Jim and Greg's Political Spring Cleaning: The Policies and Politicians We Want to Throw Out

Jim and Greg are off for Good Friday but they've also been busy lately doing some spring cleaning—but not around the house. Greg is tossing out outdated policies, messages, and organizations, while Jim is ready to send a few politicians packing.First, Greg targets the type of taxes he finds most infuriating. He's not a fan of any taxes but there's one he finds particularly burdensome and fundamentally unfair. Jim, meanwhile, celebrates the quiet departure of a Republican who dominated headlines late last year but is now largely forgotten—and not missed.Next, Greg shifts his focus to education, identifying a major obstacle to our schools that, if eliminated, would greatly benefit students and restore academic integrity. Jim highlights a once-promising politician who failed to deliver, faced numerous legal issues, and appears headed for a huge political defeat this year.Finally, Greg turns to the lighter side and takes aim at some of the most irritating TV commercials. While he is a huge fan of free speech, Greg explains why these ads are especially grating and need to go. Jim reflects on a political figure who has already stepped away from the spotlight—but wonders how long before he fades from public view altogether.Please visit our great sponsors:Oracle will cut your cloud bill in HALF —new US customers only, offer ends May 31st! Check eligibility: https://oracle.com/MARTINIThis spring, get up to 50% off select plants at Fast Growing Trees with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase! Visit https://fastgrowingtrees.com/MartiniIt’s free, online, and easy to start—no strings attached. Enroll in Understanding Capitalism with Hillsdale College. Visit https://hillsdale.edu/Martini

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour Host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they dig into the IRS possibly revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status, Bernie Sanders backing a truly radical Senate candidate in Michigan, and CNN’s over-the-top praise for George Clooney’s 2024 call to replace Joe Biden.First, they analyze reports that the IRS may strip Harvard of its tax-exempt status. Scot emphasizes that this issue should be treated separately from the Biden administration’s efforts to withhold federal funds over the school’s failure to meet anti-Semitism standards. The guys also mull over whether such an action by the IRS would make it easier for a future Democrat administration to take aim at conservative institutions, or whether the left will do that regardless of what the right does now.Next, they spotlight Bernie Sanders endorsing far-left candidate Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate in Michigan. El-Sayed is known for supporting government-controlled health care, taxpayer-funded college (dubbed "free" college by the left), and for his hostility toward Israel. But Scot cautions that El-Sayed is an articulate speaker, boasts a successful medical background, and could receive glowing media coverage similar to Barack Obama back in 2004.Finally, they call out CNN’s Jake Tapper for heaping excessive praise on George Clooney’s “brave” letter to the New York Times editor urging Democrats to replace Joe Biden after last year’s debate. Scot and Greg see it as a transparent effort by the media and left-wing elites to rewrite history and pretend it was impossible to know about Biden's cognitive decline before the debate.Please visit our great sponsors:Oracle will cut your cloud bill in HALF —new US customers only, offer ends May 31st! Checkeligibility: https://oracle.com/MARTINIThis podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visithttps://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first monthIt’s free, online, and easy to start—no strings attached. Enroll in Understanding Capitalism withHillsdale College. Visit https://hillsdale.edu/Martini

Former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney and National Review Contributing Editor Andy McCarthy is in for Jim on Tuesday’s 3 Martini Lunch. Join Andy and Greg as they dig into ICE’s clever move to apprehend a Columbia protest leader, the UK Supreme Court’s affirmation of reality concerning biological sex, and the legal spotlight now shining on New York Attorney General Letitia James for behavior strikingly similar to what she prosecuted Donald Trump for last year.First, they applaud ICE agents for their creative tactics in apprehending Columbia University student and anti-Israel protest organizer Mohsen Mahdawi by summoning him under the guise of a naturalization interview. Andy also breaks down the legal distinctions between citizens and non-citizens when it comes to speech that incites hate. Greg highlights how mainstream media continue to spin radical activists like Mahdawi into sympathetic figures.Next, they're pleasantly surprised over the UK Supreme Court’s ruling affirming that sex is binary—just male and female. Considering the dominance of gender ideology in the UK and elsewhere, the decision wasn’t guaranteed. The ruling stemmed from a case designed to clarify DEI policies in Scotland, so there's still a long way to go. Andy explains how his legal background helps interpret such cultural shifts. Greg adds that if momentum keeps building for biological truth, expect many elites to pretend they never supported the opposite.Finally, they react to news that New York Attorney General Letitia James is under federal investigation for mortgage fraud and falsifying financial records— the same offenses she charged Trump with in 2023. Authorities say she claimed a Virginia property as her permanent residence, which could disqualify her from her role. She also missated the number of units existed in another property. Andy closely followed the frivolous case against Trump and is stunned that James would have brought those charges forward with this kind of baggage in her own background.Please visit our great sponsors:Oracle will cut your cloud bill in HALF —new US customers only, offer ends May 31st! Check eligibility: https://oracle.com/MARTINIThis podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first monthIt’s free, online, and easy to start—no strings attached. Enroll in Understanding Capitalism with Hillsdale College. Visit https://hillsdale.edu/Martini

Former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney and National Review Contributing Editor Andy McCarthy joins Greg for Tuesday’s 3 Martini Lunch. Today, they tackle Harvard's complaining about the Trump administration's demands, the legal fight over an illegal immigrant deported to El Salvador, and fresh evidence that the left’s climate promises don’t add up.First, they highlight Harvard’s response to having more than $2 billion in federal grants frozen for refusing to comply with Trump administration orders targeting antisemitism and more. Andy questions why a wealthy institution like Harvard relies on taxpayer dollars at all, but also warns against government overreach—regardless of party. Meanwhile, Greg notes the irony of Harvard objecting to federal pressure when the left regularly uses it to punish conservative schools and organizations.Next, they examine the legal fight surrounding Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an illegal immigrant deported to El Salvador and now imprisoned there. A federal judge has ruled that Garcia must be returned to the U.S. due to a violation of his due process rights. Andy explains why the court is legally correct and critiques the White House’s arguments on the issue. Greg questions why the U.S. government makes it so easy for people to enter illegally but so difficult to remove them. Andy points to the man he says is responsible for this mess.Finally, they dissect a Washington Post analysis revealing that many “green” home retrofits don’t produce energy savings for years—or even decades. Andy argues this underscores how the environmental left’s agenda is filled with economic and environmental contradictions. He also points out that some of these so-called green initiatives are actually terrible for the environment in many ways.Please visit our great sponsors:Oracle will cut your cloud bill in HALF —new US customers only, offer ends May 31st! Check eligibility: https://oracle.com/MARTINIThis spring, get up to 50% off select plants at Fast Growing Trees with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase! Visit https://fastgrowingtrees.com/MartiniThis podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first month

Former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney and National Review Contributing Editor Andy McCarthy is in for Jim on today’s 3 Martini Lunch. Join Andy and Greg as they dig into the latest developments surrounding a Columbia University grad student facing deportation, a chilling arson attack at the Pennsylvania governor’s residence, and former Washington Post columnist Taylor Lorenz’s disturbing praise of an alleged murderer.First, they discuss an immigration judge in Louisiana agreeing that Columbia University graduate student and anti-Semitic campus agitator Mahmoud Khalil can be deported. Andy explains how U.S. law is clear that aliens and citizens are treated differently under the law in this situation and that aliens can be deported if they are threatening national security. Andy also tees off on political lefties who argue the law in question is seldomly used.Next, they react to the shocking case of an arsonist breaking into the Pennsylvania governor’s residence on the first night of Passover. The intruder reportedly set the home on fire while Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family were inside. Greg and Andy express hope for swift justice and transparency, while Andy suggests we already offer some strong clues about the motivation for this attack.Finally, they assess Taylor Lorenz gushing over alleged murderer Luigi Mangione to a CNN reporter. From Lorenz calling Mangione a morally good person to CNN's reporter giggling along with her explanation of why some women are enamored with Mangione, Andy explains why this spectacle is a bad sign for our society and highlights how some elements on the left are far too comfortable with political violence.Please visit our great sponsors:Oracle will cut your cloud bill in HALF —new US customers only, offer ends May 31st! Check eligibility: https://oracle.com/MARTINIThis spring, get up to 50% off select plants at Fast Growing Trees with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase! Visit https://fastgrowingtrees.com/Martini

