2025 Martini Awards Part 4: Best Ideas, Worst Ideas, Boldest Tactics

More year-end awards today! Today, Jim and Greg tackle the fourth installment of the 3 Three Martini Lunch Awards. Today, they offer up their selections for the Best Political Idea, Worst Political Idea, and Boldest Political Tactics for the year. They start with the best ideas of the year. Jim applauds those who are advancing the cutting edge technology that will rapidly change our world. Greg cheers on those fighting to eliminate the most unfair tax of all.Then it's time for the worst political ideas of the year. Jim quickly zeroes in on a big aspect of the Trump economic agenda that may well be hurting the president's own efforts to bring prices down. Greg chides Trump for picking a fight with closest neighbors at a time when the lefties there were about to implode. Now we get five more years of leftist insanity.Finally, they're on to the boldest political tactics for 2025. Jim praises Trump for waving off the naysayers and neutralizing on of the world's major looming threats. Greg gives Trump and Elon Musk credit for trying to shrink our government. Even though it did not achieve all of its goals, at least someone finally tried - something neither party has shown any interest in doing for decades.Don't miss Tuesday's special edition as Jim and Greg reveal their choices for Most Overreported Story, Most Underreported Story, and the Best Story of 2025.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeWebsite

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas! Jim and Greg are back today for the third round of the 3 Martini Lunch Awards. Today, they discuss the Biggest Lie, Best Political Theater, and Worst Political Theater of 2025.They start with the biggest lies of the year. Jim focuses on a political campaign that was built on multiple lies and media doing virtually nothing to call any of it out. Greg's choice centers on a statement from a top administration official that led to major blowback from President Trump's own officials.Then it's time for the best political theater of 2025, with Jim choosing something President Trump does a lot that President Biden avoided whenever possible. Greg suggests theater isn't exactly the right description for his moment, as he focuses on the powerful statement of Erika Kirk at her husband's memorial service.Finally, they cringe remembering the worst political theater of 2025. Jim points out a prominent Democrat politician who was totally AWOL when she was most needed by her constituents. Greg chooses the very same politician (and others) but for a very different reason.Please join us on Monday as Jim and Greg hand out their awards for Best Political Idea, Worst Political Idea, and Boldest Tactic for 2025.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeWebsite

We hope you are having a very Merry Christmas! Jim and Greg are spending the day with their families, but we're happy to present an encore presentation of a recent special edition of the 3 Martini Lunch!Join Jim and Greg as they dive into stories that didn’t quite make the cut for full martinis in recent weeks but still deserve attention. Jim examines the persistent challenges of inflation and America’s skyrocketing debt, while Greg highlights a major Trump victory at the United Nations and new signs that one expected 2028 Democrat contender may be bowing out before the race begins. Then they get a little but more on the lighter side for their final martinis.First, Jim notes that while inflation is much more under control than during the Biden administration, it's still stubbornly at or around three percent year-over-year most months and it's still making many Americans sweat. Greg focuses on the Trump administration leading the charge to stop a United Nations carbon emissions tax on shipping. Greg cheers the latest win in blocking the left's green agenda and higher prices for the goods on those ships. Jim adds another critical point that's key in any discussion of the United Nations.Next, Jim shudders as the national debt officially soars beyond the $38 trillion mark and he's especially horrified at how fast the debt is growing. Meanwhile, Greg points out recent comments from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer suggesting she may not run for president in 2028. That would be good news given Whitmer's terrible record as governor.Finally, Jim explains how the NFL's desire to reach younger fans could soon lead to a significant drop in viewership. Greg wonders if there is any integrity left in competition after another cheating scandal rocks a world championship.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeWebsite

Join Jim and Greg as they offer the second installment of their highly coveted 3 Martini Lunch year-end awards. Today they remark on the people connected to politics that they're most sorry to see pass away in 2025. They also share their choices for rising political stars and those who appear to be fading into political oblivionThey begin with those who left us over the past year. They both select what they consider to be the obvious choice: the shocking, public murder of one of the most powerful and persuasive voices on the right and impact he was having on American politics. Greg also highlights a dedicated policy expert who fought the good fight against Obamacare and the passing of his favorite Democrat.Then it's on to a much happier subject as they consider the rising political stars for 2024. Jim selects a pair of figures from a key swing state who could end up facing off against each other in 2026. Greg chooses a freshman senator who already has a strong track for getting things done.Finally, Jim sees one of the most prominent figures from last year already fading into oblivion. Greg's choice goes beyond a single person to an entire nation.There will be a special replay of a favorite 3 Martini Lunch special on Christmas Day.  On Friday, we consider the categories of Biggest Lie, Best Political Theater, & Worst Political Theater for the past year. Merry Christmas and thank you for listening to the 3 Martini Lunch!Please visit our great sponsors:Go to https://OmahaSteaks.com and use code 3ML at checkout for an extra $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. See site for details. A big thanks to our advertiser, Omaha Steaks!Listeners can start a new tradition this December with 10% off at BetterHelp—visit https://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get started.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeWebsite

Today, Jim and Greg begin handing out their prestigious annual 3 Martini Lunch Awards! Starting today and running through New Year’s Day, they’ll unveil their picks in categories ranging from rising star to the best and worst political ideas, plus the stories the media ignored and the ones they couldn’t stop talking about. It all builds toward next week, when Jim and Greg reveal their Person of the Year, Turncoat of the Year, and their political predictions for 2026.In this first installment, Jim and Greg offer their individual selections for Most Overrated Political Figure, Most Underrated Political Figure, and Most Honest Political Figure.In the overrated department, Jim picks a guy who managed to lose two elections this year while acting like he was entitled to the office the entire time. Greg picks a likely 2028 presidential candidate whose record is one of repeated, abysmal failure.When it comes to underrated political figures, Jim and Greg agree on a Trump cabinet member who avoids the spotlight but consistently delivers strong results. Greg also offers an honorable mention to a figure who played a key role in the GOP’s victory in the government shutdown fight, even if there’s still significant room for improvement in other parts of the job.For Most Honest Political Figure, Jim highlights a Democratic lawmaker who openly criticized his party’s incoherent stance during the shutdown and beyond. Greg points to a House member willing to publicly condemn electoral shenanigans committed by a fellow Democrat.Don't miss tomorrow's special edition, when Jim and Greg list the political figures they were sorry to see pass away in 2025. They'll also name their rising stars over the past year and those who seem to be fading into political oblivion.Please visit our great sponsors:Go to https://OmahaSteaks.com and use code 3ML at checkout for an extra $35 off. Minimumpurchase may apply. See site for details. A big thanks to our advertiser, Omaha Steaks!Listeners can start a new tradition this December with 10% off at BetterHelp—visithttps://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get started.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeWebsite

Join Jim and Greg for the Monday 3 Martini Lunch as they break down growing tensions on the right following a heated Turning Point USA event, Rep. Elise Stefanik’s abrupt exit from the New York governor’s race, and a Michigan U.S. Senate candidate fantasizing about assaulting U.S. Supreme Court justices.First, they react to Ben Shapiro’s speech on how politics and journalism should be conducted, including his sharp criticism of Tucker Carlson for platforming figures like Nick Fuentes without challenging their views. Carlson then returned verbal fire and accused his critics of trying to divide people. Jim says the right is not well-served by tolerating conspiracy theories and playing footsie with anti-Semitism.Next, they dig into why New York Rep. Elise Stefanik decided to pull the plug on her campaign for governor. They also examine how the year started with President Trump choosing Stefanik to be his ambassador to the United Nations and ended with Trump refusing to endorse her run for governor.Finally, they get a glimpse of another unhinged Democrat running for U.S. Senate in Michigan, as State Senator Mallory McMorrow says she heard Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh attended a tailgate at her alma mater of Notre Dame University. McMorrow suggests she would have thrown beer in their faces. But the rest of the Democrats running are also really bad.Please visit our great sponsors:Go to https://OmahaSteaks.com and use code 3ML at checkout for an extra $35 off. Minimum purchase may apply. See site for details. A big thanks to our advertiser, Omaha Steaks!Listeners can start a new tradition this December with 10% off at BetterHelp—visit https://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get started.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeWebsite

Join Jim and Greg for the Friday 3 Martini Lunch as they break down what we know and still don’t know about the Brown University and MIT shooter found dead on Thursday. They also applaud a Wisconsin jury for convicting a judge who helped an illegal immigrant evade ICE and condemn Virginia prosecutors whose decision to release an illegal immigrant on an assault charge led to a murder the very next day.First, they’re relieved the man accused of killing two people and wounding nine others at Brown University, before murdering an MIT professor two days later, has been located. The 48-year-old Portuguese immigrant was found dead in New Hampshire in an apparent suicide. Jim and Greg walk through the confirmed facts, explain that some early theories were not correct, and go over the unanswered questions.Next, they welcome the conviction of Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan on felony obstruction of justice charges for helping an illegal immigrant exit her courtroom in an unusual manner so ICE agents waiting in the courthouse lobby could not detain him. Jim also revisits the outrageous reactions from Democrats and media figures who rushed to defend Dugan following her arrest.Finally, they fume over Fairfax County, Virginia, prosecutors refusing to pursue assault charges against an illegal immigrant from El Salvador with a lengthy criminal record. Authorities also declined to hold him for ICE. The very next day, the suspect murdered his roommate. Jim unloads on both the prosecutor’s office and local law enforcement for a decision with deadly consequences.Please visit our great sponsors:Try Quo for free at https://Quo.com/3ML and keep your existing number—Quo means no missed calls, no missed customers.Give your liver the support it deserves with Dose Daily.  Save 35% on your first month when you subscribe at https://DoseDaily.co/3ML or enter code 3ML at checkout. Stop putting off those doctors’ appointments and go to https://ZocDoc.com/3ML to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeWebsite

Join Jim and Greg for the Thursday 3 Martini Lunch as they break down disastrous polling for Democrats and the DNC’s quiet effort to bury its 2024 election autopsy, President Trump’s move to reclassify marijuana under federal law, and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino’s plans to leave the bureau after less than a year on the job.First, they have some fun speculating about why Democrats are suddenly backing away from their promise to release a full autopsy of the 2024 elections. Some explanations are obvious, while Jim claims to have “uncovered” a few others. They also look at the the Dems' disastrous approval numbers. But will they still do well in the midterms?Next, they react to President Trump’s decision to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III controlled substance, allowing expanded research into potential medical benefits. While the change does little to alter marijuana’s overall legality, Jim and Greg vent about the widespread normalization of pot use and the ever-present stench that seems unavoidable in many major cities and beyond.Finally, they discuss the impending resignation of FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino after just over nine months in the role. Greg notes there were signs of Bongino’s frustration with the job months ago, while Jim credits him for taking on difficult cases and reassessing positions he held before joining the bureau.Please visit our great sponsors:Try Quo for free at https://Quo.com/3ML and keep your existing number—Quo means no missed calls, no missed customers.Give your liver the support it deserves with Dose Daily.  Save 35% on your first month when you subscribe at https://DoseDaily.co/3ML or enter code 3ML at checkout. Stop putting off those doctors’ appointments and go to https://ZocDoc.com/3ML to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeWebsite

Join Jim and Greg for the Wednesday 3 Martini Lunch as they unpack Sen. John Fetterman’s clarification on U.S. strikes against Venezuelan drug boats, wince at House Republicans helping Democrats push an Obamacare subsidy extension, and vent over the deeply troubling conduct of police and politicians in the Brown University shooting investigation.First, they respond to Sen. Fetterman’s explanation that U.S. intelligence on the Venezuelan drug boats is clear and comprehensive, with American officials knowing exactly who and what is on board. Jim argues that President Trump’s national security team should declassify as much of this information as possible so the public can hear the facts directly.Next, they groan as four House Republicans sign a discharge petition forcing a vote on the Democrats’ Obamacare subsidy extension bill. If it passes, pressure will immediately shift to Senate Republicans to follow suit. Jim questions what the point of the shutdown fight was if this is the inevitable outcome, while Greg asks why Republicans in competitive districts can’t offer a stronger alternative instead of aligning with Democrats.Finally, they react to the latest, deeply unreassuring statements from officials overseeing the Brown University shooting investigation. Authorities refuse to say what students told them the shooter said before opening fire and are openly scolding reporters for asking questions they don't like.Please visit our great sponsors:Try Quo for free at https://Quo.com/3ML and keep your existing number—Quo means no missed calls, no missed customers.Give your liver the support it deserves with Dose Daily.  Save 35% on your first month when you subscribe at https://DoseDaily.co/3ML or enter code 3ML at checkout. Stop putting off those doctors’ appointments and go to https://ZocDoc.com/3ML to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeWebsite

Join Jim and Greg for the Tuesday 3 Martini Lunch, as they serve up all good martinis and discuss the FBI thwarting a major terrorist plot, another conservative elected president in South America, and growing outrage in Minnesota over massive welfare fraud and Gov. Tim Walz’s handling of the scandal.First, they applaud the FBI for thwarting a chilling plot by the Turtle Island Liberation Front to carry out a coordinated bombing campaign across Los Angeles beginning on New Year’s Eve. Authorities describe the group as pro-Palestine, anti-government, and anti-capitalist. Jim and Greg are grateful for the arrests and are reminded that evil people love to plan horrible things around the holidays.Next, they celebrate the election of conservative Jose Antonio Kast as the next president of Chile. While the media absurdly label him as "far-right," Kast is a conservative Catholic who wants to crack down on crime and secure the border. He's also called a neo-liberal on economics, which means he's for smaller government, free markets, and deregulation. Seems like a leader the U.S. might be able to work with.Finally, they discuss new polling from Minnesota showing deep voter frustration with the state’s sprawling welfare fraud scandal. Nearly 80 percent of residents say it is a major problem or the worst problem facing the state, while just 14 percent believe Gov. Tim Walz has handled it well. Jim questions whether Minnesota Democrats will abandon Walz in 2026 or continue standing by him despite the growing scandal.Please visit our great sponsors:Try Quo for free at https://Quo.com/3ML and keep your existing number—Quo means no missed calls, no missed customers.Give your liver the support it deserves with Dose Daily.  Save 35% on your first month when you subscribe at https://DoseDaily.co/3ML or enter code 3ML at checkout. Stop putting off those doctors’ appointments and go to https://ZocDoc.com/3ML to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeWebsite