Trump Sentenced, Newsom's Failures Exposed, The Danger of DEI

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they react to Donald Trump's sentencing in the Stormy Daniels case, Gavin Newsom’s poor preparation and response to California wildfires, and the DEI focus of some Los Angeles Fire Department officials.First, they discuss Donald Trump’s sentencing following his 2024 convictions in Manhattan, which resulted in an unconditional discharge. While Trump faces no actual penalty, he is now officially a convicted felon—which is what Democrats hopede to achieve with this case. Next, they turn their attention to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of the recent wildfires. Jim and Greg highlight an encounter where Newsom faced a distraught resident who lost her home and children’s school. The governor's unimpressive interaction and his even worse policies are on full display and may inflict long-term damage on his political plans.Finally, they shake their heads at the Los Angeles Fire Department video explaining how having firefighters that look like the residents is a high priority and casually dismissing concerns about whether women firefighters could carry men out of a burning building. However, they are quick to stress that LA firefighters are working tirelessly and with great courage throughout these horrible fires. It's the leadership that doesn't always seem to be focused on what matters most.Please visit our great sponsors:NetSuitehttps://NetSuite.com/MARTINIDownload your FREE CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/MARTINIOmaha Steakshttps://OmahaSteaks.com/3MLGo to OmahaSteaks.com/3ML to subscribe and get 12 FREE burgers, FREE shipping, and an EXTRA 10% OFF for the life of your subscription. Minimum purchase may apply. A big thanks to our advertiser, Omaha Steaks!

Please enjoy this guest edition of 3 Martini Lunch from our friends at The Miracle Files Podcast.If you're a fan of true crime but crave a dose of inspiration instead of tales of darkness, The Miracle Files is your perfect alternative. With the same storytelling intensity as true crime podcasts, The Miracle Files delves into the details of each miraculous story, exploring the people and circumstances that turned these moments into something unforgettable. Whether you believe in divine intervention or human perseverance, this podcast will leave you feeling uplifted and amazed.Subscribe to the Miracle Files Podcast on your favorite podcast app. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-miracle-files/id1714203488Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2jiiDoPFmjkRQAROeycjOwIn this episode, A father and son come face to face with an unmanned boat on a collision course in the open ocean, triggering a miraculous chain of events. Follow Sasha Scheller’s harrowing battle for survival after falling overboard without a life jacket, defying impossible odds. Discover the mystery of an unmanned vessel, a gripping fight for life, and the inspiring connections forged in the crucible of danger on the latest episode of The Miracle Files. 

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they reflect on the litany of mistakes made by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in the past week, the early portions of the Carter funeral including some curious interactions among the presidents and vice presidents, and President Biden’s “flat-out bonkers” claim that he would have beaten Donald Trump in the 2024 election if he hadn’t dropped out.First, Jim takes a deep dive into how Mayor Karen Bass is handling the wildfire crisis in Los Angeles. Despite emerging warnings about wildfire dangers, Bass chose to travel to Ghana and stayed there, even after the situation escalated. Her lack of candor and shaky public appearances since returning have also been painful to watch.Next, they comment on Jimmy Carter's funeral - both what was said in the early parts of the service and the fascinating interactions - or lack of interactions - among current and former presidents and vice presidents and their spouses. The Biden-Harris, Trump-Pence, and Trump-Obama exchanges were of particular note.Finally, Jim and Greg react to President Biden’s stunning claim in a USA Today interview, where he asserted that he would have defeated Donald Trump if he had stayed in the 2024 race. Even CNN dismissed his comments as “flat-out bonkers.” Jim points out how recent events and Biden’s actions over the last four years make it clear that he is not equipped to lead the country.Please visit our great sponsors:NetSuitehttps://NetSuite.com/MARTINIDownload your FREE CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/MARTINIOmaha Steakshttps://OmahaSteaks.com/3MLGo to OmahaSteaks.com/3ML to subscribe and get 12 FREE burgers, FREE shipping, and an EXTRA 10% OFF for the life of your subscription. Minimum purchase may apply. A big thanks to our advertiser, Omaha Steaks!

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss hopes rising for the Laken Riley Act to pass the Senate, horror and blame as the California wildfires rage, and Trump's new ideas for the western hemisphere.First, they celebrate the passage of the Laken Riley Act in the House, with nearly a dozen more Democrats supporting it than in the past. Now, the focus shifts to the Senate, where seven more Democratic votes are needed to pass the bill. Jim and Greg are encouraged by the bill's momentum and applaud Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman for speaking candidly to his party about the importance of the legislation.Next, they dive into the devastating California wildfires, as shocking images and videos emerge from Pacific Palisades and beyond. Jim and Greg discuss the chaos of the situation, including Mayor Karen Bass being out of the country during the first few days of the crisis. They explore the conditions that turned these fires into a nightmare and examine how environmental policies that are meant to help are instead making the problem worse.Finally, they discuss Donald Trump’s latest press conference and his interest in acquiring Greenland, the Panama Canal, and even Canada. He also proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. Jim and Greg explain what they think Trump is doing and get a kick out of the left once again getting hysterical over everything Trump does.Please visit our great sponsors:BetterHelphttps://Betterhelp.com/3MLThank you to our sponsor Betterhelp.  Visit today for 10% off your first month of online therapy. Write your story with Betterhelp.NetSuitehttps://NetSuite.com/MARTINIDownload your FREE CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/MARTINI

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s newfound support for free speech, congressional Republicans picking a smart issue to begin their legislative agenda, and the disturbing UK rape gang scandal that has rocked the country for decades.First, Jim and Greg cautiously explore Meta Chairman and CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s shift on free speech. Zuckerberg admitted that Facebook and his other platforms have been biased in censoring political content. He now promises changes, including Community Notes for controversial posts similar to X. Is this a genuine change of heart, or is Zuckerberg simply adapting to the current political climate?Next, they applaud Republicans in the House and Senate for kicking off their legislative agenda with the Laken Riley Act, which requires the Department of Homeland Secuity to arrest (and likely deport) people in the country illegally if they commit crimes like burglary and larceny. It's also backed by Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman. And since our recording, it passed the House of Representatives.Finally, Jim and Greg tackle the explosive story of the UK rape gang scandal. They express their outrage over how police, prosecutors, politicians, and the media in Great Britain failed to act swiftly in dealing with allegations of horrific abuse committed by mostly Muslim immigrants against British children. They explain why this issue is making headlines again and why this is a huge problem for the current government in the UK. Parental discretion advised for this topic.Please visit our great sponsors:BetterHelphttps://Betterhelp.com/3MLThank you to our sponsor Betterhelp.  Visit today for 10% off your first month of online therapy. Write your story with Betterhelp.NetSuitehttps://NetSuite.com/MARTINIDownload your FREE CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/MARTINIOmaha Steakshttps://OmahaSteaks.com/3MLGo to OmahaSteaks.com/3ML to subscribe and get 12 FREE burgers, FREE shipping, and an EXTRA 10% OFF for the life of your subscription. Minimum purchase may apply. A big thanks to our advertiser, Omaha Steaks!

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s impending resignation, President Biden awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to George Soros and other unworthy recipients, and Biden’s final actions to undermine U.S. energy development.First, they react to Trudeau’s announcement that he will step down as prime minister once his party selects a new leader. Jim breaks down the issues that led to widespread dissatisfaction with Trudeau, many of which may sound familiar. They also discuss what lies ahead for Canada.Next, they express outrage over President Biden awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to George Soros, a man who has spent decades funding efforts to weaken and destabilize America. They also highlight several other questionable recipients who don’t deserve such a prestigious honor.Finally, they examine more ways that Biden is throwing a tantrum as he winds down his presidency, including his decision to ban offshore drilling off both coasts, parts of the Gulf of Mexico, and a major section of Alaska. Additionally, Biden is enacting new regulations targeting gas-powered water heaters.Please visit our great sponsors:BetterHelphttps://Betterhelp.com/3MLThank you to our sponsor Betterhelp.  Visit today for 10% off your first month of online therapy. Write your story with Betterhelp.NetSuitehttps://NetSuite.com/MARTINIDownload your FREE CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/MARTINIOmaha Steakshttps://OmahaSteaks.com/3MLGo to OmahaSteaks.com/3ML to subscribe and get 12 FREE burgers, FREE shipping, and an EXTRA 10% OFF for the life of your subscription. Minimum purchase may apply. A big thanks to our advertiser, Omaha Steaks!

On Sunday, former President Jimmy Carter died at age 100. He lived longer than any president and had the longest post-presidential life by far. Carter was a one-term president from 1977-1981. After surprising many by winning the Democratic nomination in 1976, he defeated President Gerald Ford in the general election. However, Carter suffered a resounding defeat in his bid for re-election. In 1980, he lost 44 states to Ronald Reagan, and Reagan won the Electoral College 489-49.As events soon begin to commemorate Carter's life and public service, Jim and Greg offer what they see as a fair but honest assessment of Carter, particularly during his time in the Oval Office.First, they highlight Carter's military service and his impressive victory as a dark horse candidate in 1976. They also discuss what they see as Carter’s successes in the White House—both foreign and domestic—along with some notable achievements through the Carter Center after leaving office. They also applaud his example as a husband during his 77-year marriage to former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. However, the Carter presidency overall was not a success. Jim and Greg walk through Carter's failure to ward off the rise of a radical Islamist government in Iran, which then took dozens of Americans hostage for the next 14 and a half months and has fomented mayhem in the Middle East and beyond ever since. They also assess his weak approach to the communist threat in Central America and Afghanistan. Domestically, he oversaw a very rough economy, and Americans of a certain age will certainly remember gas lines and the energy crisis among other serious challenges.Finally, they look at his 44 years after leaving the presidency, from his work building homes for the needy to remaining very active in international affairs. But while he was convinced he was right, Carter's efforts sometimes created headaches for future administrations.

2025 is off to a very difficult start, as Jim and Greg assess two terrorist attacks on New Year's Day, less-than-reassuring responses from federal officials, and possible GOP drama as the new Congress kicks off on Friday.First, Jim and Greg document the horrific terrorist attack that occurred early Wednesday morning in New Orleans, where a driver deliberately plowed a rented truck through crowds on Bourbon Street and then opening fire on police officers and bystanders. The attacker was also found to have improvised explosive devices in his vehicle. Jim and Greg also examine the details of the Las Vegas car bombing and what we can glean from that.Next, they express concern over the FBI’s initial, contradictory statements regarding whether the New Orleans attack is being investigated as an act of terrorism. They were also underwhelmed by how President Biden looked and sounded on Wednesday.Finally, they look ahead to the start of the new Congress on Friday, focusing on the ongoing drama within the House GOP. They examine whether Republicans will unite behind Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House or whether internal divisions will create another intraparty struggle before the House can get to work. While acknowledging frustration over the previous government funding bill, Jim and Greg explain why there isn't another viable option for Republicans in the Speaker race.

Happy New Year! Join Jim and Greg as they kick off 2025 with predictions for the year to come. In this special edition, they will start with safe predictions and get increasingly bold as the conversation continues.Jim's first prediction centers on an issue that is vital for America's economy and our national security. Meanwhile, Greg suspects a problem that has plagued Washington for decades - and desperately needs to change - won't actually change at all.Next, they get a bit bolder. Jim focuses on an international hot spot that he suspects will get much hotter in 2025. Greg keeps his eye on domestic politics and predicts a major shakeup early in the year.Finally, they issue their most aggressive predictions. Jim has a particularly dark outlook that would be the story of the year while Greg makes a very positive but unlikely projection about what we'll see on the world stage.

Jim and Greg close out 2024 with the finale of this year's 3 Martini Lunch Awards. Today, they give out their prestigious choices for Person of the Year, Loser of the Year, and Turncoat of the Year. On Person of the Year, they both choose Donald Trump. Jim says the choice is so obvious that he spends his time focusing on the astounding year that his runner-up (and a close Trump ally) had in 2024. Meanwhile, Greg chronicles the staggering comeback Trump has achieved over the past year and really the past four years.For Loser of the Year, Jim chooses the man whose stock plummeted the most in the past 12 months and he says there is a runaway winner. Meanwhile, Greg picks a group of people whose awkward efforts to engineer the outcome of the 2024 campaign imploded in spectacular fashion.For Turncoat of the Year, Jim chooses a figure who used to align with the left and not only flipped to supporting the Trump-Vance ticket but embodies a demographic that supported Trump in huge numbers this year. Greg offers a whole list of conservatives who actually endorsed and even campaigned for Kamala Harris. But he has another choice that may be our favorite turncoat ever.