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour Host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they discuss the GOP’s push for consumer freedom, Democrats’ extreme opposition to making sure only citizens can vote, and President Trump’s call to make Daylight Saving Time permanent.First, they praise President Trump’s executive order restoring consumer choice over showerhead water pressure, along with a U.S. Senate vote to repeal a Biden-era rule targeting gas-powered water heaters. Scot and Greg see these moves as a strong rejection of the left’s absurd climate agenda and unnecessary government interference in everyday life.Next, they cheer the House passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. Democrats are leveling bizarre claims that the bill would disenfranchise married women who changed their names. Scot and Greg dismantle those arguments and call out Rep. Eric Swalwell and others for resorting to profanity and theatrics  to act like they're fighting hard against the GOP.Finally, as President Trump calls for making Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent, Scot explains why permanent Standard Time makes far more sense if you're going to make one time permanent. He also points out that America tried year-round DST back in the 1970s and hated it. And, while neither of them particularly enjoy the time changes, Scot and Greg also wonder why so many people are suddenly obsessed with this issue when nobody really seemed to care about it a generation ago.Please visit our great sponsors:Future-proof business operations with NetSuite by Oracle. Visit https://NetSuite.com/MARTINI to download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning.This spring, get up to 50% off select plants with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase! https://fastgrowingtrees.com/Martini

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour Host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they break down President Trump’s latest tariff moves, the surprisingly cordial exchange between Trump and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and the alarming surge of fake college students defrauding taxpayers.First, they analyze President Trump’s announcement that he will pause most of the tariffs announced last week for the next 90 days, while sharply increasing tariffs on China. Other nations will see a temporary reduction to 10 percent. Greg points to the value of singling out China economically, while Scot highlights how Trump’s approach reflects two consistent patterns in his approach to leadership.Next, they react to Trump’s unexpected praise for Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, calling her “a very good person” and saying she’s done “an excellent job.” While many conservatives in Michigan strongly disagree, Whitmer echoed support for reshoring manufacturing and expressed understanding of Trump’s tariff policy. Scot and Greg explore what’s behind this odd development and how it could impact Whitmer’s likely 2028 presidential run and more.Finally, they expose how scammers are siphoning off millions in taxpayer-funded financial aid by enrolling fake students in California’s community college system. Estimates show up to 34 percent of community college applicants in the state may have fraudulent in the most recent statistics. But Scot reveals how the colleges are also bending over backwards trying not to remove these fake students.Please visit our great sponsors:BetterHelp sponsors this podcast. Your well-being is worth it. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/3ML toget 10% off your first month.Future-proof business operations with NetSuite by Oracle. Visit https://NetSuite.com/MARTINI todownload the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning.

