Episode 701: Woke Warriors

Newt talks with Dr. Vance Ginn, former Chief Economist for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). They discuss the current state of the U.S. economy, including the negative impact of inflation, with the cost of groceries and gas being a top concern for many Americans. He also noted that housing affordability is a crucial factor for 91% of Gen Z when choosing the next president. Dr. Ginn criticized the Biden administration's economic policies, arguing that they have led to high inflation and a weak economy. He also calls for reforms to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and a reduction in government spending and regulation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt is joined by Nathan Canestaro, author of “The Mighty Moo: The USS Cowpens and Her Epic World War II Journey from Jinx Ship to the Navy’s First Carrier into Tokyo Bay”. He discusses the history of the USS Cowpens, a WWII aircraft carrier. Despite initial setbacks and being considered a "jinx ship", the USS Cowpens served with distinction from 1943 to 1945, participating in nearly every major carrier operation. The ship and its crew, made up of second-string reservists and citizen sailors, faced a deadly typhoon and were the only U.S. aircraft carrier in Tokyo Bay to witness the Japanese surrender. Canestaro's research into his grandfather's service on the ship led him to uncover the story of the USS Cowpens and its crew.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses a range of topics including the declining approval rating of President Biden, the rise of populist conservatism in Europe, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Gaza. He also talks about the conviction of Donald Trump in New York, which he believes is a fake conviction, and how it has surprisingly strengthened Trump's position. He also discusses the tension between the establishment and populist wings in Congress, and the need for reform in higher education to counter anti-American sentiments. He encourages listeners to join his Inner Circle Club for more in-depth discussions. Become a member of Newt’s Inner Circle by going to newtsinnercircle.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Florida Everglades, a vast subtropical wilderness and a World Heritage Site, is home to over 1.5 million acres of mangrove forests, the largest continuous sea grass meadow on earth, the oldest cypress trees on the planet, and over 350 different animal species. However, the Everglades have faced challenges due to development pressures and invasive species. The Everglades Foundation has been committed to restoring and protecting the Everglades for over 30 years. The foundation is currently working on the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir, the largest ecosystem restoration project in the world, which aims to reconnect Lake Okeechobee water down to the Florida Keys. The foundation encourages people to get involved in the restoration efforts and to visit the Everglades to understand its importance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses the Pentagon, its history, and the challenges it faces in modernizing for the 21st century. The Pentagon, built between 1941 and 1943, is the second largest office building in the world and has 27,000 military and civilian employees. The Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2024 provided $825 billion in total funding. Newt’s guest, William Hartung, a Senior Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, discusses the influence of large contractors on defense policy and the need for strategic thinking and reform in the defense system. They also discuss the rise of artificial intelligence and the increasing role of Silicon Valley in defense technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Michel Paradis, author of “The Light of Battle: Eisenhower, D-Day, and the Birth of the American Superpower” which explores General Dwight D. Eisenhower's role in the D-Day invasion during World War II. Paradis highlights Eisenhower's leadership, strategic decision-making, and the immense pressure he faced leading up to the invasion. He also discusses Eisenhower's transition from a military leader to a political figure, becoming the President of the United States. Paradis emphasizes that Eisenhower's success in leading the D-Day invasion was integral to America's rise as a global superpower.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the night of June 6th, 1944, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt went on national radio to address the nation for the first time about the Normandy invasion. His speech took the form of a prayer. Using historical audio, Newt revisits D-Day and President Roosevelt’s prayer to the nation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses the upcoming election with two experienced pollsters, John McLaughlin and Doug Sosnik. They discuss key issues voters are considering, the six or seven states that could vote either way, and the potential closeness of the election. McLaughlin and Sosnik agree that the race has been stable since last November, with Trump maintaining a narrow lead. They also discuss the potential impact of third-party candidates and the importance of voter turnout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, about the recent helicopter crash that killed Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Parsi discusses the potential implications of this event on Iran's future and its impact on the Middle East. They also discuss the complex political landscape of Iran, including the role of the Supreme Leader and the country's nuclear program. The conversation also touches on Iran's relationships with other countries and organizations, such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hamas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Jeremy S. Adams, author of "LESSONS IN LIBERTY: Thirty Rules for Living from Ten Extraordinary Americans". Adams discusses the inspiring lives of extraordinary Americans from the past and what we can learn from them today. He highlights figures such as George Washington, Daniel Inouye, Clara Barton, Thomas Jefferson, Arthur Ashe, Abraham Lincoln, Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, James Madison, and Theodore Roosevelt. Adams emphasizes the importance of learning from history to pass on timeless values and principles. He also discusses the importance of understanding that the essence of America is not rooted in the worst things the country has done, but in the ideals and achievements of its past leaders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.