 +0000RicochetWith John Yoo in the host chair this week, the 3WHH bartenders enjoy some four-finger pours of mostly American whisky ahead of Tuesday’s midterm election, which Steve and Lucretia think is going to be a wave of tsunami proportions. In addition to...Source]]>4092false368fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/baseball-and-the-midterms-with-henry-olsen--53271076Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1333138Thu, 03 Nov 2022 20:11:08 +0000RicochetWith the World Series knotted at 2-2, and the mid-term election just days away, it seemed the perfect time to catch up with Henry Olsen, the premier psephologist (trying saying that word fast just once, never mind seven times) of all things...Source]]>2059false367fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-supreme-court-the-day-after--53271129Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1331956Tue, 01 Nov 2022 18:01:55 +0000RicochetThat was an extraordinary five hours at the Supreme Court yesterday—twice as long as the oral arguments were originally scheduled to last—and the longer the argument went on, the worse it seemed to get for the defenders of raced-based admissions for...Source]]>3190false366fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-affirmative-action-game-day-at-the-supreme-court--53271150Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1330727Sat, 29 Oct 2022 18:02:49 +0000RicochetOn Monday the Supreme Court takes up the Harvard and University of North Carolina affirmative action cases in what is the Super Bowl of civil rights litigation—arguably the biggest moment for the Court since Brown v. Board of Education. Naturally that...Source]]>3975false365fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/classified-with-david-bernstein--53271138Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1329853Thu, 27 Oct 2022 14:43:24 +0000RicochetNext Monday the Supreme Court takes up the Harvard and University of North Carolina affirmative action admissions cases, but before getting to the constitutional doctrine of the matter, there is a vexing matter that is often overlooked: if we’re going...Source]]>3838false364fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-two-whisky-happy-hour-cleanup-on-aisle-1776--53271155Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1329301Wed, 26 Oct 2022 01:19:15 +0000RicochetLucretia and Steve gave John Yoo the day off for this special interstitial (and abbreviated) episode that we’ll just call the *Two* Whisky Happy Hour, in which Lucretia and Steve clear up some confusion from our most recent fast-paced episode, where a...Source]]>2215false363fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/richard-epstein-censored-by-youtube--53271149Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1328846Mon, 24 Oct 2022 22:14:44 +0000RicochetLast February John Yoo and I hosted Richard Epstein, who needs no introduction for Ricochet members and listeners, for a lecture at Berkeley Law on his most recent book, The Dubious Morality of Modern Administrative Law. Given that we were still under...Source]]>2680false362fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-burke-natural-right-and-free-speech--53271072Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1328066Sat, 22 Oct 2022 15:37:23 +0000RicochetHoo boy! This week’s fiery episode takes up the argument leftover from last week about whether conservatism—and especially the new “national” variety that is sparking so much energy and enthusiasm right now—should conceive of its mission as Burkean in...Source]]>4555false361fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-biggest-farce-contest--53271093Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1325343Sat, 15 Oct 2022 02:07:50 +0000RicochetWith John Yoo in the host chair this week, we get off to a rocky start because a certain friend of ours made a favorable reference to Edmund Burke in a draft article shared with us in advance of publication, and Lucretia immediately went to DefCon1....Source]]>3759false360fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-juris-thermo-armageddon-edition--53271124Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1322513Sat, 08 Oct 2022 16:10:06 +0000RicochetFor the left, we have arrived at juris-thermo-geddon. If the Ruskies don’t nuke us, then the Supreme Court is going to nuke the Constitution! The Doomsday Clock at leftist institutions everywhere is striking midnight, yet somehow the Bulletin of...Source]]>3621false359fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-from-command-and-control-to-fascism--53271106Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1319744Sat, 01 Oct 2022 16:46:01 +0000RicochetThis week offers a hybrid car of an episode—almost literally as it turns out—as John Yoo was traveling midweek when Lucretia and Steve gathered in person with Richard Samuelson to record the first half, reviewing his reflections on the significance of...Source]]>4035false358fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-from-star-wars-to-law-wars--53271107Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1316237Fri, 23 Sep 2022 22:20:53 +0000RicochetThis week the gang revisits the taxonomy of which Star Wars characters map properly onto the domain of the New Rebel Alliance, aka, the “national conservatives” we discussed in some detail last week, chiefly because John and Steve knew it would annoy...Source]]>4236false357fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cleveland-rocks-with-troy-senik--53271116Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1314777Tue, 20 Sep 2022 17:54:32 +0000RicochetMove over Calvin Coolidge: Grover Cleveland has a valid claim to being regarded as the most constitutionally faithful and fiscally frugal president since the Civil War—a case made splendidly in Troy Senik’s new biography that is being published today,...Source]]>3023false356fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-drink-up-for-constitution-day--53271126Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1313732Sat, 17 Sep 2022 18:41:05 +0000RicochetToday is Constitution Day, so naturally conversation at the 3WHH bar turned directly to the question of whether the state-mandated observances of Constitution Day in public colleges and universities are unconstitutional! Naturally there is division on...Source]]>4879false355fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-god-save-the-queen--53271163Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1310662Fri, 09 Sep 2022 14:54:58 +0000RicochetWith John Yoo sitting in the host chair this week, we decided to post this episode a day early partly on account of travel schedules (John and Steve are head for the NatCon conference in Miami), and partly because of the breaking news of the passing...Source]]>3937false354fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-behind-biden-s-f-bomb--53271144Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1307996Sat, 03 Sep 2022 03:13:00 +0000RicochetThe setting for Biden’s speech was so bad that it rivals Michael Dukakis’s tank ride for disastrous visuals, but that’s noting compared to the egregious content, which makes Jimmy Carter’s dreadful “malaise” speech seem like Demosthenes by comparison....Source]]>4824false353fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-back-to-school--53271067Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1305022Sat, 27 Aug 2022 04:27:37 +0000RicochetOnce again the three-host Three Whisky Happy Hour didn’t get around to any whisky reviews, distracted once again by important breaking fast-food news. But the main first topic of this back-to-school special edition is the role education is playing in...Source]]>4078false352fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/two-cheers-for-the-climate-bill-alex-trembath-explains--53271069Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1304232Thu, 25 Aug 2022 19:59:15 +0000RicochetThe heart of the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” (IRA) is a massive increase in subsidies for “green energy,” which normally summons a gag reflex from most conservatives. But the iconoclasts at the Breakthrough Institute, who are not automatic or...Source]]>3786false351fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-raiding-everything--53271148Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1301849Sat, 20 Aug 2022 15:17:02 +0000RicochetJohn Yoo assumes the rotating host chair for this week’s episode, since Steve was on the road much of the week and didn’t keep up with news that didn’t involve whisky (and mermaids). We review what to make of Liz Cheney’s huge defeat in Wyoming, and...Source]]>4016false350fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/america-never-existed-say-what--53271134Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1300120Tue, 16 Aug 2022 16:35:41 +0000RicochetGlenn Ellmers has done it again, with a fresh provocation entitled “ America Never Existed.” Say what?!?! Did he drink some 1619 Moonshine or something? Here’s his lede: It is possible (not certain, but possible) that within the next 20 years or so,...Source]]>3086false349fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-now-with-three-hosts--53271143Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1298913Sat, 13 Aug 2022 04:00:17 +0000RicochetWith this episode of the Three Whisky Happy Hour, the great John Yoo joins up as a permanent co-host along with Steve and Lucretia, having spent the last several weeks in Triple-A podcast instructional league while Steve was drinking his way across...Source]]>4234false348fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-mcribb-happy-meal-podcast-crashed-again--53271170Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1295400Sat, 06 Aug 2022 11:34:44 +0000RicochetIf I stay overseas any longer, it’s pretty clear the usurpation of the 3wHH will morph into the “The McRibb Happy Meal Podcast” if I don’t put a stop to it, so I made sure to disrupt this week’s episode once again from London, this time while...Source]]>5003false347fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-coup-and-counter-coup--53271171Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1292320Sat, 30 Jul 2022 06:19:10 +0000RicochetI can’t believe I had to crash my own podcast today to blunt the slow-rolling coup that Lucretia and John Yoo started last week in my absence, but by the miracle of the internet I did just that, dropping in for a few minutes between drams of whisky...Source]]>3995false346fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-with-guest-bartender-john-yoo--53271045Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1289446Sat, 23 Jul 2022 06:47:48 +0000RicochetI can’t believe I left the car keys to the podcast sitting on the kitchen counter when I left for overseas, and now Lucretia and John Yoo have snatched them up and usurped the usufructs of the 3WHH. After they finally get clear of their ritualistic...Source]]>4521false345fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/everything-you-know-about-watergate-is-wrong-part-2--53271151Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1281385Tue, 05 Jul 2022 13:03:30 +0000RicochetIn this second half of my conversation with Geoff Shepard (part 1 here, if you missed it), we walk through the famous “smoking gun” Oval Office tape of June 23, 1972, which was the final straw that led to Nixon’s resignation in August, 1974. Except...Source]]>3424false344fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-clarence-cassidy--53271156Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1280247Sat, 02 Jul 2022 13:58:58 +0000RicochetThe big news story this week was the appearance of the fetching Fawn Hall Cassidy Hutchinson before the Watergate January 6 select committee, which somehow put us in the frame of mind of “Cassidy” by the renowned poetic duo of Weir/Barlow: Lost now on...Source]]>3961false343fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/everything-you-know-about-watergate-is-wrong-part-1--53271123Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1279475Fri, 01 Jul 2022 01:22:22 +0000RicochetWriting about the Watergate scandal in the 1980s, political scientist John Marini said “The passage of time has not resulted in greater clarity concerning what it is we should have learned from the event, perhaps because we still lack an authoritative...Source]]>3102false342fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-on-the-supreme-court-s-banner-week-with-john-yoo--53271185Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1276674Sat, 25 Jun 2022 16:20:39 +0000RicochetHas there been a more momentous week for the Supreme Court ever? The Court went three-for-three on the key cases this week ( Carson, on school choice; Bruen, on gun rights: and Dobbs, overturning Roe and Casey), not simply on the decision of the...Source]]>3497false341fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-rant-about-biden-s-energy-policy-with-robert-bryce--53271131Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1275580Thu, 23 Jun 2022 16:20:11 +0000RicochetWhen it comes to energy, is the Biden administration simply stupid, or blindly ideological? Yes—we should embrace the power of “and,” because these possibilities are not mutually exclusive. Indeed the Bidenistas appear to be both dumb and ideological....Source]]>2365false340fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-jean-yarbrough-for-the-tie-breaker--53271193Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1273569Sat, 18 Jun 2022 15:38:55 +0000RicochetWith Steve and Lucretia still locked in mortal combat over how best to understand equality, equity, prudence and related issues, and divided as bitterly over Edmund Burke as they are over whisky styles (with Steve recklessly wading in with a new piece...Source]]>4215false339fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/more-stan-evans-on-theology-and-internal-security--53271147Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1271280Tue, 14 Jun 2022 12:12:54 +0000RicochetThe penultimate chapter of my recent biography, M. Stanton Evans: Conservative Wit, Apostle of Freedom, summarizes the enduring literary, philosophical, and historical contributions of his last two books, The Theme Is Freedom, and Blacklisted by...Source]]>2141false338fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-equality-versus-equity-continued--53271190Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1270210Sat, 11 Jun 2022 04:17:11 +0000RicochetA frequent recurrence to the fundamental principles of the Constitution, and a constant adherence to those of piety, justice, moderation, temperance, industry, and frugality, are absolutely necessary, to preserve the advantages of liberty, and to...Source]]>3619false337fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/justice-clint-bolick-an-origin-story--53271162Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1268865Wed, 08 Jun 2022 19:47:12 +0000RicochetWhen Arizona Governor Doug Ducey appointed the noted libertarian lawyer Clint Bolick to the Arizona Supreme Court in 2016, the left freaked out (so what else is new), calling his appointment “chilling.” The Center for American Progress gasped, “Mr....Source]]>2363false336fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-what-is-conservatism-conserving-anyway--53271115Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1266848Sat, 04 Jun 2022 04:31:10 +0000RicochetTwo favorite guests and friends join us at the bar for this week’s happy hour, to hash out bar fights they started in less reputable watering holes. Jeremy Carl argues in The American Conservative that there needs to be “A Republican Counter-Elite,”...Source]]>3930false335fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/happy-anniversary-power-line-celebrates-20-years--53271119Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1266646Fri, 03 Jun 2022 16:39:20 +0000RicochetThe 20th anniversary is known as the “China anniversary,” and can you still use that if your predominant mode is breaking China? In any case, the Power Line crew assembled for a live (by Zoom) VIP webcast this week that featured a rare appearance by...Source]]>3869false334fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-ticketron-and-other-defunct-superheroes--53271164Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1263871Sat, 28 May 2022 16:20:53 +0000RicochetThis week’s review of the news is more wide-ranging than usual, starting with the question of whether the release of Top Gun: Maverick will turn out to be one more small indicator that the backlash against the cultural left is gaining steam. After...Source]]>3655false333fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-what-s-in-the-news-today-oh-boy--53271057Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1260580Sat, 21 May 2022 19:35:53 +0000RicochetThis is the week we learned that there is a reason we’ll miss Jen Psaki at the White House (plus a shout out to the forgotten Dee Dee Myers, who looks pretty good in retrospect); that the Anthony Scaramucci duration-in-office scale remains useful for...Source]]>3025false332fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-mulish-voting-edition--53271056Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1256702Sat, 14 May 2022 02:26:03 +0000RicochetThere are so many things that seem . . . wrong about the 2020 election, and now comes the new documentary film “2000 Mules” offering some visually compelling circumstantial evidence, along with a few examples of direct testimony of voting misbehavior...Source]]>3023false331fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-special-leakgate-edition--53271176Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1252795Thu, 05 May 2022 03:42:19 +0000RicochetOwing partly to travel schedules that prevent our normal and proper Friday evening happy hour to debrief the week, combined with the shocking leak of the prospective Supreme Court opinion in the Dobbs case, we decided to declare a special mid-week...Source]]>4127false330fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-dezinformatsiya-edition--53271133Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1250807Sat, 30 Apr 2022 16:01:38 +0000RicochetThis is the week the world was introduced to the O’Brien of the 21st century, Ms. Nina Jankowicz, aka the “Mary Poppins of disinformation” (her own term), who is going to lead the Biden Administration’s new Ministry of Truth in the Department of...Source]]>3974false329fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/stan-evans-in-his-own-words--53271099Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1249724Thu, 28 Apr 2022 14:10:36 +0000RicochetNow that my biography of M. Stanton Evans is out, time to go back and take in Stan in his own words in podcast form. A previous podcast featured several of Stan’s greatest comedy chops, so this one highlights some of his serious work. I decided to...Source]]>2707false328fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-glenn-ellmers-on-the-jordan-peterson-phenomenon--53271078Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1247370Sat, 23 Apr 2022 15:38:01 +0000RicochetJordan Peterson took the intellectual world by storm in 2016, bursting on the scene in a way not seen by a non-leftist thinker since Allan Bloom in the late 1980s. His idiosyncratic mix of Jungian psychology, existential philosophy, and common-sense...Source]]>3922false327fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/geopolitical-risk-after-ukraine-with-terry-hallmark--53271182Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1221116Tue, 19 Apr 2022 16:58:18 +0000RicochetSuddenly energy security and geopolitical risk is on everyone’s mind again, so we decided to consult a true expert on the subject— Terry Hallmark of the University of Houston. He currently teaches ancient, medieval and early modern political...Source]]>2732false326fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-crt-mad-max-in-the-classroom--53271202Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1219795Sat, 16 Apr 2022 15:36:43 +0000RicochetFirst, we are pleased to appoint Lance Izumi, a previous guest on this show, to be the official whisky master of the 3WHH, even though he doesn’t drink whisky (or anything else for that matter), because anyone who can pull off this look deserves the...Source]]>3787false325fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-mad-max-postponed--53271111Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1216509Sat, 09 Apr 2022 05:07:14 +0000RicochetSteve and Lucretia intended to head back into the seminar room in this episode, with a treatment of Critical Race Theory (because why should the 1619 Project get all the love?), and some reflections on the puzzle presented by the head-scratching fact...Source]]>3806false324fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-with-richard-samuelson-on-harvard-s-april-fool-s-prank--53271181Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1213536Sat, 02 Apr 2022 13:19:26 +0000RicochetHistorian Richard Samuelson turned up for Friday evening happy hour this week, with 14-year-old Oban in hand, to kick around this week’s less-than-neat headlines. Is it merely a coincidence that Jen Psaki chose April Fools’ Day to have the news come...Source]]>3316false323fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/phil-magness-on-the-latest-1619-project-absurdity--53271179Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1212312Wed, 30 Mar 2022 20:59:14 +0000RicochetIt would be easier at this point to start a list that names of everything that is not caused or tainted by racism, because it is becoming absurd. The latest from Nikole Hannah-Jones is that tipping is a legacy of slavery. No, she really said this, on...Source]]>1030false322fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-judge-kb-jackson-originalist--53271212Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1210008Sat, 26 Mar 2022 11:00:39 +0000RicochetIs Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson an originalist? Of course not. In no possible universe will we get a Justice Jackson who turns out to be a closet moderate or even conservative. The last Democratic Supreme Court pick who moved to the right was Byron...Source]]>3203false321fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-on-the-greatness-of-stan-evans--53271142Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1207107Sat, 19 Mar 2022 15:44:55 +0000RicochetFreshly resupplied with Laphraoig and Glen Livet, Lucretia assumes hosting duties this week to examine—and cross-examine—Steve about his new biography M. Stanton Evans: Conservative Wit, Apostle of Freedom, which comes out officially on Monday....Source]]>4575false320fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-claremont-question-with-charles-kesler-and-john-yoo--53271092Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1206331Thu, 17 Mar 2022 17:46:00 +0000RicochetProf. Charles Kesler, editor of the Claremont Review of Books, and author, most recently, of The Crisis of the Two Constitutions, recently visited Berkeley to give a lecture on his book, and sit down with John Yoo and me to discuss what we’re calling...Source]]>2641false319fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-perfect-storm-gathering-against-the-left--53271127Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1203916Sat, 12 Mar 2022 18:01:56 +0000RicochetLucretia and Steve review the week’s news, and conclude that there’s a gathering storm of doom for the left. First, the incompetence of the Biden Administration from top to bottom is impossible to disguise effectively much longer. The attempt to blame...Source]]>3494false318fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-michael-anton-on-the-ukraine-crisis--53271204Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1199693Sat, 05 Mar 2022 06:06:21 +0000RicochetThe Ukraine crisis isn’t going away, and with recriminations on all sides making the rounds here at home, it seemed propitious to check in with Michael Anton, who, among other things, served on the National Security Council in two administrations. To...Source]]>3881false317fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/taking-tyrants-like-putin-seriously-with-waller-newell--53271112Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1199353Fri, 04 Mar 2022 21:15:47 +0000RicochetA common theme making the rounds is that Vladimir Putin must be crazy or has badly miscalculated his interests, and therefore is extremely dangerous. In fact the problem may be much worse than that. Putin is not merely a tyrant as understood by the...Source]]>1408false316fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-sit-rep-on-ukraine-with-col-austin-bay--53271135Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1198235Thu, 03 Mar 2022 03:14:39 +0000RicochetThe “fog of war” is even foggier in the age of 24/7 news and social media, so it is impossible to know what the hell is happening on the ground in the Ukraine, let alone in Moscow. High time, then, to check in with Col. Austin Bay, author of Cocktails...Source]]>2399false315fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-getting-right-with-the-14th-amendment-with-randy-barnett--53271169Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1195518Sat, 26 Feb 2022 16:19:16 +0000RicochetLucretia added to her intrepid legend by venturing into the asylum at Berkeley this week to record this episode in person with Georgetown Law Professor Randy Barnett about his new book (co-authored with Evan Bernick), The Original Meaning of the...Source]]>3989false314fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-not-this-again-with-richard-samuelson--53271175Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1140153Fri, 18 Feb 2022 16:48:24 +0000RicochetThis week we’re joined once again by the historian, political theorist, and borscht-belt comedian Richard Samuelson to break the 3WHH deadlock on “the FDR Question.” But fear not weary listeners, we dispose of that question in short order, and move on...Source]]>3878false313fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-keep-on-not-truckin--53271180Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1136764Sat, 12 Feb 2022 17:03:01 +0000RicochetEven without the Canadian truckers providing the St. Crispin’s Day rally point against the Branch COVIDians, you have the feeling that this was the week the edifice started to crumble, when our betters started to contemplate the fate of Nicolae...Source]]>3153false312fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-hollyweird-to-hollywoke-virtue-bombs-with-christian-toto--53271174Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1136163Fri, 11 Feb 2022 17:11:21 +0000RicochetHollywood has been liberal to far-left for decades, but in recent years it has become fully Hollywoke. Christian Toto, proprietor of the invaluable Hollywood-in-Toto website, is out with a new book surveying the wreckage of Hollywokeness: Virtue...Source]]>2748false311fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-back-to-the-ring-on-the-fdr-question--53271094Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1132740Sat, 05 Feb 2022 19:13:06 +0000RicochetLast week’s episode with Conrad Black defending his pro-FDR thesis generated a lot of reader interest and comments, so Lucretia and I decided to return to the boxing ring to argue out the matter de novo. It will not be a surprise to regular listeners...Source]]>3649false310fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-there-a-generation-gap-on-the-right-the-based-think-so--53271050Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1131529Thu, 03 Feb 2022 15:53:52 +0000RicochetAlmost completely ignored by conservative media, there is a growing generation gap emerging within young conservatives that in some ways resembles the “generation gap” of the 1960s which saw the new left “hippie” generation emerge from liberal homes,...Source]]>6293false309fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-fdr-question-with-conrad-black--53271109Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1128563Sat, 29 Jan 2022 04:40:47 +0000RicochetAs regular listeners will know, Lucretia and I have debated “the FDR question” a lot, amidst a flurry of new reconsiderations among a few thinkers and places on the right who think we should hold FDR in higher esteem. But over and over again in this...Source]]>4350false308fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-conversation-with-charles-murray-and-steve-sailer-pt-2--53271125Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1127393Thu, 27 Jan 2022 18:46:22 +0000RicochetAfter we recorded and posted part 1 of this conversation last week, the news came out that the Supreme Court will hear the Harvard/University of North Carolina affirmative action admissions cases. It has been solidly demonstrated that the universities...Source]]>3607false307fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-conversation-with-charles-murray-and-steve-sailer-pt-1--53271085Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1125096Sun, 23 Jan 2022 22:55:56 +0000RicochetThe idea for this episode was born on Twitter. Someone wondered if Charles Murray would be willing to do a podcast with journalist Steve Sailer, who, like Charles, is willing to confront openly the most delicate aspects of race and class in...Source]]>4038false306fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-on-dmla-syndrome-and-other-defects-of-modernity--53271199Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1124589Sat, 22 Jan 2022 18:48:50 +0000RicochetThis week Lucretia really takes it to Steve for his advanced case of DMLAS (Deficient Meat Loaf Awareness Syndrome—and we’re not talking the baked dish here), which surely must make the next edition of the DSM. But from there we quickly pivot to a...Source]]>3714false305fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-on-biden-s-horrible-no-good-very-bad-week--53271145Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1121014Sat, 15 Jan 2022 17:17:59 +0000RicochetBoth Steve and Lucretia get through three different whiskys each in this gala episode, recorded with a live audience on Zoom, celebrating the Biden-Harris administration’s worst week in office yet, though as the noted political analyst Homer Simpson...Source]]>4295false304fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/roy-spencer-on-climate-change-censorship-and-cool-satellites--53271197Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1120022Thu, 13 Jan 2022 21:48:04 +0000RicochetDr. Roy Spencer of NASA and the University of Alabama at Huntsville is one of the nation’s most accomplished climate scientists, having won awards for his work developing the satellite monitoring system that provides some of the best weather and...Source]]>2121false303fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-why-the-jan-6-narrative-is-like-climate-change--53271207Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1117462Sat, 08 Jan 2022 03:48:17 +0000RicochetWe open this first episode of the 3WHH of 2022 with the existential question: why is Lucretia so mean to Steve? Actually she has a really good reason, but you have to get all the way to the end for the reward—or is it a redemption? (Steve attempts to...Source]]>3453false302fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/steve-hayward-on-america-s-nervous-breakdown--53271218Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1116862Thu, 06 Jan 2022 23:20:35 +0000RicochetWith today’s leftist Ahab-like obsession with the “insurrection” of January 6, it seems like as good a time as any to post the lecture I gave last summer in Budapest (cue scary Dracula music here) last summer on “What’s Going on in America?” My...Source]]>2258false301fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-state-of-american-democracy-at-year-end-with-richard-samuelson--53271153Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1113221Fri, 31 Dec 2021 16:20:16 +0000RicochetFor what turns out to be the 300th Power Line podcast as well as the last episode of 2021, we decided to revert to full three-whisky mode with a live audience on Zoom, and an extended conversation with historian Richard Samuelson about the left’s...Source]]>4411false300fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-daily-whisky-shot-winners-losers-of-2021--53271167Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1112704Thu, 30 Dec 2021 16:46:28 +0000RicochetToday’s episode offers up our picks for losers and winners of the year. I won’t spill them here—you’ll just have to listen to find out—but they do fall within the obvious range, though Steve’s winner of the year provides the pivot for answering a...Source]]>1377false299fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-daily-whisky-shot-covid-politics-at-year-end--53271084Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1112214Wed, 29 Dec 2021 17:03:08 +0000RicochetToday’s minicast takes in the observation of an unlikely source—Nate Silver—about how our politicized “public health” establishment worked assiduously to delay the approval of COVID vaccines last year until after the election so as to help defeat...Source]]>1481false298fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-daily-whisky-shot-restoring-election-integrity--53271165Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1111832Tue, 28 Dec 2021 18:05:51 +0000RicochetThe historical record notes that George Washington used to include ample supplies of whisky to distribute to voters and campaign workers in the elections of the 1790s, so the subject of election integrity is perfect for this week’s one-off Whisky Shot...Source]]>1580false297fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/this-week-only-the-daily-whisky-show--53271208Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1111420Mon, 27 Dec 2021 17:29:15 +0000RicochetThe week after Christmas is the interregnum where we attempt to resume a more moderate level of eating and drinking before the football-anchored binge of New Year’s Eve, and so instead of one three-whisky podcast, Lucretia and I decided—for this week...Source]]>1554false296fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-s-wrong-with-star-trek-tng-and-other-sci-fi-thoughts-with-ken-green--53271168Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1109780Wed, 22 Dec 2021 21:47:18 +0000RicochetOkay, this episode, intended as a respite from all-issues-all-the-time for the holiday week, also doubles as pure James Lileks bait. Back when Ken Green and I were resident scholars at the American Enterprise Institute, lunchtime conversation often...Source]]>3277false295fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-2022-predictions-with-adam-mill--53271091Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1107761Sat, 18 Dec 2021 05:54:35 +0000RicochetFor what may be our last episode of the year (since next weekend in Christmas),Steve is quaffing Bunnahabhain for this week’s peaty Islay whisky, mostly in the vain hope that “Bunnahabhain” could be added to the National Spelling Bee, just for grins...Source]]>4338false294fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-staring-down-stare-decisis-with-guest-bartender-john-yoo--53271188Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1103747Fri, 10 Dec 2021 17:43:10 +0000RicochetThis week’s episode is going up a day early as we had to call Happy Hour for Thursday evening on account of scheduling problems, and Steve and Lucretia welcome to the bar the noted Bourbon drinker and McRibb connoisseur John Yoo. (He’s also apparently...Source]]>4074false293fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-what-the-latest-hoax-teaches-about-liberalism--53271178Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1100953Sat, 04 Dec 2021 15:58:05 +0000RicochetThis special end-of-semester episode features Steve and Lucretia reflecting on the latest academic hoax that Steve highlighted earlier in the week on Power Line ( here and here), and which may have contributed to Higher Education Quarterly having to...Source]]>4327false292fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-classic-format-episode-about-classic-prog-rock--53271173Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1100447Fri, 03 Dec 2021 07:11:30 +0000RicochetAs Monty Python used to say, “And now for something completely different.” I decided to do a one-off episode about my favorite topic with which to annoy anyone of taste and refinement—a reflection on prog rock, which Jody Bottum once aptly described...Source]]>1282false291fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-thinking-about-crime-in-2021--53271214Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1097975Sat, 27 Nov 2021 18:39:48 +0000RicochetBack in the sixties Ronald Reagan liked to quip, “A liberal’s idea of being tough on crime is giving longer suspended sentences.” Today’s liberals don’t even bother with lenient sentences; instead, in our current “defund the police, empty the prisons”...Source]]>3734false290fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-wobbling-wheels-edition--53271141Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1094552Sat, 20 Nov 2021 19:13:45 +0000RicochetThis week’s review of the news begins with the two huge stories that broke Friday—the acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse (which is causing grief counselors for leftists to work overtime again), and the House passage of Biden’s so-called “Build Back Better”...Source]]>3949false289fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-new-misery-index-edition--53271213Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1090869Sat, 13 Nov 2021 15:14:37 +0000RicochetSteve actually turned up for this week’s show with three different whiskys in hand (Finlaggan, Lagavulin 8, and Bunnahabhain 12—in other words, Islay All the Way!), along with a sampling of the worst-reviewed whiskys ever, though these reviews pale in...Source]]>4430false278fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-election-schadenfreude-edition--53271177Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1087114Sat, 06 Nov 2021 18:01:02 +0000RicochetThis week’s edition of the Three Whisky VERY Happy Hour revels in schadenfreude over the spectacle of the left freaking out over the election results on Tuesday. As political philosophers we try to go beyond the usual political punditry to get at the...Source]]>4269false287fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-let-s-go-bruno-edition--53271228Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1083294Sat, 30 Oct 2021 15:45:21 +0000RicochetThe title of this week’s episode—”Let’s go Bruno”—requires some explanation, though you’d be right in assuming that “Bruno” fills the same place as “Brandon” in the more familiar slogan of the moment. In this case it refers to the famous and...Source]]>3670false286fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-no-whisky-happy-hour-gonzo-beach-edition--53271187Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1080814Wed, 27 Oct 2021 03:30:22 +0000RicochetUnfortunately we weren’t able to fix up the usual online recording session for this week’s Three Whisky Happy Hour, and attempted to assemble in person ahead of the Claremont Institute’s annual dinner at Huntington Beach, this year with Florida...Source]]>1510false285fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-biden-is-whiffing-and-other-baseball-analysis-with-henry-olsen--53271064Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1078162Fri, 22 Oct 2021 16:39:18 +0000RicochetWhat do baseball and politics have in common? I have no idea, but Henry Olsen does. Actually, the kinds of data measurements we use in baseball can be applied to politics as well, and few do it better than Henry. So in this “classic format” episode,...Source]]>1843false284fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-go-brandon-edition--53271203Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1073771Sat, 16 Oct 2021 15:42:56 +0000RicochetLucretia, looking typically unconvinced by one of Steve’s arguments. This week’s episode, recorded with a live audience on Zoom, was off the hook a little more than usual, as Lucretia was in a grumpy mood (despite Steve changing up his whisky...Source]]>3774false283fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-what-s-in-the-news-today-oh-boy--53271195Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1068281Sat, 09 Oct 2021 15:29:48 +0000RicochetThis week’s episode is sans-guests and sans-metaphysics, as Lucretia and Steve kick around the news of the week, which is a mix of the usual ominous portents from Washington, along with some evidence that Democrats are in free-fall with the public....Source]]>4023false282fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-alice-cooper-school-s-out-vindicated-with-lance-izumi--53271249Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1063649Sun, 03 Oct 2021 13:16:34 +0000RicochetWe’re a day late with this week’s episode because Lucretia and Steve had the opportunity to catch up live with the Pacific Research Institute’s education expert extraordinaire Lance Izumi in San Francisco, to talk about what’s going on in the world of...Source]]>3218false281fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-crisis-in-civilian-military-relations-with-mackubin-owens--53271102Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1061540Thu, 30 Sep 2021 16:55:47 +0000RicochetWith all the controversy over General Mark Milley’s direct contacts with senior Chinese military leaders, his apparently extensive contacts with journalists, and the confusion or contradictions over what advice he and others gave to President Biden...Source]]>1331false280fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-end-of-history-with-richard-samuelson--53271186Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1058771Sun, 26 Sep 2021 21:16:33 +0000RicochetWe’re a day late because of travel problems, and Steve is working on a backup computer because he left his laptop behind at his office on Friday, but this allowed us finally to book historian Richard Samuelson to join the happy hour to talk about . ....Source]]>3671false279fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-do-experts-know-anything--53271223Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1053206Sat, 18 Sep 2021 18:53:09 +0000RicochetSteve’s happy place! Steve returns as host this week, and after some of the ritual lover’s quarrel over whisky (including a celebration of Steve’s happy place—see nearby pic), Steve and Lucretia get down to the main business, which is slagging the...Source]]>4270false278fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-9-11-reflections-ca-recall-predictions-and-more--53271209Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1047743Sat, 11 Sep 2021 18:08:39 +0000RicochetLucretia assumes hosting duties for this week’s potpourri of a show because Steve is recovering from major surgery, which he relates at the show opening today. (It includes a theological dimension!) But while Steve is improving, the recall effort...Source]]>3601false277fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-soul-of-politics-with-glenn-ellmers--53271216Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1040849Sat, 04 Sep 2021 14:24:04 +0000RicochetNext Tuesday, Encounter Books will publish Glenn Ellmers’ magisterial intellectual biography The Soul of Politics: Harry Jaffa and the Fight for America, and Glenn joins us this week to walk through some of the highlights in the book in what is...Source]]>4405false275fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-on-equality-consent-and-the-difficulty-of-self-government--53271166Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1037111Sat, 28 Aug 2021 14:24:18 +0000RicochetThis week’s episode is a Biden-free zone, so if you’re looking to avoid the Biden-Afghan collapse story, this is the show for you. Instead we decided to circle back return to an argument Steve was losing badly at the end of last week’s episode with...Source]]>3900false274fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-with-guest-bartender-michael-anton--53271200Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1031234Sat, 21 Aug 2021 03:26:46 +0000RicochetWe’re not done thrashing the Afghanistan disgrace, so we coaxed Michael Anton (the Power Line podcast’s most frequent guest it turns out) to join us for a few quaffs. We use three of his recent articles to launch our discussion, starting with “...Source]]>4423false273fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-with-afghan-vet-spencer-case--53271090Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1029863Thu, 19 Aug 2021 13:07:00 +0000RicochetWe weren’t able to do an episode for our regular Saturday time slot last weekend because Steve was on the road, so we’re doing this mid-week show with a special return guest, philosopher Spencer Case, who in a previous life served in the U.S. Army in...Source]]>3175false272fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-can-we-please-have-a-second-political-party--53271105Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1021720Sat, 07 Aug 2021 19:38:00 +0000RicochetLucretia takes over hosting duties for this episode (which seems only truth-in-advertising, since most listeners think she is charge every week), as we contemplate the question: wouldn’t it be nice if we actually had two political parties? We use as...Source]]>3906false271fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ted-gaines-for-governor--53271205Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1020181Thu, 05 Aug 2021 18:25:54 +0000RicochetAs everyone knows, California is having another fun-filled recall election next month, and some recent polls show that Governor Gavin Gruesom is in trouble and may well lose. The way California’s recall works is that if a majority votes to recall the...Source]]>2601false270fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/kevin-roche-on-coronamania--53271220Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1018465Tue, 03 Aug 2021 16:50:33 +0000RicochetWhen it comes to COVID, Power Line’s go-to source for making sense of the subject is Kevin Roche, who brings his years of experience in the health care field to his very useful website, healthy-skeptic.com. Scott Johnson follows Kevin’s work closely...Source]]>2438false269fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-fight-club-sequel-with-a-twist-of-fdr--53271159Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1016083Sat, 31 Jul 2021 12:47:06 +0000RicochetWe’re back! After a hiatus for a week while Steve was overseas, we return to the bar with some new whiskies and a sequel to our last episode that talked about the hysterical attacks on our friends at the Claremont Institute. Little did we know the...Source]]>3713false268fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-almost-live-from-budapest--53271225Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1006525Sat, 17 Jul 2021 18:13:14 +0000RicochetSteve figured a nine time zone distance might provide a margin of safety from Lucretia’s rear-end kicking over Steve’s article “ What the Hell Happened to Bill Kristol?“, which Lucretia finds sorely wanting. And his attempts to mollify Lucretia with...Source]]>2913false267fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-putting-crt-under-a-crt--53271230Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=1001524Sat, 10 Jul 2021 18:47:38 +0000RicochetOnce upon a time, “CRT” stood for “cathode ray tube,” sometimes known as “television,” but also oscilloscopes, computer screens, some x-rays, and certain other technical devices designed for testing and calibration. Cathode ray tubes went the way of...Source]]>3994false266fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/after-nationalism-with-samuel-goldman--53271245Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=999721Fri, 09 Jul 2021 22:00:34 +0000RicochetWho knew that that hottest new thing in the early 21st century would be an old thing—the nation state? Nationalism acquired a foul odor in the 20th century, but ever since Brexit and Trump upset the cosmopolites from Berkeley to Brussels, the idea of...Source]]>2839false265fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-july-4-roundup-edition--53271152Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=996283Sat, 03 Jul 2021 15:06:37 +0000RicochetAfter a week off for travel and for Steve to recover from the pummeling he took at the hands of “Lucretia” in our last episode two weeks ago, the 3WHH is back with some fresh malts and fresh looks at the news of the week. We start with what appears to...Source]]>3714false264fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/downeast-with-gigi-georges--53271221Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=994675Thu, 01 Jul 2021 14:46:38 +0000RicochetIf you only go by the major media or your local college sociology department, you’d think rural America is a hopeless domain of drug and alcohol addiction, downward mobility, and dysfunction. Far from it, at least in rural Maine, where author Gigi...Source]]>3119false263fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-crisis-of-the-two-constitutions-with-charles-kesler--53271234Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=989530Thu, 24 Jun 2021 22:52:09 +0000RicochetThis week’s Power Line Classic format show features Prof. Charles R. Kesler, editor of the Claremont Review of Books, talking about his brand new book, Crisis of the Two Constitutions: The Rise, Decline, and Recovery of American Greatness. Crisis...Source]]>3887falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-burke-hero-or-goat-or-goat--53271238Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=985510Sat, 19 Jun 2021 18:32:11 +0000RicochetWe get letters. And one from a regular listener baited us with the proposition that since FDR’s New Deal—decried here on a recent episode—is now nearly 90 years old, the duty of Burkean conservatives is now to preserve the New Deal rather than pine...Source]]>3780falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-what-would-machiavelli-do-with-michael-anton--53271237Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=979141Sat, 12 Jun 2021 03:35:35 +0000RicochetPour a double for this weeks 3WHH, as Lucretia and Steve host Michael Anton to talk about his extraordinary new article, “ The Art of Spiritual War, Or, How to (Posthumously) Conquer the World from Your Desk.” The author of the famous (or infamous)...Source]]>3827false260fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-progressives-transformed-america-with-r-j-pestritto--53271293Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=978034Thu, 10 Jun 2021 21:48:28 +0000RicochetAs regular listeners know, we never tire of beating up on Progressivism—both the old kind and today’s high-octane version—and we especially like to beat up on Woodrow Wilson. Most of what we know about Wilson’s perfidy comes from the ur-text of Wilson...Source]]>2698false259fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-should-conservatives-like-fdr--53271215Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=973699Sat, 05 Jun 2021 07:04:36 +0000RicochetThe modern conservative movement born in the 1950s had two main objects: It was anti-Communist, and anti-New Deal. Lately, however, some conservatives have warmed up to both FDR and the New Deal, which has to have Robert Taft rolling over in his...Source]]>3194false258fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-school-s-out-episode--53271242Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=968477Sat, 29 May 2021 15:32:56 +0000RicochetThis week Lucretia and I decide to take a break from our recent seminar format—in other words, no schoolwork this week—and just review some of the week’s news instead. Or perhaps we should say non-news, since most of the “news” items we review turn...Source]]>3155false257fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fred-barnes-on-a-life-in-journalism--53271132Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=966152Wed, 26 May 2021 14:14:52 +0000RicochetFred Barnes recently announced his retirement after more than 50 years as a working journalist, having served as a reporter for the Baltimore Sun, the Washington Star, The New Republic, the Weekly Standard, and the Washington Examiner. He contributed...Source]]>3662false256fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-on-our-non-color-blind-constitution--53271222Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=963299Sat, 22 May 2021 16:20:33 +0000RicochetAll it took was a NY Times op-ed article on the (misunderstood) legacy of Justice John Marshall Harlan’s famous dissent in the 1896 Plessy (“separate but equal”) case to set off a classic “Lucretia” rant: I find the NYT piece more damaging to the...Source]]>3668false255fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/robert-bryce-on-pipelines-windmills-and-grids-oh-my--53271235Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=962141Fri, 21 May 2021 00:30:38 +0000RicochetWith this episode of the Power Line Show, I’m returning to what I call “Power Line Classic” format, featuring interviews and conversations with interests thinkers, writers, and doers. I took a hiatus from this format last year while I was working on...Source]]>3350false254fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-mission-to-moscow--53271183Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=958277Sat, 15 May 2021 18:01:33 +0000RicochetThis “mission to Moscow” is not to be confused with the infamous Joseph Davies 1941 book, Mission to Moscow, which Steve calls a “novel” at the opening of this episode, because its pro-Stalinist viewpoint was fiction indeed. Our use of “mission to...Source]]>3716false253fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-footnote-fourplay--53271243Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=953216Sat, 08 May 2021 14:26:22 +0000RicochetThis week we decided to play “clean up on Supreme Court aisle [footnote] four,” and explain further why we think 1938’s Carolene Products decision was actually the most significant of the New Deal era decisions that distorted the Constitution and our...Source]]>3652false252fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-supreme-court-coup-edition--53271262Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=947438Sat, 01 May 2021 11:23:19 +0000RicochetHoo boy, is this episode off the hook! First, “Lucretia” staged a coup, usurping Steve’s host role, and punishing him for his bad puns, but we finally get to the main event, which is a long conversation with the great Charles Lipson about his recent...Source]]>4432falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-glen-livet-and-glenn-ellmers--53271210Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=942287Fri, 23 Apr 2021 21:44:24 +0000RicochetThis special 250th episode of the Power Line podcast offers a twist on our Three Whisky Happy Hour format, as Lucretia and I put aside our Glen Livet in favor of talking with Glenn Ellmers. Glenn is a senior fellow of the Claremont Institute, research...Source]]>4221false250fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-riot-season-opens-early--53271194Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=936851Sat, 17 Apr 2021 16:56:53 +0000RicochetGood grief! “Lucretia” and I take a week off, and everything goes to hell. Minneapolis starts rioting again, and Democrats in Washington start their own riot over court-packing. Meanwhile, the officer who mistook her service revolver for a taser and...Source]]>3566false249fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-democracy-at-easter--53271264Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=926465Sat, 03 Apr 2021 15:16:39 +0000RicochetWinston Churchill wrote that “No two cities have counted more with mankind than Athens and Jerusalem. Their messages in religion, philosophy, and art have been the main guiding lights of modern faith and culture.” For Easter and Passover Steve and...Source]]>3641false248fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-power-line-show-vip-highlights--53271206Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=924362Wed, 31 Mar 2021 20:04:39 +0000RicochetLast night we had one of our special live Zoom events for Power Line VIP subscribers, but a gremlin seems to have prevented many VIPs from getting timely notice of the link to the event. So we decided to post up the audio of the event for VIPs who...Source]]>4007false247fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-lowering-the-boom-on-the-boomers--53271252Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=922427Mon, 29 Mar 2021 01:05:22 +0000RicochetSo we’re a day late getting this episode ready because we went on location, and recorded live in a real bar, located in an undisclosed location in the Free State of Texas. Here as we do show prep I’m having a glass of Oban 14, and Lucretia is having...Source]]>3876falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-tubthumping-edition--53271255Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=916649Sat, 20 Mar 2021 15:44:16 +0000RicochetIn honor of “President” Biden’s attempt to imitate Chevy Chase imitating Gerald Ford on the steps of Air Farce One, this week’s episode launches with some appropriate custom bumper music (the headline should give you a clue), and then “Lucretia” and I...Source]]>4121false245fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-cocktails-against-communism--53271281Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=912500Sat, 13 Mar 2021 22:14:32 +0000RicochetSo for this episode “Lucretia” and I were going to discuss, and ask for audience input on, whether we should change the name of our format to “Cocktails Against Communism,” but owing to some technical glitches that we seamlessly fixed over an extra...Source]]>3554false244fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-where-meta-malts-and-metaphysics-meet--53271231Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=908168Sun, 07 Mar 2021 02:49:45 +0000RicochetThis episode rolls out our new motto for the 3WHH format—”The podcast dedicated to meta-malts and metaphysics!” “Lucretia” isn’t so sure, but we’ll roll with that until we change to a sports-talk format, which will happen on the 4th of Never. Anyway,...Source]]>4878false243fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-suds-for-spuds-studs-and-duds--53271263Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=903179Sat, 27 Feb 2021 16:36:06 +0000RicochetThis week has something for everybody, as our three segments (we actually stick to format this week!) range from Mr. Potato Head (now Zir Potatx Head apparently) to Winston Churchill, with a detour to throw some rotten tomatoes at Smith College, and...Source]]>4260falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-originalism-old-and-new--53271274Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=898691Sat, 20 Feb 2021 19:21:56 +0000RicochetThis week we shake up the format a bit, and skip over our gratuitous whisky reviews and commentary on the top news stories of the week, and head straight in to the classroom for our long-postponed seminar on constitutional originalism, rightly...Source]]>3520false241fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-the-whisky-happy-hour-the-elites-vs-consent-of-the-governed--53271268Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=893258Sat, 13 Feb 2021 18:22:26 +0000RicochetWell, we had planned to continue our tutorial on the natural law basis for genuine constitutional originalism, but we two professors reverted to form and didn’t prepare! And we’ve got standards, so we’re not going to fake it. Instead, we got...Source]]>3291false240fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-two-thomases-and-natural-law--53271312Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=887036Sat, 06 Feb 2021 19:40:34 +0000RicochetAnother week, another dismal article in The New Republic (a former magazine) to beat up. We promise not to make a habit of this, lest TNR get an anti-stalking injunction, but this week’s TNR howler, “Originalism Is Dead; Long Live Catholic Natural...Source]]>3686false239fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-examining-the-cycles-of-american-history--53271241Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=881696Sat, 30 Jan 2021 17:05:08 +0000RicochetWhat episode offers you “spice that ramps up the palate, carried forward by the full body, hearty proof, and mouth-coating texture”? This edition of the Three Whisky Happy Hour, if the latest reviews of our choices in the Whisky Advocate are any...Source]]>3461false238fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/back-to-wuhan-with-spencer-case--53271267Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=879731Thu, 28 Jan 2021 17:03:35 +0000RicochetAlmost exactly a year ago I had Spencer Case on the show from Wuhan, China, where he had a front row seat to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Spencer is now back in Wuhan, finishing up a post-doc fellowship at Wuhan University, where he is...Source]]>2307false237fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-dominatrix-lucretia-takes-over--53271120Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=875390Sat, 23 Jan 2021 04:36:00 +0000RicochetBy popular demand from listeners, “Lucretia” takes over hosting duties this week and gives Steve another thrashing about election fraud issues. But along the way we review the extremely ominous first 72 hours of the the Harris-Biden Administration,...Source]]>4361false236fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whiskey-happy-hour-the-metaphysics-of-the-election--53271266Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=870476Sat, 16 Jan 2021 19:40:53 +0000RicochetSettle in with your favorite single malt for this extra-long episode that offers a deep dive into the election results with Henry Olsen, the Trump-sympathetic analyst who concludes that Democrat voter fraud did not determine the outcome of the...Source]]>5028false235fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/special-edition-should-trump-be-impeached--53271103Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=864386Sun, 10 Jan 2021 20:28:52 +0000RicochetI was caught up short yesterday when I spotted, on the generally very pro-Trump American Greatness website, William B. Allen’s article entitled “Let Us Impeach Him.” It pays to read past the headline of this article, because the argument is not what...Source]]>1567false234fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-open-mic-edition--53271265Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=863468Sat, 09 Jan 2021 19:12:55 +0000RicochetLucretia and I decided to pour triple shots and host an open bar episode of our regular whisky-drenched dialogue with two special guests, Power Line co-founder John Hinderaker, and Charles Lipson, frequent contributor to The Spectator and other...Source]]>3780false233fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/some-needed-comic-relief-from-stan-evans--53271080Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=861536Thu, 07 Jan 2021 22:01:33 +0000RicochetFor anyone looking for some welcome comic relief from the dreadful scene of this week, here is the episode for you! M. Stanton Evans As a few select people know, I am currently writing a biography of the late, great M. Stanton Evans, who passed away...Source]]>1821false233fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-liberal-learning-curve-is-flat--53271250Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=856847Sun, 03 Jan 2021 01:12:24 +0000RicochetWe begin the New Year by examining three breaking news stories (to go with three shots of whisky, of course), all of which add up to the conclusion that the liberal learning curve is flat. First, Portland’s Mayor Ted Wheeler is finally starting to...Source]]>4104false232fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-2020-in-review--53271184Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=852617Sat, 26 Dec 2020 22:56:04 +0000RicochetThis week’s whisky In another wide ranging episode (our last for the year), “Lucretia” and I review the best and worst Christmas movies, the best and worst Christmas music, the rank order of the best Will Ferrell movies, whether blended whisky is ever...Source]]>4453false231fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-australian-wine-snob-an-oxymoron--53271198Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=847793Sat, 19 Dec 2020 04:07:54 +0000RicochetThis is without doubt The. Most. Gozno. Episode. Ever. My sampler for the episode. This week “Lucretia” (“That’s DoctorLucretia to you, kiddo!”) and I put down our whisky and take up Australian red wines instead (with brief consideration about whether...Source]]>4330false230fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-our-pirate-ruling-class--53271282Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=843268Sun, 13 Dec 2020 01:14:26 +0000RicochetA suitable whisky for a foggy Saturday evening. So there we were, armed with a fresh bottle of 10-year-old Ardbeg Islay whisky (not quite as peaty as Laphroaig or Talisker), and all set to plunge back into political philosophy again and escape yet...Source]]>3890false229fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-college-shop-talk--53271239Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=839178Sun, 06 Dec 2020 15:18:07 +0000Ricochet“Lucretia” and I had fully intended to work through our long-promised (or is it that threatened?) and now thrice-postponed seminar on the philosophical roots of leftist snobbishness and condescension, but we got diverted—strange that this keeps...Source]]>3725false228fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-counting-courts--53271275Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=834834Sat, 28 Nov 2020 16:26:49 +0000RicochetAt one point during the livecast recording of this week’s episode on Zoom, a commenter said the score was “Lucretia 6, Hayward 0,” so naturally I thought I was only behind by two field goals, and thus easy to make up in the 4th Quarter. But then the...Source]]>3890false227fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-snobbish-snobology-postponed--53271271Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=831014Sat, 21 Nov 2020 16:05:14 +0000RicochetAfter getting a review of new and unpronounceable whiskies out of the way (such as the one posted here) along with the miseries of the week just past that compel several drams of whisky, “Lucretia” and I had planned to talk about an obscure but...Source]]>3410false226fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-we-transition-charles-lipson-says-yes-we-can--53271117Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=827140Mon, 16 Nov 2020 20:51:10 +0000RicochetCharles Lipson Can American democracy walk and chew bubble gum at the same time? Charles Lipson thinks so, arguing in the Wall Street Journal today that normal transition activities can and should take place even as President Trump pursues his legal...Source]]>2641false225fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-milk-the-trump-dividend--53271280Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=825884Sat, 14 Nov 2020 04:35:18 +0000RicochetThis week Steve and “Lucretia” survey the dismal scene of uphill recount prospects (and why game theory says Trump should fight on even past January 20), the impending COVID tyranny (“Lockdown II: This Time It’s Personal!”), and the latest social...Source]]>2947false224fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-election-metaphysics--53271224Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=821382Sat, 07 Nov 2020 04:29:05 +0000RicochetHoo boy! I’m not sure three whiskies are enough this week. Fortunately I procured a relatively cheap Islay single malt—Finlaggan—to get me through the travails of Election Overtime. The election is still a fast moving scene, so I decided that...Source]]>2615false223fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-uhlmann-to-the-rescue--53271279Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=819194Sat, 31 Oct 2020 23:29:32 +0000RicochetIf Trump wins the electoral college again on Tuesday while losing the popular vote (perhaps by a bigger margin than he did in 2016), the left will lose its mind. Well that’s a given, but they’ll really lose their mind about the electoral college....Source]]>3728false222fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-with-guest-drinker-henry-olsen--53271260Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=817656Tue, 27 Oct 2020 17:48:16 +0000RicochetBetter late than never, “Lucretia” and I team up to review what’s going on in the news along with drinking to the confirmation of Justice Barrett, but are most interested in thinking a bit about what is “metaphysically” wrong with the election scene,...Source]]>2875false221fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-weiss-cracking--53271307Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=813598Sun, 18 Oct 2020 14:58:34 +0000RicochetSteve settles in with some Japanese whisky while “Lucretia” abandons her “whisky cougar” ways with a bona fide Glenlivet 18 so we can celebrate Amy Coney Barrett’s start turn driving Democrats to embarrass themselves last week. The hearings illustrate...Source]]>4003historyfalse220fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/carpe-diem-indeed-mark-perry-shows-how-to-fight-back-on-campus--53271160Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=813390Sat, 17 Oct 2020 15:32:20 +0000RicochetIf you aren’t following Mark Perry’s Carpe Diem blog every day you’re missing out on one of the best sources for common sense analysis of current economic and social controversies. Mark, an economist at the University of Michigan and scholar at AEI,...Source]]>3038false219fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-a-victory-lap-a-beatdown-and-still-more-liberal-education--53271257Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=810954Sat, 10 Oct 2020 19:31:52 +0000RicochetThe basics. This week’s recap starts off with a challenge to find the most unpronounceable scotch whisky you’ve never heard of (like Poit Dhubh, which is unavailable in the U.S.), plus a review of the 10 health benefits of drinking scotch whisky (some...Source]]>3471false218fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-liberal-education-and-responsibility-with-a-side-of-biden--53271301Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=808138Sun, 04 Oct 2020 02:45:35 +0000RicochetLots of things to pour whisky shots for this week. Before returning to our short course on Leo Strauss’s perspectives on liberal education, “Lucretia” and Steve reflect on Joe Biden’s long career as a chameleon (if you didn’t know better, you’d almost...Source]]>3601false217fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-recovery-of-family-life-with-scott-yenor--53271161Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=806493Mon, 28 Sep 2020 19:42:26 +0000RicochetWe’re delighted to bring Scott Yenor to the show this week to discuss his important new book, The Recovery of Family Life: Exposing the Limits of Modern Ideologies, which is being officially released tomorrow from Baylor University Press. Unlike many...Source]]>3078false216fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-liberal-education-and-the-court--53271269Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=805914Sat, 26 Sep 2020 23:05:59 +0000RicochetFreshly resupplied with a shipment of Laphraoig, Talisker, and “Murdered Out” dark roast from Black Rifle Coffee, Steve and “Lucretia” drink to the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court, smack around Biden a little (but only a...Source]]>3224false215fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-the-frigate-93-election--53271192Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=803891Sun, 20 Sep 2020 13:33:59 +0000RicochetI know we promised listeners that last week’s episode would be the beginning of a three-part series on liberal education rightly understood, but the passing of Justice Ginsburg has thrown us off our plan. But rather than go in for the usual punditry...Source]]>2698false214fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trump-s-democrats--53271285Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=803747Sat, 19 Sep 2020 17:08:09 +0000RicochetIs there room for another book on the rural voters who delivered the surprising outcome of the 2016 election? Yes, there is, when the book is Trump’s Democrats, by Stephanie Muravchik and Jon A. Shields, just out from the Brookings Institution....Source]]>3768false213fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-what-is-liberal-education-part-1--53271233Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=801942Sat, 12 Sep 2020 22:16:57 +0000RicochetWell now we’ve done it! This week Lucretia and I decided to take a break from downing whisky shots over the latest crazy news headlines and drag listeners back into the classroom for a new mini-series. I get lots of emails and comments from listeners...Source]]>3139false212fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-percentages-edition--53271253Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=800609Mon, 07 Sep 2020 20:11:10 +0000RicochetThis week’s three whisky happy hour centers around three percentage numbers: 99, 93, and 100. In looking at the latest craziness from higher education, Lucretia and I conclude scientifically that 99 percent of all college professors give the other 1...Source]]>3037false211fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-stakes-with-michael-anton--53271240Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=799809Sat, 05 Sep 2020 14:02:47 +0000RicochetToday is the 4th anniversary of the appearance of one of the most memorable political essays in American history, “ The Flight 93 Election,” written by the pseudonymous author “Decius.” It began with this memorable attention-grabber: 2016 is the...Source]]>3307false210fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-left-goes-postal--53271189Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=797873Mon, 31 Aug 2020 15:54:38 +0000RicochetAs I’m sure you’ve heard, Trump the Dictator is messing with the U.S. Post Office in an attempt to steal the election. He’s removing blue boxes from corners! He’s taking mail processing machines out of service! He’s tying the shoelaces of mail...Source]]>1575false209fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-winners-and-losers-edition--53271298Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=797345Sat, 29 Aug 2020 18:53:45 +0000RicochetAfter a one week hiatus for jury duty, the Three Whisky Happy Hour with Steve and Lucretia is back, but with a role-reversal: Lucretia bartends this week! Partly this is so Lucretia can school Steve on how to think about vigilantism and the case of...Source]]>3004false208fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-with-guest-bartender-charles-lipson--53271236Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=792935Mon, 17 Aug 2020 03:44:52 +0000RicochetThis week’s Power Line Three Whisky Happy Hour finds Charles Lipson bellying up to the bar for a flight of whiskys that begins with a tale of his mis-spent youth discovering the “bootleggers and Baptists” hypothesis in the course of violating numerous...Source]]>4224false207fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/nils-we-need-to-talk-are-we-headed-for-electoral-disaster-in-november--53271314Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=790721Sun, 09 Aug 2020 19:41:48 +0000RicochetAre we possibly headed to a complete electoral and political meltdown in November, complete with riots in the streets and threats of secession by some states? Last week something called the Transition Integrity Project (TIP) made huge news with a...Source]]>4875false206fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-flight-6--53271317Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=790458Sat, 08 Aug 2020 17:09:58 +0000RicochetThis especially fast-paced edition of the Three Whisky Happy Hour with “Lucretia,” Power Line’s International Woman of Mystery, gets off track right at the start, when an incidental mention of the famous 1978 Bakke case turned into an extended...Source]]>2460false205fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-flight-5--53271130Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=785361Sun, 02 Aug 2020 15:15:39 +0000RicochetAmerica’s newspaper of record—which is the Babylon Bee of course—is out with the headline, “Biden Campaign Says He Is So Close to a VP Pick He Can Smell Her.” The Bee really needs to stop scooping the New York Times. In any case, in this episode of...Source]]>2716false204fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/avoiding-suicide-by-university-with-arthur-milikh--53271154Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=785169Sat, 01 Aug 2020 18:24:00 +0000RicochetI’m starting to come to the view that having K-12 education and colleges and universities shrink because of COVID-19 might be one of the bits of good news arising out of the pandemic. Our universities are the principal source of the noxious ideas that...Source]]>2542false203fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-with-guest-bartender-john-yoo--53271146Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=782797Sat, 25 Jul 2020 19:59:55 +0000RicochetLucretia and I are already departing from our nascent Islay-Highland-Irish whisky flight format because we have a guest bartender and malt master on with us for this weekend’s episode—John Yoo! John not only knows the deep history of fine Japanese...Source]]>4294false202fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-flight-3--53271244Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=780664Sun, 19 Jul 2020 17:33:11 +0000RicochetThe estimable New York Post reports on a clear example of “expert” junk science that purports to prove that “men should limit alcohol to just one drink per day.” This is clearly the first step to full communism, plus an obvious ham-handed attempt to...Source]]>2912false201fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/happy-200th-to-us--53271284Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=780360Sat, 18 Jul 2020 16:59:16 +0000RicochetFor our 200th podcast, we assembled all four Power Line Beatles, John, Paul, George and Ringo Steve and Scott, to kick around various current topics, including Steve’s own experience with cancel culture, the state of the presidential race, whether the...Source]]>3139false200fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-flight-2--53271295Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=778111Sat, 11 Jul 2020 19:26:00 +0000RicochetSteve and “Lucretia” are back with another “Three Whisky Happy Hour” to end the week, dishing out a sweet Irish whisky to go with our idea for the attack ad we hope the Trump campaign will run against the Democrats, a mild American bourbon whisky for...Source]]>1968false199fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-few-minutes-with-gov-kristi-noem--53271196Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=777934Fri, 10 Jul 2020 22:45:56 +0000RicochetGov. Kristi Noem The centerpiece of this week’s show is an in-depth interview John Hinderaker conducted this week with South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who has charted her own course in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in her state, refusing to shut...Source]]>2759false198fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-three-whisky-happy-hour-take-one--53271321Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=775939Sat, 04 Jul 2020 16:14:38 +0000RicochetBy popular demand we’re bringing “Lucretia,” Power Line’s International Woman of Mystery, back to the show, and we’ve decided to start our own “Three Whisky Happy Hour,” because why should Greg Corombos and Jim Geraghty have all the fun (and the...Source]]>1426false197fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/needed-a-gaullist-moment-with-churchillian-fortitude-dan-mahoney--53271217Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=775393Thu, 02 Jul 2020 22:20:51 +0000RicochetDaniel Mahoney of Assumption College has a short and compelling essay up today at Real Clear Politics on “What Does Our Nation Mean to Us? Rejecting the Culture of Hate.” I decided to post our regular weekly podcast a couple days ahead of schedule to...Source]]>3851false196fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/toppling-teddy-roosevelt-the-right-way-with-jean-yarbrough--53271294Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=774904Wed, 01 Jul 2020 19:17:37 +0000RicochetWhen I heard the news that the nihilist mob plans to take down the statue of Theodore Roosevelt astride his horse in front the Natural History Museum in New York City, I knew I had to ring up Jean Yarbrough, the Gary Pendy Sr. Professor of Social...Source]]>3329false195fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/power-line-s-fab-four-on-our-crazy-world--53271254Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=773230Fri, 26 Jun 2020 20:45:01 +0000RicochetOn Wednesday, “The Beatles” (John, Paul, George and Ringo Scott, and Steve) got together for a live online VIP chat session, covering everything from the riot scene, the fall election, statue-tipping, The NASCARash, and other sports. A lot of VIP...Source]]>2757false194fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/apocalypse-never-with-michael-shellenberger--53271227Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=771138Sun, 21 Jun 2020 17:29:23 +0000RicochetThis week’s guest is Michael Shellenberger, the founder and president of Environmental Progress, and author of an important new book, Apocalypse Never: Why Environmental Alarmism Hurts Us All. Most books about the environment typically feature...Source]]>3210false193fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-coming-of-neo-feudalism-with-joel-kotkin--53271211Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=768156Sat, 13 Jun 2020 12:58:38 +0000RicochetJoel Kotkin is one of America’s premier analysts of urbanism, urban economics, demographic change, and social trends. His brand new book, The Coming of Neo-Feudalism: A Warning to the Global Middle Class, turns upside down the conventional liberal...Source]]>3148false192fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-sixties-never-ended-fred-siegel-reflects-on-our-mob-rule-moment--53271304Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=767208Wed, 10 Jun 2020 20:54:19 +0000RicochetWhen our cities start to come apart and people say it seems like 1968 all over again, that can only mean one thing: time to get in touch with Fred Siegel. Among Fred’s many fine books is The Future Once Happened Here: New York, LA, DC, and the Fate of...Source]]>2658false191fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/riots-viruses-epistocracy-and-other-social-diseases--53271370Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=764298Wed, 03 Jun 2020 22:23:32 +0000RicochetFunny how the COVID-19 crisis has nearly disappeared from the news, after having been the subject of wall-to-wall media attention for three months. Riots have a way of doing that, though the mass rioting doesn’t seem to have concentrated the mind of...Source]]>2895false190fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ross-douthat-on-the-decadent-society--53271286Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=762859Sat, 30 May 2020 22:40:48 +0000Ricochet“Decadence” is one of those familiar terms that is trivialized or rendered comic by overuse—perhaps you’d say from decadence itself. And while most people think decadent is mostly a synonym for “sumptuous,” it has a wider and deeper meaning, which is...Source]]>2959false189fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/this-cannot-go-on-the-breakdown-of-higher-education-with-john-ellis--53271303Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=760711Sat, 23 May 2020 17:46:53 +0000RicochetJohn Ellis John M. Ellis, distinguished professor emeritus of German literature at UC Santa Cruz, is out with a terrific new book, The Breakdown of Higher Education: How It Happened, The Damage It Does, & What Can Be Done About It. This slim book...Source]]>2759false188fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/freedom-of-the-press-in-an-era-of-fake-news-with-zach-wood--53271305Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=758369Sat, 16 May 2020 20:48:14 +0000RicochetZachary Wood This episode flips the format, with my guest interviewing me for a change. Zachary Wood is a graduate of Williams College, where he was the president of a student group called “Uncomfortable Learning,” whose mission was to invite to...Source]]>2842false187fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trumping-obama-s-legacy-with-charles-lipson--53271229Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=756982Tue, 12 May 2020 22:19:42 +0000RicochetBarack who? Is it just me, or is Obama the incredibly shrinking president, destined already to be remembered in the same league as John Tyler or Warren Harding? Charles Lipson, emeritus professor of politics at the University of Chicago, is out today...Source]]>3106false186fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/breaking-facebook-s-supreme-court-with-a-side-of-the-flynn-case--53271246Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=755169Thu, 07 May 2020 21:23:51 +0000RicochetMichael McConnell John Hinderaker joined me today to co-host this special edition of the show. Yesterday Facebook announced the creation of a 20-member oversight board that some media accounts describe as a “supreme court” to advise and in some cases...Source]]>3546false185fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-1619-project-pulitzer-and-other-outrages-a-phil-magness-omnibus--53271219Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=754316Tue, 05 May 2020 21:02:29 +0000RicochetPhil Magness When the news broke yesterday that the New York Times‘s egregious “1619 Project” had won a Pulitzer Prize for commentary, I knew the only thing to do was get Phillip W. Magness on the line. Magness, a senior research fellow at the...Source]]>2453false184fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/do-lockdowns-save-lives-the-data-say-no--53271338Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=751783Mon, 27 Apr 2020 20:51:42 +0000RicochetJoe Malchow The Wall Street Journal this morning includes an article from T.J. Rodgers, the retired founder and CEO of Cypress Semiconductors, with the provocative title, “Do Lockdowns Save Lives? In Most Places, the Data Say No.” Rodgers mentions in...Source]]>1839false183fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/earth-day-at-50-with-terry-anderson--53271368Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=750017Wed, 22 Apr 2020 19:39:58 +0000RicochetTerry Anderson It’s Earth Day today—and not just any old Earth Day, but the 50th anniversary. It’s passing rather more quietly than in many previous years because the coronavirus crisis is eclipsing everything at the moment. But a lot has changed...Source]]>2271false182fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/eight-reasons-to-end-the-lockdowns-asap--53271291Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=747534Wed, 15 Apr 2020 21:34:11 +0000RicochetLast week Dr. Jonathan Geach, an anesthesiologist treating some COVID-19 patients in Tennessee, wrote an article on Medium that created a sensation: “ Eight Reasons to End the Lockdowns as Soon as Possible.” Dr. Geach joined us today to review the...Source]]>2288false181fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-the-white-house-press-room-to-the-hospital-emergency-room--53271232Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=746485Sun, 12 Apr 2020 17:34:46 +0000RicochetThis week’s show features two guests who just happen to be married, which certainly makes recording convenient! Our first guest is Debra J. Saunders, the White House correspondent for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, and former opinion columnist for the...Source]]>3032false180fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-question-of-power-with-robert-bryce--53271139Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=744213Tue, 07 Apr 2020 18:58:16 +0000RicochetThis special mid-week edition offers an alternative to the all-virus/all-the-time coverage currently smothering all other topics right now, this time featuring Robert Bryce talking about his brand new book A Question of Power: Electricity and the...Source]]>3300false179fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/around-the-world-in-80-months-jeremy-carl-s-epic--53271270Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=742475Sat, 04 Apr 2020 17:47:56 +0000RicochetMy guest this week is Jeremy Carl, currently a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute, and formerly a research fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford, where he directed the Shultz-Stephenson Task Force on Energy Policy. His political writing...Source]]>2800false178fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fdr-conservative-hero-and-other-reader-questions--53271308Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=738522Wed, 01 Apr 2020 20:52:41 +0000RicochetConrad Black argued this week that Franklin Roosevelt deserves to be regarded as a conservative champion, or at least that conservatives should steal him away from Democrats. FDR himself argued that Democrats should steal Lincoln from Republicans, so...Source]]>3826false177fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-world-on-lockdown-a-view-from-eastern-europe--53271330Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=736888Sat, 28 Mar 2020 18:30:36 +0000RicochetCliff Bates Our parochial news media seem only interested in reporting on the state of things here in the U.S. and in their favorite European vacation spots like France and Italy, but of course the COVID-19 pandemic extends into Eastern Europe as...Source]]>2560false176fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-green-nude-eel-and-other-heterodoxies-with-sarah-hunt--53271309Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=735443Wed, 25 Mar 2020 04:14:06 +0000RicochetSarah Hunt There’s gonzo, and then there’s Sarah Hunt. Hunt is the humorist/policy activist who came up with the moniker “Green Nude Eel” in response to the preposterous extravagances of the utopian environmental left and in particular a certain...Source]]>3081false175fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-look-at-covid-19-data-with-brian-sullivan--53271299Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=733951Sat, 21 Mar 2020 20:42:06 +0000RicochetBrian Sullivan This bonus episode features the insights and observations of Brian Sullivan, a serial entrepreneur in the domain of health care and medical device innovation. He is the founder and CEO of Celcuity, a biomedical research firm currently...Source]]>1393false174fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-beat-down-on-china-with-michael-auslin--53271362Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=732830Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:09:46 +0000RicochetIt may be too strong to say that China and the United States are engaged in “germ warfare,” but the Chinese propaganda effort, aided by our own irrepressible fifth column in the media that seems to want to take China’s side against the U.S., reveals...Source]]>2640false173fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/breaking-down-the-oil-price-war-and-the-coronavirus-with-mark-mills--53271331Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=730946Thu, 12 Mar 2020 19:37:26 +0000RicochetMark Mills I’m posting this week’s episode a couple days ahead of our usual weekend schedule to keep up with the fast-moving news cycle of the most important story of the week—no, not necessarily the coronavirus, but rather the oil price war that...Source]]>2956false172fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/wot-happened-who-knows-the-thing--53271323Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=728740Sat, 07 Mar 2020 18:31:43 +0000RicochetHow in the heck did Joe Biden’s mummified campaign come back to life? Or is it just back to zombie status—still dead, but up and moving and menacing the living? That’s the main subject of this week’s fast-paced, high energy episode featuring Power...Source]]>3557false171fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-agony-of-a-liberal-with-damon-linker--53271343Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=726759Sat, 29 Feb 2020 17:26:52 +0000RicochetWhat do you do if you are a center-left thinker confronting the train wreck of the Democratic nomination contest just now, with the strong possibility that socialist Bernie Sanders will be the nominee? Might we actually have an election where some...Source]]>2357false170fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/berniemania-the-coronavirus-of-the-democratic-party--53271322Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=725046Sun, 23 Feb 2020 03:06:23 +0000RicochetThis week’s episode, featuring listener favorite Lucretia, Power Line’s International Woman of Mystery, was taped while the Nevada caucuses were in process, but now we know that Bernie Sanders has crushed it. He’s the Coronavirus of the Democratic...Source]]>3779false169fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fight-fight-in-the-white-house-no-less--53271318Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=723138Sat, 15 Feb 2020 19:34:57 +0000RicochetThis week we violate the legendary first rule of Fight Club with Tevi Troy, author of the wonderfully gossipy new book Fight House: Rivalries in the White House from Truman to Trump. Troy, a veteran of the George W. Bush White House and author of...Source]]>2548false168fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-lost-history-of-western-civilization-with-stanley-kurtz--53271261Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=721378Sun, 09 Feb 2020 20:19:09 +0000RicochetStanley Kurtz It is not news that the humanities and social sciences have been degraded by the sustained assault from the left for several decades now, but Stanley Kurtz of the Ethics and Public Policy Center provides illuminating new details and...Source]]>3105false167fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/america-s-revolutionary-mind-with-c-bradley-thompson--53271387Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=718620Sat, 01 Feb 2020 19:13:27 +0000RicochetBrad Thompson Prof. C. Bradley Thompson of Clemson University has written a superb new book, the first of two volumes, about the American Founding, America’s Revolutionary Mind: A Moral History of the American Revolution and the Declaration That...Source]]>3340false166fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-primer-on-impeachment--53271333Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=715068Wed, 22 Jan 2020 22:48:23 +0000RicochetThis special edition of the Power Line Show offers a panel discussion on impeachment held this week at Berkeley Law School, which Steve moderated. Its purpose was not to rehash or thrash out the specific issues of the Trump impeachment as much as to...Source]]>4422false164fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/martin-luther-king-jr-yesterday-and-today--53271352Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=714493Mon, 20 Jan 2020 20:15:59 +0000RicochetPeter Myers The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is always a good occasion to ponder his legacy, which shifts with the lengthening of history and the dramatic changes in the racial politics of our moment. And who better to comment than “Lucretia,” Power...Source]]>3743false163fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/stephen-knott-on-the-lost-soul-of-the-american-presidency--53271296Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=712526Mon, 13 Jan 2020 17:50:51 +0000RicochetThis week’s guest is Stephen F. Knott of the Naval War College, discussing his terrific new book, The Lost Soul of the American Presidency: The Decline into Demagoguery and the Prospects for Renewal, just out from University Press of Kansas. Knott,...Source]]>2875false162fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/you-run-the-show-or-the-show-runs-you-the-strategic-perspective-of-harold-rood--53271259Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=710903Mon, 06 Jan 2020 20:20:54 +0000RicochetHarold Rood The fuss over President Trump’s decision to kill Iranian General Qasem Soleimani is causing the usual hair-on-fire reaction among the media and foreign policy elites. Everyone is playing the parlor game of wondering how Iran might respond,...Source]]>1216false161fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/power-line-s-year-in-review-and-2020-preview--53271359Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=709002Sun, 29 Dec 2019 22:13:29 +0000RicochetOur final episode of 2019 brings together the entire Power Line gang—John, Paul, Scott, and Steve, along with “Ammo Grrll” Susan Vass—for a look at the current scene and a look ahead to next year. Consisting of excerpts from a recent Power Line VIP...Source]]>2846false160fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/come-again-the-1619-project-divides-the-left--53271363Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=707862Mon, 23 Dec 2019 19:53:18 +0000RicochetThere are several new wrinkles in the saga of the New York Times‘s egregious and ideological “1619 Project,” which can only mean one thing: time for another episode with “Lucretia,” Power Line’s International Woman of Mystery, and scourge of all...Source]]>4524false159fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-most-gonzo-episode-ever--53271292Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=705962Tue, 17 Dec 2019 18:08:37 +0000RicochetNils Gilman Is it possible for conservatives and left-of-center thinkers to have a civil and substantive conversation in the Era of Trump? Steve Hayward decided to find out, and the result is this completely gonzo episode. Steve sat down for a long...Source]]>4486false158fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ok-boomer-let-s-cross-the-streams-is-reagan-relevant-to-millennials--53271320Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=703538Sun, 08 Dec 2019 14:17:38 +0000RicochetThis episode is either an excursion into intergenerational conflict, or the pilot for a 21st century version of The Odd Couple, where Oscar and Felix are a Millennial and an aging Baby Boomer. This week’s episode is actually a crossover show with The...Source]]>3239false157fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/breaking-down-the-1619-project-part-5--53271191Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=702643Wed, 04 Dec 2019 14:56:15 +0000RicochetA few days late because of the holiday week, “Lucretia,” Power Line’s international woman of mystery, joins Steve Hayward once again to resume their series critiquing the “1619 Project,” this time taking up the examples of Alexander Stephens, Booker...Source]]>3383false156fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/looking-back-at-the-great-society-with-amity-shlaes--53271339Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=699887Fri, 22 Nov 2019 19:36:37 +0000RicochetMore than 50 years after Lyndon Johnson launched the “Great Society” and its “war on poverty” that its architects said would eliminate all poverty in America in ten years, we still have poverty and a legacy of failed experiments in social engineering...Source]]>3832false155fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/henry-olsen-with-the-inside-baseball-on-politics-and-baseball--53271283Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=697003Sun, 17 Nov 2019 15:50:41 +0000RicochetThis week Steve Hayward hosts Henry Olsen going through the inside baseball of the unfolding Democratic presidential primary season, but also the inside baseball about . . . baseball! Did you know that the Houston Astros colluded with the Russians and...Source]]>2316false154fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/they-re-both-wrong-with-john-tamny--53271329Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=694771Fri, 08 Nov 2019 18:56:07 +0000RicochetJohn Tamny of Freedom Works and RealClearMarkets joins Steve Hayward this week to discuss his provocative new book, They’re Both Wrong: A Policy Guide for America’s Frustrated Independent Thinkers, just out this week from our friends at the American...Source]]>3138false153fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tackling-the-opioid-crisis-and-the-vapid-vaping-debate-with-sally-satel--53271345Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=692780Sat, 02 Nov 2019 17:37:24 +0000RicochetDr. Sally Satel The opioid crisis has been prominent in the news for the last several years, while more recently the controversy over vaping has erupted to new heights, with the Trump Administration proposing to ban many vaping products. There are...Source]]>2818false152fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/phase-three-for-the-conservative-movement--53271302Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=691095Sat, 26 Oct 2019 18:43:24 +0000RicochetWhither American conservatism is the question on everyone’s mind these days. Recently I gave a short talk about this topic with the central thought that the American conservative movement was now entering a distinct third phase of its modern...Source]]>1622false151fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/impeach-this-with-john-yoo-and-lucretia--53271313Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=688803Fri, 18 Oct 2019 16:17:42 +0000RicochetWhat do you get when you combine “Lucretia,” Power Line’s ever popular international woman of mystery, with John Yoo, whose only mystery is his fondness for McDonalds? You get an episode that talks about fake burgers, the evils of soy, the importance...Source]]>2671false150fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bonus-episode-bronze-age-decius--53271336Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=686648Sun, 13 Oct 2019 14:03:14 +0000RicochetMichael Anton at Machiavelli’s tomb. This special bonus double-episode tests the proposition that a good podcast format is a conversation among friends at a bar—because that’s exactly what the first segment of this show offers. Last week I was...Source]]>5909false149fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/age-of-iron-on-national-conservatism-with-colin-dueck--53271273Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=681177Fri, 11 Oct 2019 14:17:59 +0000RicochetNationalism is the subject of the moment, and both the term and the idea come with more baggage than Paris Hilton and Khloe Kardashian after an afternoon of shopping on Rodeo Drive. I’ve had a few things to say about this controversial topic myself,...Source]]>2689false148fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-few-minutes-with-hadley-arkes--53271373Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=682915Fri, 04 Oct 2019 15:55:50 +0000RicochetLast week I caught up with Hadley Arkes, Edward N. Ney Professor of Jurisprudence and American Institutions emeritus at Amherst College and the founder and director of the James Wilson Institute on Natural Rights & the American Founding, for a...Source]]>3227false147fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/breaking-down-the-1619-project-pt-4-with-lucas-morel--53271372Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=681073Sun, 29 Sep 2019 15:24:58 +0000RicochetLucas Morel This week “Lucretia,” Power Line’s international woman of mystery, gets promoted to co-host as she and Steve Hayward welcome Lucas Morel to our special series on the 1619 Project. Morel is professor of politics and head of the politics...Source]]>3863false146fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/reagan-in-the-1960s-and-the-lessons-for-today--53271287Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=677992Fri, 20 Sep 2019 17:19:35 +0000RicochetLast week I was honored once again to be the after dinner speaker for the fall meeting of the Friends of Ronald Reagan, a local civic group in Los Angeles that meets at the California Club to celebrate the enduring greatness and example of the Gipper....Source]]>2207false145fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/guilt-is-the-greatest-form-of-self-indulgence-breaking-down-the-1619-project-part-3--53271326Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=674406Fri, 13 Sep 2019 14:14:19 +0000Ricochet“Lucretia,” Power Line’s international woman of mystery, is back with Steve again this week with the third installment in our special series confronting the pernicious New York Times “1619 Project,” this time taking on the argument that slavery is the...Source]]>3616false144fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/heather-mac-donald-s-greatest-hits--53271356Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=672152Fri, 06 Sep 2019 19:04:39 +0000RicochetThis special double-length episode features a wide-ranging conversation with best-selling author and iconoclast Heather Mac Donald of the Manhattan Institute, with special focus on her new book, The Diversity Delusion: How Race and Gender Pandering...Source]]>6799false143fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/special-edition-breaking-down-the-1619-project-part-2--53271376Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=670868Tue, 03 Sep 2019 14:18:30 +0000RicochetWe have a new theory about the mainstream media: they have decided to work without editors any more. How else to explain how the Washington Post slandered J.D. Vance with the claim that he decried the “falling white birth rate” (he said no such thing,...Source]]>2887false142fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-primal-screams-of-the-sexual-revolution--53271288Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=669644Fri, 30 Aug 2019 16:56:33 +0000RicochetThe old saying is that “sex sells,” and after the sexual revolution of the last several decades who can dispute that? Meanwhile, “identity politics” is the obsession of the current moment. Is there a connection? Yes, argues Mary Eberstadt in her new...Source]]>2583false141fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/special-edition-breaking-down-the-1619-project-part-1--53271277Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=667381Tue, 27 Aug 2019 13:32:52 +0000RicochetAs promised in our last episode, we return early this week with the first in a series of bonus episodes devoted to a deep dive into the New York Times‘s agitprop “1619 Project” that seeks to place slavery and racism as the central fact of the American...Source]]>3271false140fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-double-header-the-1619-project-and-our-rotten-universities--53271346Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=666088Sat, 24 Aug 2019 03:20:22 +0000RicochetThis special double-header-end-of-summer Power Line Show features Steve Hayward and Power Line co-founder John Hinderaker venting about the “1619 Project” along with “Lucretia,” Power Line’s International Woman of Mystery. The “1619 Project” is so...Source]]>5649false139fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-crisis-in-darwinism--53271315Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=663188Fri, 16 Aug 2019 21:34:59 +0000RicochetReaders of Thomas Kuhn’s famous book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions will know his central thesis that when anomalies and contradictions arise in a reigning scientific theory it creates a crisis out of which new theories emerge to replace the...Source]]>3850false138fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/burke-lincoln-and-the-politics-of-prudence-with-greg-weiner--53271172Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=660605Fri, 09 Aug 2019 17:08:37 +0000Ricochet“Prudence” is not just something Dana Carvey liked to lampoon back when President George H.W. Bush was in office. Rather, it is the highest and most essential quality of those superb human beings we used to call “statesmen” before political science...Source]]>3079false137fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-ukraine-to-the-border-with-power-line-s-female-all-stars--53271251Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=657856Tue, 30 Jul 2019 21:56:48 +0000RicochetBy popular demand from listeners, this special edition of the Power Line Show features both Kelly Jane Torrance of the Washington Examiner and “Lucretia,” Power Line’s International Woman of Mystery. Kelly Jane is just back from serving as an official...Source]]>3212false136fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/judicial-fortitude-with-peter-wallison--53271357Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=656631Fri, 26 Jul 2019 16:01:19 +0000RicochetIn recent years an arcane term from political science—the “administrative state”—has become a prominent part of everyday discussion. The administrative state refers to the trend, decades in the making, of transferring lawmaking power away from the...Source]]>2872false135fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-nationalist-revival--53271201Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=654600Fri, 19 Jul 2019 19:44:22 +0000RicochetTo paraphrase Karl Marx, a specter is haunting . . . well, just about everybody: the specter of a revival of nationalism. This week Steve Hayward attended the National Conservatism Conference in Washington, which was sponsored by the brand new Edmund...Source]]>3389false134fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/andrew-roberts-unplugged-on-brexit-churchill-trump-and-historiography--53271350Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=642894Fri, 12 Jul 2019 18:09:49 +0000RicochetOne of my teachers in graduate school, the great constitutional historian Leonard Levy, insisted that “a history must serve its readers with explanations that suit the horizons of their curiosity and with writing that entertains and stirs them.” No...Source]]>2570false133fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/five-things-to-know-about-the-declaration-this-july-4-with-lucretia--53271327Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=636663Thu, 04 Jul 2019 19:07:14 +0000RicochetBy popular demand from listeners, we’re bringing back “Lucretia,” Power Line’s International Woman of Mystery, on this special edition for the July 4 holiday. Many listeners asked us to offer up mini-tutorials on various aspects of the American...Source]]>3328false132fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-full-tilt-rant-fest-with-lucretia--53271306Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=635361Sat, 29 Jun 2019 19:19:37 +0000RicochetYou could be forgiven for thinking this week’s Democratic debates were straight out of an old Monty Python sketch, which prompted Steve Hayward to ring up Power Line’s International Woman of Mystery, “Lucretia,” for a full-tilt boogie rant-fest about...Source]]>3667false131fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fables-of-the-cuyahoga-river-fire-with-jonathan-adler--53271413Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=633013Fri, 21 Jun 2019 13:33:43 +0000RicochetThe Cuyahoga River on fire. But not when you think. This Saturday, June 22, marks the 50th anniversary of one of the iconic moments of the modern environmental history—the infamous Cuyahoga River fire in Cleveland. Things were so bad, the legend goes,...Source]]>3887false130fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cocktails-from-hell-with-col-austin-bay--53271335Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=631549Sat, 15 Jun 2019 16:58:29 +0000RicochetThis week’s special guest is Col. Austin Bay, author of a lively new book on foreign affairs and grand strategy, Cocktails From Hell: Five Complex Wars Shaping the 21st Century. Austin Bay has an extraordinary biography, including earning a Bronze...Source]]>4483false129fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-noor-sentencing-hearing-and-what-kind-of-country-are-we-anyway--53271337Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=629776Fri, 07 Jun 2019 22:37:31 +0000RicochetThis week’s two-part episode features Power Line’s own Scott Johnson reporting on the verdict today in the Mohammed Noor case—the Minneapolis police officer who was convicted last month for murder in the shooting of Justine Damond. Then we shift focus...Source]]>3334false128fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/everything-you-know-about-the-enron-story-is-wrong-a-conversation-with-rob-bradley--53271258Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=627672Fri, 31 May 2019 17:45:42 +0000RicochetThis week my guest is the person who deserves to be known as the Robert Caro of energy history—Robert L. Bradley Jr. Rob is the founder of the Institute for Energy Research, one of the best go-to sources for information and analysis about energy (and...Source]]>3395false127fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/populism-marches-on-overseas-henry-olsen-on-elections-in-the-eu-and-australia--53271374Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=625970Fri, 24 May 2019 20:09:19 +0000RicochetI’ve decided that “populism” is when the wrong person or party wins a democratic election. Certainly the way the media and liberal elites have reacted to the Liberal Party’s upset win in Australia bears this out (keep in mind that the Liberal Party in...Source]]>2096false126fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-antidote-to-howard-zinn-land-of-hope-with-wilfred-mcclay--53271332Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=623803Sat, 18 May 2019 19:00:50 +0000RicochetLo and behold, I opened up this morning’s Wall Street Journal to see a weekend interview with this week’s guest, historian Wilfred M. McClay of the University of Oklahoma, about his brand new book Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American...Source]]>3942false125fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cracks-in-the-ivory-tower-a-conversation-with-phil-magness--53271289Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=621673Sat, 11 May 2019 13:00:47 +0000RicochetThis week Steve Hayward talks with economic historian Phillip Magness, co-author (along with Jason Brennan) of a brilliant new book, Cracks in the Ivory Tower: The Moral Mess of Higher Education. This splendidly written and fast-paced book vindicates...Source]]>3647false124fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/no-ad-hominem-arguments-a-conversation-with-charles-lipson--53271392Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=619662Sat, 04 May 2019 19:27:15 +0000RicochetThis week Steve Hayward talks with Charles Lipson, the Peter Ritzma Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Chicago, about how to talk and argue about matters amidst the increasingly bitter polarization of our time. But along the...Source]]>3374false123fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-noor-trial-verdict--53271324Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=618532Tue, 30 Apr 2019 23:22:09 +0000RicochetJustine Damond Scott Johnson has been covering the trial of Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor, who was charged in the fatal 2017 shooting of Justine Damond. This afternoon the jury returned a guilty verdict on the counts of third-degree murder...Source]]>986false122fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/an-elephant-and-its-trump-populism-nationalism-and-conservatism--53271300Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=617769Sat, 27 Apr 2019 19:56:23 +0000RicochetI’ll bet you didn’t know you need a federal disaster management plan for your pet rabbit if you use your pet rabbit as part of a magic act for birthday parties. Well, you did, until the U.S. Department of Agriculture got embarrassed by the adverse...Source]]>3907false121fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/reckoning-with-race-america-s-failure--53271334Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=615811Sun, 21 Apr 2019 18:37:55 +0000RicochetGene Dattel is Steven Hayward’s extraordinary guest on this week’s show. Gene is the author of a book that deserves to be much better known—Reckoning With Race: America’s Failure (Encounter Books). This remarkably compact book is brimming with details...Source]]>4581false120fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/an-extended-discourse-an-origin-story-with-william-b-allen--53271405Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=613901Sun, 14 Apr 2019 15:02:29 +0000RicochetThis very special edition of the Power Line Show features Steve Hayward and two guest hosts—John and Elizabeth Eastman—in an extended conversation with William B. Allen, a teacher and thinker who defies easy description. All three of us were students...Source]]>4038false119fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-progressive-is-progressivism--53271391Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=611757Sun, 07 Apr 2019 18:35:04 +0000RicochetHow “Progressive” is Progressivism? Is there actually a “side of history,” or is that just the lazy formula of presumptive socialists who think they have a monopoly on the truth and don’t need to argue with or persuade anyone? In another of Steve...Source]]>3271false118fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/where-joe-biden-meets-bryce-harper-a-henry-olsen-omnibus--53271383Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=609596Fri, 29 Mar 2019 21:23:40 +0000RicochetHave you had enough of the Mueller Report? Done smoldering over Smollett? Jazzed at opening day for MLB? Then have we got the show for you! This episode features a conversation with Henry Olsen about the lessons of the 2018 midterm, how the Democratic...Source]]>2678false117fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-much-do-we-hate-woodrow-wilson-let-us-count-the-ways--53271349Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=607743Sat, 23 Mar 2019 15:30:27 +0000RicochetAsk any knowledgeable conservative to identify their least-favorite president, and more and more the answer these days will come back: Woodrow Wilson! But this was not always so. For a long time FDR held the crown, but in the last generation a number...Source]]>2577false116fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-endless-quest-for-social-equality--53271347Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=604937Sun, 17 Mar 2019 21:22:54 +0000RicochetBy popular demand (with some listeners anyway), this episode features another lecture from Steve Hayward’s periodic series for the William F. Buckley Program at Yale, this time on the topic of “The Endless Quest for Social Equality.” This talk ranges...Source]]>4017false115fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fred-siegel-an-origin-story-part-2--53271341Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=603018Sun, 10 Mar 2019 00:38:40 +0000RicochetIn this second part of our long conversation with Fred Siegel, Steve Hayward walks him through the final decay of New York in the 1980s after four decades of unrelenting liberal governance, how Rudy Giuliani turned it around in the 1990s, and what the...Source]]>2774false114fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-row-over-rao-and-cpac-wrap-up--53271404Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=601487Mon, 04 Mar 2019 00:56:54 +0000RicochetIn this special double-episode, Steve Hayward takes the occasion of the last-minute hesitation over the nomination of Neomi Rao for the DC Circuit Court of Appeals to talk once again with “Lucretia,” Power Line’s International Woman of Mystery, about...Source]]>3413false113fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fred-siegel-an-origin-story-part-1--53271355Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=599194Fri, 22 Feb 2019 22:06:28 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward goes back into the archives for an audio file from a video interview he conducted with Fred Siegel a few years back in which Fred explains how he came to shed the liberalism of his youth. Along the way, he provides a grand tour of some...Source]]>2548false112fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/c-s-lewis-on-politics-and-the-natural-law--53271410Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=597161Fri, 15 Feb 2019 18:14:37 +0000RicochetJust in time for the long holiday weekend, an early edition of the Power Line Show, with special guest Justin Buckley Dyer of the University of Missouri. Prof. Dyer is the co-author (with Micah Watson) of a terrific book on C.S. Lewis on Politics and...Source]]>1970false111fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/after-the-flight-93-election--53271248Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=595890Sun, 10 Feb 2019 23:06:44 +0000RicochetMichael Anton’s controversial 2016 essay “ The Flight 93 Election” was compared to Tom Paine’s Common Sense as a tract that grabbed the public imagination. Michael is back now with a new book, After the Flight 93 Election: The Vote That Saved America...Source]]>2659false110fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lucretia-unplugged--53271272Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=593924Sun, 03 Feb 2019 18:54:21 +0000RicochetReaders have been asking when we’ll have back Power Line’s International Woman of Mystery, “Lucretia,” and your wish is our command. “Lucretia” joins us again with some choice rants about the whole Ralph Northam affair and the Democrat’s “Calhoun...Source]]>3465false109fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/touring-hot-spots-venezuela-and-iran--53271386Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=592605Tue, 29 Jan 2019 18:15:39 +0000RicochetVenezuela has been slowly falling apart for more than a decade, but when matters reached a seeming crisis point last week, Steve Hayward decided it was high time to catch up with Mark Falcoff, the longtime Latin American expert now retired from the...Source]]>3051false108fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-new-originalism-an-oxymoron--53271389Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=591356Thu, 24 Jan 2019 19:36:49 +0000RicochetConstitutional originalism is the cornerstone of conservative jurisprudence today, but there are several rival versions of originalism, and sometimes you even hear about the “new” originalism, which sounds more like an old Spinal Tap joke. This week...Source]]>1490false107fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/equality-and-its-discontents--53271448Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=589337Thu, 17 Jan 2019 21:45:58 +0000RicochetThis episode offers another of Steve Hayward’s lectures for the William F. Buckley Program at Yale, this time on the subject of equality. Borrowing from the taxonomy of the legendary political scientist Aaron Wildavsky, Steve explains why 600 percent...Source]]>2957false106fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-world-according-to-chris-demuth-pt-2--53271328Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=586885Wed, 09 Jan 2019 12:00:24 +0000RicochetThis second installment of Steve Hayward’s conversation with Chris DeMuth takes up Chris’s “origin story” with his work on regulatory reform starting in the Reagan Administration, and taking the story of neoconservatism through its transformations in...Source]]>3147false105fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-world-according-to-chris-demuth-part-1--53271348Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=584825Wed, 02 Jan 2019 20:24:00 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward recently sat down to conduct another “origin story” interview with Christopher DeMuth, who is nowadays a distinguished fellow at the Hudson Institute, where he writes actively about government regulation and the administrative state....Source]]>2554false104fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-new-year-s-eve-reunion-for-the-beatles--53271358Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=583308Thu, 27 Dec 2018 03:55:04 +0000RicochetGetting Power Line’s own “fab four” (John, Paul , George and Ringo, Scott and Steve) together at once is almost as hard as getting The Beatles back together, even though all of the Power Line Fab Four are still living. But we did better than that: For...Source]]>3420false103fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/justice-without-hyphens-or-is-post-modern-conservatism-an-oxymoron--53271276Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=582665Sun, 23 Dec 2018 18:38:19 +0000RicochetThis week you’re really in for it, as Steve Hayward presents another of his lectures on conservative thought at Yale for the William F. Buckley Program. Steve decides to tackle the “P-word”—Postmodernism. The term is overused, vague, and, like so many...Source]]>2806false102fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/special-doubleheader-campaign-finance-and-yuval-levin--53271319Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=580789Sun, 16 Dec 2018 18:05:30 +0000RicochetThis special doubleheader edition takes up the question of whether President Trump’s hush money payments to his temporary girlfriends is indeed a campaign finance violation with campaign finance law expert and California Fair Political Practices...Source]]>3101false101fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/historians-in-cars-andrew-roberts-on-historical-writing-and-churchill--53271397Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=577856Wed, 05 Dec 2018 21:00:24 +0000RicochetThe distinguished British historian and biographer Andrew Roberts has just released Churchill: Walking With Destiny, which the New York Times (along with several other prominent publications) has called “the best one-volume biography of Churchill ever...Source]]>4023false100fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/talking-economic-liberty-with-chip-mellor--53271414Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=576697Fri, 30 Nov 2018 21:44:27 +0000RicochetThis week the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Timbs v. Indiana, concerning the widespread practice of “civil asset forfeiture,” in which law enforcement will seize your property upon arrest (sometimes even without an arrest and...Source]]>2744false99fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/talking-civil-rights-with-gail-heriot--53271400Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=574271Wed, 21 Nov 2018 17:00:18 +0000RicochetThe U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is out with a new report this week on Police Use of Force, and you know what that means—another sprightly dissent from commission member Gail Heriot. You can read Gail’s take on the report, and how the media...Source]]>2973false98fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/conservative-fight-club--53271375Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=573351Fri, 16 Nov 2018 22:50:54 +0000RicochetNow I know what you’re thinking, and you’d be wrong: the first rule of Conservative Fight Club is that you never shut up about Conservative Fight Club! In this recent lecture for the William F. Buckley Jr Program at Yale (originally titled “Varieties...Source]]>3126false97fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/on-the-firing-line-with-ammo-grrrll--53271371Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=572059Mon, 12 Nov 2018 04:34:18 +0000RicochetScott Johnson joins host Steve Hayward this week for a podcast book party celebrating the launch of a collection of columns from “Ammo Grrrll,” Power Line’s Friday morning humor writer, Susan Vass. Ammo Grrrll Hits the Target is a collection of the...Source]]>2947false96fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/henry-olsen-s-midterm-outlook--53271367Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=568297Thu, 01 Nov 2018 19:20:23 +0000RicochetWe’re up early with this week’s edition of the Power Line Show, because Steve Hayward (his voice finally back to about 90 percent) cornered Henry Olsen to get Henry’s Jedi-like outlook on the mid-term election next week. Henry’s not ready yet to make...Source]]>2041false95fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/edmund-burke-the-first-conservative--53271442Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=566996Sun, 28 Oct 2018 18:21:15 +0000RicochetWhile Steve Hayward continues to nurse his voice back to full strength, this episode of the Power Line Show offers another of Steve’s Yale lectures on conservative philosophy, this time on the topic “Edmund Burke: The First Conservative.”...Source]]>3031false94fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/conservatism-and-its-enemies--53271393Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=564797Sat, 20 Oct 2018 23:04:47 +0000RicochetA slight departure for the Power Line Show this week: Steve Hayward has lost his voice (bringing cheer to his critics and enemies), and couldn’t do the author interview planned for this week, so John Hinderaker stepped in to host this episode with...Source]]>2983false93fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/we-can-win-this-thing-revisiting-the-cold-war-with-herbert-meyer--53271424Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=562465Sat, 13 Oct 2018 20:26:11 +0000RicochetHerbert Meyer, a senior CIA official during the Reagan years and occasional contributor to Ricochet, suffered a serious bicycle accident recently and remains hospitalized. Herb was one of the first persons in the Reagan Administration who began to...Source]]>2810false92fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-deep-end-of-the-lord-liverpool--53271278Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=559923Sat, 06 Oct 2018 16:11:13 +0000RicochetThe Power Line Show takes a break from the All-Kavanaugh-All-the-Time format of recent weeks, and sits down with historian William Anthony Hay, author of a brand new biography of Robert Banks Jenkinson. What? You’ve never heard of Robert Banks...Source]]>2999false91fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/notmetoo--53271378Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=555176Fri, 21 Sep 2018 20:12:39 +0000RicochetWith the Kavanaugh-Ford sexual assault controversy reaching a climax in the next few days, Steve Hayward decided to check in with “Lucretia,” Power Line’s “International Woman of Mystery,” and Julie Kelly, frequent contributor to American Greatness...Source]]>3017notmetoofalse89fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/breaking-away-with-reagan-trump-and-the-midterms--53271361Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=553012Sat, 15 Sep 2018 19:24:03 +0000RicochetThis episode features the address Steve Hayward delivered this week to the Friends of Ronald Reagan at the California Club in Los Angeles, reflecting back on how Reagan weathered two tough mid-term elections and what lessons it might hold for Trump...Source]]>2265falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/she-s-ba-aack-lucretia-on-cyber-security--53271137Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=551485Mon, 10 Sep 2018 00:00:31 +0000RicochetBetween the incessant controversy about Russia hacking our elections, and the recent recommendation of several U.S. science academies that we return to paper ballots, we thought it was high time to devote an episode to cyber-security issues. And we...Source]]>2760false87fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-power-line-show-ep-86-november-s-coming--53271353Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=549155Sun, 02 Sep 2018 16:05:12 +0000RicochetWith two more weeks of primary election results to pick over, Steve Hayward checks in with Henry Olsen to see how things look. Florida increasingly appears to be the most interesting battleground state, with very competitive races for both governor...Source]]>1451falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/vietnam-revisited-with-mackubin-t-owens--53271256Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=547178Sun, 26 Aug 2018 17:42:56 +0000RicochetAfter receiving a query from a young person about why the U.S. didn’t aim for victory in Vietnam, Steve Hayward decided to put the question to Mackubin T. Owens, a Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam and long time professor of strategic studies at the...Source]]>2509false85fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/blue-wave-or-red-tide--53271340Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=545333Mon, 20 Aug 2018 01:29:47 +0000RicochetWill the November election produce a (Democratic) blue wave or a (Republican) red tide? Pre-election opinion polls this year seem more volatile than ever, and beyond the horse-race aspect, there are lots of problems with opinion polling in the age of...Source]]>2031false84fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-university-we-need--53271411Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?p=543984Wed, 15 Aug 2018 14:42:58 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward, just back from a regional meeting of the National Association of Scholars, sits down with Warren Treadgold, author of brand new book, The University We Need, which offers a bold idea: because colleges and universities are so far gone...Source]]>1607false83fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/born-american-but-in-the-wrong-place-remembering-peter-schramm--53271432Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=541044Mon, 06 Aug 2018 01:11:29 +0000RicochetIn this very special episode, Steve Hayward uses some unaired material from a long interview with the late Peter Schramm of the Ashbrook Center. Peter passed away in August 2015, and left a legacy of brilliant and inspirational teaching to a...Source]]>3289false82fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/iran-primed-for-revolution--53271388Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=539283Mon, 30 Jul 2018 15:06:27 +0000RicochetIf a thuggish regime fell in the forest and the New York Times didn’t report it, did it make a sound? This week Steve Hayward talks with Kelly Jane Torrance of the Weekly Standard about what is going on in Iran, where the Trump Administration’s heavy...Source]]>2100false81fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-14th-amendment-at-150-part-2--53271402Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=536960Sun, 22 Jul 2018 17:24:33 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward and his pseudonymous mystery guest “Lucretia” return for the second half of their conversation about the meaning and interpretation of the 14th Amendment. Building on last week’s analysis of the “equal protection clause,” this episode...Source]]>4090false80fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-14th-amendment-at-150-part-1--53271395Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=535276Mon, 16 Jul 2018 13:26:34 +0000RicochetThis month marks the 150th anniversary of the enactment of the 14th Amendment, which has been abused perhaps more than any other part of the Constitution. Steve Hayward welcomes back to the show the pseudonymous mystery guest from last week,...Source]]>3359false79fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/here-comes-da-judge--53271384Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=533433Mon, 09 Jul 2018 00:29:53 +0000RicochetWith the ascent of “democratic socialism” in the Democratic party and a Supreme Court confirmation fight commencing this week, Steve Hayward checks in for the latest on how this may play out in the midterm election with Henry Olsen, and also...Source]]>2553false78fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bulldog-edition--53271226Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=531803Mon, 02 Jul 2018 14:24:26 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward talks with two proud Yale bulldog alumni—James Kirchick of the Brookings Institution and Jeremy Carl of the Hoover Institution, about the mess in higher education and the mess at our border. It’s a coin flip between which is the bigger...Source]]>2591false77fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/killer-tomatoes-and-the-electricity-grid--53271325Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=529818Mon, 25 Jun 2018 00:20:43 +0000RicochetWhat could the cult-camp classic “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes” have to do with the electricity grid? A lot, as it turns out, and Steve Hayward ponders this gonzo crossover topic with three experts on energy policy, Lynne Kiesling of Purdue...Source]]>3891false76fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-ig-report-and-the-latest-big-wave-surf-forecast--53271401Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=527847Sat, 16 Jun 2018 18:12:15 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward is joined this week by Power Line’s own John Hinderaker and Power Line’s eminence grise behind the curtain, Joe Malchow, to dissect the key takeaways of the Inspector General’s findings about the FBI’s investigation into Hillary Clinton....Source]]>2850false75fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-suicide-of-the-university-revisited-with-charles-copeland--53271429Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=526375Tue, 12 Jun 2018 02:54:06 +0000RicochetThis week’s episode offers a conversation between Steve Hayward and Charles Copeland, president of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute ( ISI) about the crisis of the university, especially Steve’s favorite theme that universities are slowly...Source]]>2928false74fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/michael-walsh-s-fiery-angel--53271457Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=524179Sun, 03 Jun 2018 18:04:05 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward talks this week with author Michael Walsh about his new book, The Fiery Angel: Art, Culture, Sex, Politics, and the Struggle for the Soul of the West. Walsh has encyclopedic knowledge of high culture from Homer to Rocky IV, with detours...Source]]>3565false73fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-progress-making-progress--53271290Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=522364Tue, 29 May 2018 16:14:42 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward caught up with the noted author Matt Ridley and energy entrepreneur Chris Wright in a hotel lobby in Denver last week, and decided to make a podcast of it! Matt Ridley (nowadays Lord Ridley!) is the author of many fine books, including...Source]]>3214false72fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-hard-look-at-hard-power--53271409Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=520260Tue, 22 May 2018 18:55:04 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward sits down with Rebecca Heinrichs of the Hudson Institute to survey the scene with regard to defense spending, middle defense, what Russia and China are up to, how the North Korea talks may go, and why Trump, like Mark Twain’s comment on...Source]]>3214false71fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-flight-93-election-comes-in-for-a-landing--53271428Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=517821Mon, 14 May 2018 17:58:33 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward and John Hinderaker interviewed Michael Anton, former senior staffer at Trump’s National Security Council and author of the controversial “ Flight 93 Election” article from September 2016, at the Ricochet Podcast Summit in Washington....Source]]>2681aei ricochet podcast summitfalse70fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-suicide-of-the-university--53271454Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=516286Mon, 07 May 2018 23:00:53 +0000RicochetThis week Steve Hayward talks with . . . Steve Hayward! Well, not exactly. This special edition of the Power Line show features a keynote lecture Steve delivered at Arizona State University back in February on “The Suicide of the University.” Maybe...Source]]>2690false69fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/helping-henry--53271297Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=514900Tue, 01 May 2018 23:36:34 +0000RicochetWho can make the connection between an obscure and bizarre British kids TV show and contemporary U.S. political analysis? The Power Line Show, that’s who! “Henry, were helping Henry and were telling Henry everything we know, Henry, were helping Henry,...Source]]>1999false68fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/speak-freely-and-other-heresies--53271408Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=513513Thu, 26 Apr 2018 17:58:56 +0000RicochetThe controversies surrounding free speech and academic freedom opened a new front last week with the execrable comments about the late First Lady Barbara Bush from Fresno State University professor Randa Jarrar. Steve Hayward talks here with Keith...Source]]>2713false67fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-telos-of-teles--53271310Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=511013Mon, 16 Apr 2018 22:01:10 +0000RicochetSteven Teles of Johns Hopkins University is a rare liberal who writes with great perception and fairness about conservatism and conservative ideas. In this episode, Steve Hayward talks with Teles about his fine new book (co-authored with Brink...Source]]>3362false66fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-lives-of-the-constitution--53271406Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=509425Tue, 10 Apr 2018 23:02:52 +0000RicochetClaremont Institute fellow Joseph Tartakovsky is out this week with a fascinating new book that illuminates the Constitution with a unique approach: “The Lives of the Constitution” explores the meaning of our central political document through the...Source]]>2560false65fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/finding-nino-a-celebration-of-justice-scalia--53271364Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=507583Tue, 03 Apr 2018 21:15:17 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward talks with Ed Whelan, president of of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, author of “Bench Memos” on National Review Online, and co-editor of “Scalia Speaks: Reflections on Law, Faith, and a Live Well Lived.” In addition to recalling...Source]]>2363false64fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-charles-murray-became-charles-murray--53271407Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=505166Tue, 27 Mar 2018 04:00:05 +0000RicochetIn this very special episode, Steve Hayward gets an origin story out of Charles Murray, surveying the sweep of his life from childhood in Iowa through Harvard, the Peace Corps in Asia, and evaluating social programs in the 1970s where his growing...Source]]>4389false63fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/help-us-obi-wan-henry-you-re-our-only-hope--53271351Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=503521Mon, 19 Mar 2018 23:15:07 +0000RicochetIn our regular bi-weekly checkup with Henry Olsen, the Obi-Wan Kenobi of election analysts, Steve Hayward and Henry cover the fallout from the special election in House district 18 in Pennsylvania, how the tariff issue might play out, what to expect...Source]]>1087false62fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/american-women-s-day--53271437Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=501753Mon, 12 Mar 2018 13:00:46 +0000RicochetWe decided to transcend the recent International Women’s Day by declaring our own American Women’s Day with Julie Ponzi and Julie Kelly, stalwarts of AmericanGreatness. Steve Hayward draws out their views on how to come to grips with Trump, why the...Source]]>1957false61fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-future-of-free-speech-on-campus--53271438Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=500152Tue, 06 Mar 2018 00:57:04 +0000RicochetIn this short episode, Steve Hayward shares his recent short lecture at Claremont McKenna College on the campus threats to free speech, analyzing the pincer movement of the wholesale postmodernist rejection of the liberal tradition and recent social...Source]]>800false60fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/populism-sweeping-europe--53271433Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=499002Wed, 28 Feb 2018 20:52:53 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward catches up with Henry Olsen in London, ahead of the upcoming general election in Italy where populist parties are expected to do well, and where German politics remain in disarray because of the populist eruption in their last general...Source]]>1185false59fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cpac-recap-and-shooting-aftermath--53271425Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=498336Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:49:17 +0000RicochetPower Line co-founder John Hinderaker joins Steve Hayward to offer up a recap on the just-concluded annual CPAC meeting, and to analyze the aftermath of the Florida school shooting, where media distortion and liberal virtue-signalling are reaching...Source]]>2512false58fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fred-siegel-explains-it-all--53271419Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=496857Tue, 20 Feb 2018 03:41:50 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward sits down with author Fred Siegel about a wide range of topics, from Trump and the Democrats, to how to think about leading intellectuals including H.L. Mencken, Arthur Schlesinger, Richard Rorty, Michel Foucault, and Mark Lilla, and the...Source]]>2933false57fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-missing-linker--53271360Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=495078Mon, 12 Feb 2018 22:58:34 +0000RicochetIs it possible to be a liberal but not a “Progressive”? Steve Hayward sat down with Damon Linker, author and columnist for The Week, to discuss this and related questions, such as why Linker defected from the right to become a moderate liberal (hence...Source]]>2250false56fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fee-fi-fo-fisa--53271316Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=493895Thu, 08 Feb 2018 01:37:16 +0000RicochetWith news breaking of the possible involvement of President Obama in the FBI investigation of Carter Page along with Sidney Blumenthal slithering from the sewer yet again, Steve Hayward asked John Yoo some questions about how the FISA process actually...Source]]>738false55fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-second-iranian-revolution--53271381Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=493220Tue, 06 Feb 2018 01:03:06 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward talks with Kelly Jane Torrance, deputy managing editor of the Weekly Standard, about the protests in Iran and the Iranian dissident movement in exile, which is being ignored by nearly all of the mainstream media. Torrance is one of the...Source]]>2147false54fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/regarding-henry--53271461Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=490696Mon, 29 Jan 2018 19:02:49 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward sits down with Henry Olsen, author and senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, but also a premier practicioner of “psephology” (try pronouncing that fast three times—or just once!), which we define as reading the entrails...Source]]>2256false52fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/getting-tired-of-all-the-greatness--53271398Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=489547Thu, 25 Jan 2018 00:18:14 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward is joined by the triumvirate behind American Greatness ( amgreatness.com)—Chris Buskirk, Ben Boychuk and Julie Ponzi—to talk more about what the MAGA agenda means in practice, the shape of the fast-moving debate over immigration reform,...Source]]>1841false51fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-lighter-side-of-deeble--53271382Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=484966Wed, 10 Jan 2018 06:29:33 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward reached all the way across the Atlantic to track down comedian/magician (and occasional Ricochet contributor) David Deeble to talk about comedy, why most comics (and actors and most other artists) are liberal, and the challenges of...Source]]>1805false50fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/life-after-franken-in-minnesota--53271416Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=483084Thu, 04 Jan 2018 02:11:59 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward and John Hinderaker take note of the exit of Al Franken from the Senate, and how it has thrown Minnesota politics into a state of turmoil, making it ground zero for the mid-term election later this year. Unnoticed by the national media,...Source]]>1517false49fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/celebrating-a-year-of-american-greatness--53271390Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=481721Fri, 29 Dec 2017 18:43:50 +0000RicochetIn this year-end episode, Steve Hayward checks in with Ben Boychuk, columnist for the Sacramento Bee and managing editor of the American Greatness website, about how to think about Trump—yes, we’re still trying to figure him out too—and looking ahead...Source]]>1775false48fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/shedding-light-on-darkest-hour--53271439Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=479835Thu, 21 Dec 2017 07:31:16 +0000Ricochet“Darkest Hour,” the new Churchill biopic that comes out in general release this week, has generated some controversy about its accuracy and depiction of Churchill in the crucial weeks of May 1940. Steven Hayward, who liked the film, and Scott Johnson,...Source]]>3102false47fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/two-cheers-for-tammany-hall--53271365Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=430394Wed, 17 May 2017 13:00:56 +0000RicochetSteve Hayward sits down with Jonathan Rauch of the Atlantic Monthly and Brookings Institution to discuss Jon’s latest ebook, Political Realism, and also the parlous state of free speech on college campuses. Jon offers the counter-intuitive thesis that...Source]]>1921false46fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-next-broadway-hit-for-the-trump-era-madison--53271455Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=409925Thu, 09 Feb 2017 04:16:32 +0000RicochetIn this episode of the Power Line Show, Steve Hayward converses with John Yoo about the early days of the Trump Administration, the immigration order, the Gorsuch nomination, and especially how the time is ripe for the obvious Broadway sequel to...Source]]>1795false45fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/back-to-the-beach-boys-with-michael-anton--53271460Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=395511Fri, 09 Dec 2016 22:14:11 +0000RicochetWith the election over, we can get back to important things. Like the Beach Boys. Except, like everything else, the left has politicized the Beach Boys too. In this episode of the Power Line Show, Steve Hayward talks with writer and native Californian...Source]]>2866false44fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/strange-times--53271435Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=381599Wed, 19 Oct 2016 03:00:44 +0000RicochetTonight, John, Scott and Steve got together to talk about the strangest political season of modern times. Questions abound: Does Trump still have a chance? Will tomorrow night’s debate matter? Will the Hillary Clinton scandals that have come out...Source]]>2762false43fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rising-stars-on-the-right--53271379Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=370305Fri, 02 Sep 2016 16:35:15 +0000RicochetThis edition of the Power Line Show features Steve Hayward in conversation with Jeremy Carl of the Hoover Institution. Jeremy helps direct the Shultz-Stephenson Task Force on Energy Policy at Hoover, and write frequently on American politics for...Source]]>1345false42fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/decoding-evangelical-politics-with-mike-cromartie--53271344Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=362217Thu, 04 Aug 2016 19:17:47 +0000RicochetOne of the surprises of the GOP primary campaign season was the strong support Donald Trump received from many—though not all—evangelical Christian voters. Maybe the so-called “religious right” isn’t as monolithic as the media supposes. In this...Source]]>1769false41fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-dnc-scott-charlie-at-the-spa-and-yuval-levin--53271412Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=359870Tue, 26 Jul 2016 19:50:45 +0000RicochetThis edition of the Power Line Show offers our quick reacts to the opening of the fractious Democratic National Convention, Scott’s bonding with Charlie Rangel at a Trump health spa in Florida (!!), and our interview with Yuval Levin, author of Our...Source]]>2296false40fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-shape-of-the-race-and-the-omens-of-brexit-with-henry-olsen--53271434Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=356857Fri, 15 Jul 2016 18:47:27 +0000RicochetWe caught up with Henry Olsen on the eve of the GOP convention in Cleveland to discuss the shape of the race right now, and the prospects for a return of ticket-splitting in down-ballot races if Trump loses. Also, one more victory lap for the fabulous...Source]]>1714false39fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/has-energy-ended-40-years-in-the-wilderness--53271463Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=350849Sat, 09 Jul 2016 05:15:42 +0000RicochetIn this special edition of the Power Line Show, Steve Hayward talks with author Robert Bryce about the new world of global oil prices which has ended, probably forever, OPEC’s 40-year dominance. They also talk about the perverse subsidies for and...Source]]>1185false38fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/moral-narcissism-with-roger-simon--53271465Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=344720Tue, 21 Jun 2016 01:48:50 +0000RicochetTonight John, Paul, and Steve kicked around some of the major news stories of the day, including the terrorist attack in Orlando and the Democrats’ effort to change the subject to gun control. Also, Donald Trump’s train wreck of a campaign: can it get...Source]]>3476false37fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/frankfurters-all-the-way-down--53271430Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=336743Thu, 19 May 2016 04:30:24 +0000RicochetThis episode of the Power Line podcast features an interview with Michael Walsh about his recent book The Devil’s Pleasure Palace: The Cult of Critical Theory and the Subversion of the West. Walsh explains how most of the nihilistic radicalism of our...Source]]>2262false36fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dangerous-doctrine--53271446Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=335394Fri, 13 May 2016 04:00:15 +0000RicochetJohn Hinderaker, Steve Hayward, and Scott Johnson got together in person for this episode, which features Steve’s interview with Robert Kaufman, author of Dangerous Doctrine: How Obama’s Grand Strategy Weakened America, and Scott’s reporting direct...Source]]>2854false35fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/back-in-the-arena--53271403Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=331884Sat, 30 Apr 2016 06:59:32 +0000RicochetThe show has been on hiatus while John toured Australia and the Caribbean. But he’s back now, and this afternoon John, Scott, and Steve recorded Episode 34 of the Power Line Show. Their guest was Pete Hegseth, an old friend from his days in the...Source]]>3142false34fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/please-stop-helping-us--53271444Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=314915Thu, 18 Feb 2016 03:54:07 +0000RicochetJohn, Paul, and Steve got together for Episode 33 of the Power Line Show. They were joined by Jason Riley, author of Please Stop Helping Us: How Liberals Make It Harder for Blacks to Succeed. It is a terrific book, and Riley was an excellent guest....Source]]>3327false33fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/never-say-trump-again--53271369Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=310450Sat, 30 Jan 2016 01:09:00 +0000RicochetThis afternoon Paul, Steve, and John got together for a guest-free edition of the Power Line Show. Topic number one was, of course, last night’s GOP debate in Iowa and the state of the races in both parties. Steve and Paul ventured predictions on New...Source]]>2681false32fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sen-sessions-and-the-state-of-the-union-or-a-root-canal--53271470Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=306153Tue, 12 Jan 2016 20:45:09 +0000RicochetJohn, Scott, and Steve got together for a new edition of Power Line. Paul was unable to join due to a dentist appointment, which raises the question: would you rather get a root canal, or watch tonight’s State of the Union speech? Topics include the...Source]]>2609false31fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/san-bernardino-and-the-hate-crimes-hoax--53271469Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=298941Fri, 04 Dec 2015 21:13:04 +0000RicochetThe whole Power Line crew assembled to discuss the issues of the day—specifically, the terrorist attack in San Bernardino, the crazed liberal responses thereto, and the attack’s public policy implications with respect to, most notably, immigration....Source]]>3425false30fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-dark-day-around-the-world-with-dan-polisar--53271377Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=294538Sat, 14 Nov 2015 01:04:09 +0000RicochetAs the terror attacks in Paris unfolded, John, Scott and Steve hosted Episode 29 of the Power Line Show. The attacks threw both halves of the show into sharp relief. We started by interviewing Dan Polisar, author of in important article in titled “...Source]]>3151false29fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/phantom-bias-and-the-incarceration-myth--53271417Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=291328Fri, 30 Oct 2015 22:00:15 +0000RicochetThe Manhattan Institute’s Heather Mac Donald joins John and Steve to discuss her poltically incorrect (and therefore quite thought provoking) new piece in City Journal titled, “The Decriminalization Delusion.” Heather describes the “phantom bias” that...Source]]>2955false28fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lawless--53271467Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=289844Fri, 23 Oct 2015 18:18:26 +0000RicochetThis morning Paul, Scott, and John got together for Episode 28 of the Power Line Show. They were joined by law professor David Bernstein to talk about his new book Lawless: The Obama Administration’s Unprecedented Assault on the Constitution and the...Source]]>3124false27fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/let-the-felons-go--53271449Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=286753Fri, 09 Oct 2015 23:52:10 +0000RicochetToday, John, Paul and Scott got together for Episode 27 of the Power Line Show. They were joined by former federal prosecutor Bill Otis, and discussed the criminal justice “reform” bill that is being rushed through the Senate. If you have wondered...Source]]>3434false26fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/truth-and-rathergate--53271447Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=279753Fri, 11 Sep 2015 17:10:15 +0000RicochetThe entire Power Line gang gathered for the latest episode of the Power Line Show. They talked about Rathergate and the absurd new movie mis-titled Truth, which just opened in Toronto. Harry MacDougald, the famous “Buckhead” of the Rathergate story,...Source]]>2942false25fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/donald-and-the-16-dwarfs--53271443Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=276030Fri, 28 Aug 2015 01:19:47 +0000RicochetToday John, Paul, and Steve got together for Episode 24 of Power Line. They’re joined by Eliana Johnson, Washington Editor for the National Review. They kicked around the latest news and Washington gossip about the presidential race on both sides of...Source]]>3358false24fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-selfie-vote-and-keeping-up-with-millennials--53271464Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=272205Wed, 12 Aug 2015 20:58:03 +0000RicochetJoin John, Paul, and Steve for Episode 23 of Power Line. In this episode they are joined by Kristen Soltis Anderson, of Echelon Insights and author of The Selfie Vote: Where Millennials Are Leading America (And How Republicans Can Keep Up). It was a...Source]]>3177false23fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-lion-the-donald-and-the-video-tapes--53271471Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=269672Sat, 01 Aug 2015 04:52:10 +0000RicochetThe entire crew — Scott, Paul, Steve and John — assembled for this episode of Power Line. They kicked around the issues of the day, including the pros and cons of Donald Trump, Cecil the lion, the seemingly bipartisan criminal justice “reform”...Source]]>3076false22fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-coalition-of-the-unwilling--53271380Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=265733Wed, 15 Jul 2015 01:26:49 +0000RicochetThe Power Line crew joins the Coalition of the Unwilling in finding nothing to cheer in the Iran nuclear arms deal that was announced today. But the first half of the show features a conversation with Stanley Kurtz, author of several important books...Source]]>3205false21fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/good-news-and-bad-news-with-dana-perino-and-scotus--53271452Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=261849Sat, 27 Jun 2015 00:16:27 +0000RicochetThis afternoon John Hinderaker, Steve Hayward, and Paul Mirengoff got together to record Episode 20 of the Power Line show. They talked with Dana Perino about her new book, And the Good News Is… Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side, her experience...Source]]>3804false20fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-obama-abandoned-israel--53271462Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=260245Fri, 19 Jun 2015 19:53:52 +0000RicochetIn this episode of Power Line we welcome Israel’s former ambassador to the United States Michael Oren. Ambassador Oren’s new book is Ally: My Journey Across the American Israeli Divide. Oren’s June 15 Wall Street Journal column “How Obama Abandoned...Source]]>2009false19fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/making-history-by-changing-history--53356386Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=259630Wed, 17 Jun 2015 16:54:20 +0000RicochetSteve, Paul, and John present Episode 19 of Power Line. They are joined by Professor Charles Kesler of Claremont McKenna College, the editor of the Claremont Review of Books. Professor Kesler is one of the scholars who signed a letter objecting to the...Source]]>3341false19fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/making-history-by-changing-history--53271440Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=259630Wed, 17 Jun 2015 16:54:20 +0000RicochetSteve, Paul, and John present Episode 19 of Power Line. They are joined by Professor Charles Kesler of Claremont McKenna College, the editor of the Claremont Review of Books. Professor Kesler is one of the scholars who signed a letter objecting to the...Source]]>3341false19fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/peter-wehner-on-obama-s-cataclysmic-foreign-policy-failures--53271466Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=255701Sat, 30 May 2015 01:15:56 +0000RicochetPower Line welcomes Peter Wehner to the show this week to discuss a recent column where Whener asks, “What are the worst foreign policy failures of Barack Obama’s presidency?“ In a wide ranging conversation, the gang talks about the rise of ISIS,...Source]]>3483false18fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/more-chases-than-the-fugitive-exciting-like-the-french-connection--53271354Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=253361Tue, 19 May 2015 23:51:02 +0000RicochetWhat do The Weathermen, The Symbionese Liberation Army, The FALN, and The Black Liberation Army all have in common? Well, besides being a swell bunch of fellas, they’re all featured in-depth throughout Bryan Burrough’s great new book, Days of Rage:...Source]]>3133false17fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-stories-inside-clinton-cash--53271453Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=251288Sat, 09 May 2015 02:10:34 +0000RicochetUnless you’re waking from a long coma* you’ve likely heard that the philanthropic endeavors of the Clinton Foundation may not just be for the common good. But while TV’s talking heads have been discussing the book’s details, they’ve largely overlooked...Source]]>2654false16fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gov-scott-walker--53271445Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=248448Sat, 25 Apr 2015 23:45:13 +0000RicochetGov. Scott Walker (R-Wisconsin) addressed the Freedom Club’s annual dinner in Minnesota. Walker made time between photos and the dinner for a Power Line interview. From Power Line’s John Hinderacker: How was his speech? It was terrific. I have...Source]]>632false15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hillary-scooby-and-the-burrito-bowl-incident--53271418Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=246779Fri, 17 Apr 2015 21:56:02 +0000RicochetLast night, three of the PL crew (John, Paul, and Steve) got together for a review of the presidential race as it currently stands. A principal topic was Hillary Clinton’s bizarre rollout, complete with her incognito Chipotle appearance, “common man”...Source]]>2521false14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/john-yoo-on-the-religious-freedom-restoration-act--53271421Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=243785Sun, 05 Apr 2015 02:42:35 +0000RicochetThe whole PL gang assembled this afternoon to tape Episode 13 of the Power Line Show. They discuss Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the controversy that followed its passage. Law Professor John Yoo of Berkeley joined us for an extensive...Source]]>4138false13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/netanyahu-s-win-iran-rubio-and-gop-frontrunners--53271423Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=239428Thu, 19 Mar 2015 01:18:22 +0000RicochetJohn, Paul, and Steve talk about Benjamin Netanyahu’s stunning win and the American Left’s reaction to it. Iran was also front and center, along with the latest on the budget front. Then they’re joined by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) for a short but...Source]]>2465false12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/queen-hillary-s-emails-and-the-feds-bust-sen-menendez--53271456Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=236961Sat, 07 Mar 2015 03:11:31 +0000RicochetThe Power Line team gets down to business with the latest Democrat scandals: Hillary Clinton’s “clear cut” violation of State Department rules and the Justice Department’s criminal corruption charges against Senator Robert Menendez. The team expires...Source]]>2333false11fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/william-bennett-going-to-pot-and-underestimating-islamic-threats--53271459Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=235725Sat, 21 Feb 2015 01:12:08 +0000RicochetWilliam Bennett and Robert White join Power Line to discuss their new book, Going to Pot: Why the Rush to Legalize Marijuana is Harming America. Bennett and White trace how marijuana has gone from the days of Reefer Madness to being legalized in four...Source]]>2653false10fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/corruption-in-washington-and-lies-in-the-media--53271415Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=234496Sat, 07 Feb 2015 00:12:15 +0000RicochetIt’s been 10 years since the Dan Rather scandal ruined the CBS newsman’s career (for a short while, at least). How much has changed over the past decade? Don’t let the answer ruin your weekend as the Power Line team discusses whether or not Brian...Source]]>2829false9fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-great-conservative-feud--53271427Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=233209Sat, 24 Jan 2015 01:11:59 +0000RicochetPowerLine is back with frontline details of a decades-long war among conservatives. This isn’t a debate about same-sex marriage, drug legalization, or conservatives vs. libertarians, it’s the great battle between Harry Jaffa and Walter Berns. Their...Source]]>1877false8fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/follow-up-claire-berlinski-with-the-latest-from-paris--53271468Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=232059Fri, 09 Jan 2015 20:16:57 +0000RicochetClaire Berlinski follows up her eye-witness report from Paris on yesterday’s Ricochet Podcast with the latest developments from a full day of breaking news in France. Claire suggests it’s time for tough questions to be asked and that it’s unbelievable...Source]]>1992false7fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/who-beat-up-harry-reid-and-announcing-the-kirbydelauter-awards--53356383Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=231798Wed, 07 Jan 2015 04:39:11 +0000RicochetPower Line’s John Hinderacker and Steven Hayward follow up yesterday’s BREAKING NEWS Power Line show with analysis of the big interview with former CBS reporter Shayrl Atkisson. Then we find out that Speaker John Boehner’s job might not be as easy as...Source]]>1780kirbydelauterfalse6fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/who-beat-up-harry-reid-and-announcing-the-kirbydelauter-awards--53271436Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=231798Wed, 07 Jan 2015 04:39:11 +0000RicochetPower Line’s John Hinderacker and Steven Hayward follow up yesterday’s BREAKING NEWS Power Line show with analysis of the big interview with former CBS reporter Shayrl Atkisson. Then we find out that Speaker John Boehner’s job might not be as easy as...Source]]>1780kirbydelauterfalse6fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/stonewalled-sharyl-attkisson-s-fight-for-the-truth--53356382Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=231688Mon, 05 Jan 2015 20:00:29 +0000RicochetPower Line is back for an in-depth interview with former CBS reporter Sharyl Attkisson to discuss how she found out the Obama Administration was spying on her while she was investigating several scandals throughout the government. Attkisson also gives...Source]]>1480false5fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/stonewalled-sharyl-attkisson-s-fight-for-the-truth--53271458Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=231688Mon, 05 Jan 2015 20:00:29 +0000RicochetPower Line is back for an in-depth interview with former CBS reporter Sharyl Attkisson to discuss how she found out the Obama Administration was spying on her while she was investigating several scandals throughout the government. Attkisson also gives...Source]]>1480false5fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-top-stories-and-underreported-stories-of-the-year--53271451Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=231373Wed, 31 Dec 2014 00:23:26 +0000RicochetWhat does 2014 look like in the rear view mirror for Power Line? The Democrats had a bad year. Iran had a great year. And three-card monte is back on the streets of New York. The chronic liberal dilemma continues to plague our country, but at least...Source]]>2376false4fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/excessive-force-and-america-in-retreat--53271422Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=229728Fri, 05 Dec 2014 20:24:40 +0000RicochetOn Episode 3 of Power Line, John, Paul, and Scott welcome Pulitzer Prize winning, Wall Street Journal columnist Bret Stephens. They discuss his new book, America in Retreat, and how policy decisions are hurting the United States, while inviting...Source]]>3407false3fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rep-tom-cotton--53271431Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=228799Sat, 22 Nov 2014 07:03:46 +0000RicochetCotton Executive Orders, Abuse of Power or Good Intentions, What’s the Biggest Threat to our Republic? In the latest episode of Power Line, John, Paul, Steven, and Scott talk with Representative (and Senator-elet) Tom Cotton about immigration reform,...Source]]>4215false2fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/introducing-power-line-obama-s-gift-to-republicans--53271450Source]]>https://ricochet.com/?post_type=podcasts&p=227765Mon, 10 Nov 2014 03:45:04 +0000RicochetYou read them. You love them. And now they have their very own show. In their first episode, John Hinderaker, Scott Johnson, Paul Mirengoff, and Steven Hayward are joined by Michael Barone to dissect the numbers behind the GOP’s historic election. Is...Source]]>3913false1full