Undisputed King of Stuff and Sink the Rising Sun author Jon Gabriel fills in for Jim today. Join Jon and Greg on 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss Maryland reversing its electric vehicle mandate, Democratic attorneys general taking President Trump to court over his executive order on election security, and a federal judge forcing the White House to reopen full access to the Associated Press.First, they applaud Maryland Gov. Wes Moore for walking back the state’s EV mandate, which would have required 43 percent of new vehicle sales to be electric starting with 2027 models. Moore pointed to the Trump administration suspending funding for EV charging stations—a program that received $7.5 billion under President Biden and produced only eight chargers nationwide. But Jon and Greg also note that just 13 percent of new car sales in Maryland are EVs, highlighting how many Americans simply don’t want them.Next, they criticize the 19 Democratic state attorneys general suing President Trump over his new executive order to strengthen election security, including a requirement to show proof of citizenship to register to vote. While election rules are primarily left to the states and Congress has some oversight, Jon and Greg are stunned by Democrats’ continued opposition to even the most basic voter integrity measures—opposition that’s likely to flare again soon with the SAVE Act.Finally, they slam on a federal judge’s ruling requiring the Trump White House to grant Associated Press reporters access to spaces like the Oval Office and Air Force One. Jon and Greg argue this is not a First Amendment issue and question why a court would be involved with this at all. They also express fatigue with the White House press corps constantly acting the victim every time the White House does something reporters don't like.Please visit our great sponsors:Future-proof business operations with NetSuite by Oracle. Visit https://NetSuite.com/MARTINI to download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning.This spring, get up to 50% off select plants with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase! https://fastgrowingtrees.com/Martini

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss breaking news in the New Hampshire Senate race, a poll showing strong public demand for lower federal spending, how Trump-era tariffs may end up weakening Russia, and the strange presidential buzz surrounding ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.First, just two days after President Trump publicly backed former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu for U.S. Senate, Sununu has announced he will not enter the race. Jim and Greg briefly assess how this could impact Republican chances of flipping the seat in 2026.Next, they dig into a new Wall Street Journal poll showing more than two-thirds of Americans want federal spending cut. While not all support the GOP’s approach, the poll confirms deep frustration with nearly $37 trillion in national debt and massive annual deficits. Jim questions how many Americans would agree on where to cut, while Greg recalls the narrow political window when this debt crisis might have been averted in the 1990s.Then, they're pleased to see one way Trump’s tariff strategy is already creating pressure on Russia. One of the side effects of the new policy is that oil prices are down significantly since last week. Jim tells us how sustained lower prices could spell big trouble for Putin economically and militarily.Finally, they roll their eyes at growing chatter about ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith running for president in 2028. And now Smith himself is saying he's starting to think about it. Smith gained attention last year for supporting Kamala Harris but frequently calling out Democrats for being out of touch - especially on some key cultural issues. Jim and Greg dismiss the hype and even joke that Smith wouldn’t be the best presidential pick at ESPN.Please visit our great sponsors:BetterHelp sponsors this podcast. Your well-being is worth it. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first month.Future-proof business operations with NetSuite by Oracle. Visit https://NetSuite.com/MARTINI to download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning.This spring, get up to 50% off select plants with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase! https://fastgrowingtrees.com/Martini

Join Jim and Greg for Monday’s 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss President Trump urging former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu to run for U.S. Senate in 2026, confusion among Trump’s own advisers over the purpose and length of the latest tariffs, and new reporting on how The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg ended up in a classified White House Signal chat about Yemen.First, they break down President Trump’s full support for former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu for U.S. Senate in 2026. Trump also revealed that he and Sununu had spoken about the race in the Oval Office. It’s a notable shift in their relationship, which has previously been tense. They also examine the likely Democratic opponent and key dynamics that could shape the race.Next, Jim analyzes the weekend talk show appearances by several Trump administration officials attempting to explain the new tariffs. He demonstrates how Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, NEC Director Kevin Hassett, trade adviser Peter Navarro, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick offered conflicting statements about the tariffs’ purpose, duration, and expected economic impact.Finally, they react to the apparent explanation for how Jeffrey Goldberg gained access to a White House Signal chat about military strikes in Yemen. They dig into the details and why this explanation makes more sense, but Jim still warns that private messaging apps like Signal are not secure enough for these discussions.Please visit our great sponsors:BetterHelp sponsors this podcast. Your well-being is worth it. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/3ML toget 10% off your first month.Future-proof business operations with NetSuite by Oracle. Visit https://NetSuite.com/MARTINI todownload the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning.