America's Crisis of Competence: Government Failure, Tribalism, and a Republican Reckoning

On Christmas night in 1776, the American Revolution stood on the brink of collapse. With the Continental Army demoralized, enlistments expiring, and defeat seeming inevitable, George Washington made a desperate, audacious decision that would change the course of history. In this special Christmas Eve episode of America's Founding Series, Professor Nick Giordano tells the gripping, true story of Washington's crossing of the Delaware River, the password "Victory or Death," and the impossible gamble that saved the Revolution. This is not a textbook lesson, but a powerful reminder of courage, fortitude, and will, and why even in our darkest moments, history, nations, and lives can still be turned around. Episode Highlights: • The story behind Washington's crossing of the Delaware on Christmas night, including the freezing conditions, collapsing army, and the gamble that kept independence alive • How the Battle of Trenton restored morale, held the Continental Army together, and prevented the American Revolution from ending before the new year • Why the lesson of 1776 matters today for Americans who feel abandoned, discouraged, or believe the country, or their own future, is beyond saving 📲 Subscribe, listen, and share The P.A.S. Report Podcast to stay informed on the latest political issues shaping America.  Timestamps 00:52 The Spirit of Resilience 02:53 Morale Collapses and The Continental Army May Collapse With It 04:16 Doing Nothing Is Not An Option 04:57 The Gamble of Guerrilla Warfare 06:45 The Crossing Of The Delaware 08:34 The Battle of Trenton 09:56 Lessons from History 🔔 Subscribe for More: 📖 Sign up for The P.A.S. Report newsletter at https://pasreport.com 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform! Follow The P.A.S. Report: 📱 X, YouTube, Instagram: @PasReport Share this episode and join the conversation!

America is facing a crisis far more dangerous than partisan politics: a collapse of competence across government, media, and political leadership. In this year-end monologue, Professor Nick Giordano breaks down how institutional failure has become normalized, why government increasingly creates problems instead of solving them, and how media tribalism has replaced journalism. From unchecked fraud and broken oversight to elite institutions that cannot perform their basic functions, Professor Giordano explains why public trust is eroding and why even Republicans have failed to deliver meaningful reform. This episode is a sober assessment of where America stands heading into 2026 and what must change if the country is to remain serious, functional, and free. Episode Highlights • How government incentives now reward failure, protect incompetence, and punish accountability • Why the media abandoned journalism for tribal loyalty and helped conceal institutional collapse • A hard look at Republican leadership, internal fractures, and the failure to translate power into reform 📲 Subscribe, listen, and share The P.A.S. Report Podcast to stay informed on the latest political issues shaping America.  Timestamps 00:52 The Crisis of Competency in America 11:00 Patterns of Failure Across Institutions 26:46 The Role of Political Parties in Governance 40:02 Demanding Competence Over Rhetoric   🔔 Subscribe for More: 📖 Sign up for The P.A.S. Report newsletter at https://pasreport.com 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform!   Follow The P.A.S. Report: 📱 X, YouTube, Instagram: @PasReport Share this episode and join the conversation!

In this episode of America's Founding Series, Professor Nick Giordano tells the forgotten but urgent story of St. George Tucker, the revolutionary patriot, wounded war veteran, and constitutional scholar who warned that the Constitution would fail if Americans stopped defending its limits. From smuggling gunpowder for the Continental Army to writing the first major American commentary on the Constitution, Tucker understood that liberty is never self-enforcing. Long before the rise of the modern administrative state, he warned that power naturally consolidates, courts cannot be the sole guardians of freedom, and constitutional ignorance would be fatal to the Republic. This episode explores Tucker's life, his warnings, and why his lesson matters now more than ever.   Episode Highlights: • The remarkable life of St. George Tucker, from Revolutionary War service and battlefield wounds to becoming America's first great constitutional commentator • Why Tucker believed citizens and states, not courts or bureaucracies, are the ultimate guardians of liberty • How Tucker's warnings about consolidation of power and constitutional ignorance explain today's government overreach 📲 Subscribe, listen, and share The P.A.S. Report Podcast to stay informed on the latest political issues shaping America.  Timestamps 00:52 The Aftermath of the American Revolution 02:14 Introducing St. George Tucker: The Forgotten Patriot 05:52 Tucker's Skepticism Towards the Constitution 08:05 The Prophetic Warnings of St. George Tucker 10:33 The Evolving Perception of Liberty 14:35 The Role of Education in Safeguarding Liberty 16:43 The Timeless Legacy of St. George Tucker 🔔 Subscribe for More: 📖 Sign up for The P.A.S. Report newsletter at https://pasreport.com 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform! Follow The P.A.S. Report: 📱 X, YouTube, Instagram: @PasReport Share this episode and join the conversation!

In this episode of The P.A.S. Report Podcast, Professor Nicholas Giordano is joined by CUNY Professor Jeffrey Lax for a candid and wide-ranging discussion on the radical transformation of the Democratic Party, the growing influence of political extremism, and the consequences for American society. They examine the rise of figures like Mamdani in New York City politics, the erosion of moderating voices, and the dangers of mayor-elect Mamdani's threat to prioritize international law over U.S. sovereignty. The conversation also tackles controversial topics such as Congresswoman Ilhan Omar who identifies as "Somali first," the media's complicity in normalizing extremist views, and why both the left and the right are struggling with radical factions. This episode is a sharp analysis of the current state of politics in America and what happens if radicalism continues to go unchallenged. Episode Highlights How the Democratic Party's leftward shift has sidelined moderates and reshaped American politics Why figures like Mamdani raise serious concerns not just for New York City but nationwide The media's role in amplifying extremist voices and the urgent need for critical political engagement 📲 Subscribe, listen, and share The P.A.S. Report Podcast to stay informed on the latest political issues shaping America.  Timestamps 00:52 The New Face of the Democratic Party 03:47 The Extremes of Political Ideology 05:18 The Role of Foreign Influence in Politics 07:14 Sharia Law and Assimilation in America 12:42 Transformation of American Values 13:50 Concerns About Future Leadership 16:50 Mamdani's Impact on New York City Politics 19:52 International Law vs. U.S. Sovereignty 22:17 The Dangers of Military Arrests and International Law 23:26 Political Authority and the Role of Governors 24:53 The Rise of Radical Politics in New York 25:58 The Radicalization of Political Parties 26:27 Understanding the Appeal of Extremist Figures 27:20 The Responsibility of Public Figures 29:50 Historical Parallels: Fuentes and Hitler 31:31 The Role of Media in Challenging Extremism 35:48 Navigating the Fractured Political Landscape 🔔 Subscribe for More: 📖 Sign up for The P.A.S. Report newsletter at https://pasreport.com 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform! Follow The P.A.S. Report: 📱 X, YouTube, Instagram: @PasReport Share this episode and join the conversation!

In the final installment of A New Contract With America, Professor Nick Giordano lays out the last two pillars needed to restore America's strength, prosperity, and legitimacy. Part Three focuses on achieving true energy independence, unlocking America's rare earth mineral wealth to fuel economic revival, and restoring trust in elections through commonsense reforms that ensure transparency, accountability, and confidence in the system. These are not theoretical ideas or costly government programs. They are practical, achievable solutions that strengthen national security, lower the cost of living, and reconnect Americans to institutions they no longer trust. This episode ties all ten reforms together and explains how they work in concert to build a freer, stronger, more fiscally responsible America. Episode Highlights How energy independence and rare earth mineral development can spark economic growth and strengthen national security Why election integrity reforms are essential to restoring faith in democracy and increasing voter participation How all ten reforms in A New Contract With America work together to create a more prosperous, free, and accountable nation 📲 Subscribe, listen, and share The P.A.S. Report Podcast to stay informed on the latest political issues shaping America.  Timestamps 00:52 Part 3: New Contract with America 05:47 America's Path to Energy Dominance 18:57 Restoring Election Integrity and Trust 25:20 The Case for Paper Ballots 26:17 Voter ID: A National Consensus 27:16 Addressing Vulnerabilities in Nursing Home Voting 28:42 The Flaws of Extended Early Voting 30:03 Concerns Over Ballot Harvesting 30:39 The Influence of Money in Elections 31:28 Corruption in Congress and the Need for Term Limits 33:19 Restoring Accountability in Government 35:34 The Importance of Election Integrity 37:09 Practical Solutions for a Better America 40:12 Reforming Welfare and Education 43:00 National Security and Immigration Reform 44:23 Energy Independence and Economic Growth 45:10 The Path Forward: A Call to Action   🔔 Subscribe for More: 📖 Sign up for The P.A.S. Report newsletter at https://pasreport.com 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform!   Follow The P.A.S. Report: 📱 X, YouTube, Instagram: @PasReport Share this episode and join the conversation!

In this episode of America's Founding Series, Professor Nick Giordano uncovers the forgotten story of Tench Coxe, the hidden economic architect who helped secure America's independence. From his unlikely transformation from Loyalist sympathizer to patriot strategist, to his fierce push for American manufacturing, to his powerful defense of the right to keep and bear arms, Coxe shaped the foundations of the nation far more than history remembers. His warnings about foreign economic dependence and the loss of individual self-reliance speak directly to the challenges America faces today. This compelling narrative brings Coxe's influence to life and shows why his ideas are essential for understanding the past and protecting our future. Episode Highlights: How Tench Coxe helped build the economic backbone that allowed the United States to survive and thrive Coxe's powerful defense of the Second Amendment and the role of an armed citizenry Why Coxe's warnings about dependency and national weakness are more relevant than ever today   📲 Subscribe, listen, and share The P.A.S. Report Podcast to stay informed on the latest political issues shaping America.  Timestamps 00:52 The Struggles of the Continental Army 02:22 The Awakening of Tench Cox 05:51 Cox's Vision for Economic Independence 08:46 Cox's Fight Against Slavery 11:16 Cox and Hamilton: Building America's Economy 13:29 The Right to Bear Arms: Cox's Perspective 16:33 Cox's Legacy and Lessons for Today 🔔 Subscribe for More: 📖 Sign up for The P.A.S. Report newsletter at https://pasreport.com 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform! Follow The P.A.S. Report: 📱 X, YouTube, Instagram: @PasReport Share this episode and join the conversation!

Professor Nicholas Giordano sits down with Mary Theroux, editor of Beyond Homeless: Good Intentions, Bad Outcomes, Transformative Solutions, to expose why billions in government spending have failed to reduce homelessness and how Housing First policies often make the crisis worse. This episode breaks down the astronomical waste, the abysmal return on investment, and the rise of the homelessness industrial complex that thrives as conditions deteriorate. Mary explains why many nonprofits become corrupt when tied to endless government funding, why people sometimes die at higher rates in permanent supportive housing, and why purpose and agency matter far more than free housing. The conversation highlights successful, proven alternatives like Haven for Hope, the dangers of open-air drug markets, the collapse of mental health systems, and the urgent need for community involvement and real accountability. This is a must-listen episode for anyone who wants real solutions to one of America's most devastating problems. Episode Highlights Why massive government spending and Housing First policies have failed and can make homelessness worse How the homelessness industrial complex and corrupt nonprofits profit from crisis while outcomes decline Proven solutions like Haven for Hope and why purpose, accountability, and community involvement are essential to real recovery   📲 Subscribe, listen, and share The P.A.S. Report Podcast to stay informed on the latest political issues shaping America.  Timestamps 00:52 The Homelessness Crisis 01:10 The Ineffectiveness of Current Spending on Homelessness 05:55 The Homelessness Industrial Complex 10:16 The Importance of Purpose in Recovery 12:58 Successful Models for Addressing Homelessness 17:26 Addressing Those Who Cannot Be Reintegration 20:37 The Need for Balance in Mental Health Care 23:08 Open-Air Drug Markets and Public Safety 27:50 The Role of Government and Political Will   🔔 Subscribe for More: 📖 Sign up for The P.A.S. Report newsletter at https://pasreport.com 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform!   Follow The P.A.S. Report: 📱 X, YouTube, Instagram: @PasReport   Share this episode and join the conversation!  

In Part 2 of A New Contract With America, Professor Nick Giordano delivers a hard-hitting breakdown of two issues Washington refuses to touch. He exposes the truth about Social Security and Medicare insolvency and lays out real conservative solutions that protect every senior while empowering future generations with wealth and independence. He then turns to immigration and dismantles the myths surrounding border security. Professor Giordano explains how to permanently end illegal immigration and build a simplified, merit based legal system that strengthens America instead of weakening it. This episode continues the blueprint for restoring national sovereignty, fiscal responsibility, and the American spirit. Episode Highlights How to save Social Security and Medicare from collapse without cutting benefits for current retirees. The permanent immigration reforms needed to secure the border and build a merit-based legal system that serves America's interests. Why real reform requires courage, truth, and a new vision for American strength and self-reliance. 📲 Subscribe, listen, and share The P.A.S. Report Podcast to stay informed on the latest political issues shaping America.  Timestamps 00:52 Audience Engagement 01:16 Critique of Political Blindness 07:18 The Need for Accountability in Governance 09:00 Addressing Social Security and Medicare Reform 25:06 Immigration Policy and Border Security 38:14 Connecting the Dots: A Vision for America   🔔 Subscribe for More: 📖 Sign up for The P.A.S. Report newsletter at https://pasreport.com 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform!   Follow The P.A.S. Report: 📱 X, YouTube, Instagram: @PasReport   Share this episode and join the conversation!

In this episode of America's Founding Series, Professor Nick Giordano uncovers the remarkable and little-known story of Luther Martin, the fiery Anti-Federalist who fiercely opposed the rise of big government and warned that centralized power would one day overwhelm the states and the people. From his blistering four-hour speech at the Constitutional Convention to his battle for a Bill of Rights and his dramatic defense of Aaron Burr, Martin's forgotten fight for limited government reads like a prophecy for America today. This gripping narrative reveals why his warnings matter more than ever and how his dissent shaped the very foundations of our Republic. Episode Highlights The Four-Hour Speech That Changed Everything: How Luther Martin confronted Madison, Hamilton, and the Virginia Plan and forced the Great Compromise. A Forgotten Warning Come True: Martin's predictions about centralized power, federal overreach, and the administrative state that mirror America's challenges today. The Bulldog of Liberty: From the Constitutional Convention to the Aaron Burr treason trial, the dramatic story of a patriot who refused to be silenced. 📲 Subscribe, listen, and share The P.A.S. Report Podcast to stay informed on the latest political issues shaping America.  Timestamps 00:52 The Rise of Big Government and Its Warnings 02:43 Introducing Luther Martin: The Forgotten Patriot 05:26 Luther Martin's Early Life and Legal Career 07:35 Martin's Views on Government and Power 08:59 The Constitutional Convention: Martin's Opposition 10:48 The Legendary Speech Against Centralization 12:13 The Great Compromise and Martin's Dissent 14:57 Martin's Legacy and the Bill of Rights 16:44 Lessons from Luther Martin's Life 🔔 Subscribe for More: 📖 Sign up for The P.A.S. Report newsletter at https://pasreport.com 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform! Follow The P.A.S. Report: 📱 X, YouTube, Instagram: @PasReport Share this episode and join the conversation!

In this episode of The P.A.S. Report Podcast, Professor Giordano sits down with Steve McGuire of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni to expose the catastrophic collapse in academic preparedness across America's education system. Using UC San Diego's alarming new data showing freshmen unable to add single digit numbers, round to the nearest hundred, or subtract fractions, this episode examines how decades of lowered standards, ideological distractions, and exploding education spending have produced a generation unprepared for college or citizenship. Nick and Steve break down why taxpayers spend more than $1.5 trillion a year on education with worse results than ever, why there is no public outrage, and what reforms are urgently needed to restore competence, knowledge, and real accountability.   Episode Highlights UC San Diego's data reveal a nationwide academic collapse and the dangers of lowering standards How more than $1.5 trillion in annual education spending produces catastrophic results with no accountability What ACTA sees behind the scenes and the reforms needed to rescue American education   📲 Subscribe, listen, and share The P.A.S. Report Podcast to stay informed on the latest political issues shaping America.  Timestamps 00:52 The Campus Freedom Initiative 02:46 The State of Higher Education Confidence 04:12 K-12 Education and Its Impact on Higher Education 09:24 Failures in the Classroom 10:14 The Need for Curriculum Reform 13:38 Outrage Over Educational Spending 18:14 The Role of DEI in Education 21:04 Mentorship in Higher Education 25:03 The Future of Mid-Tier Colleges   🔔 Subscribe for More: 📖 Sign up for The P.A.S. Report newsletter at https://pasreport.com 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform!   Follow The P.A.S. Report: 📱 X, YouTube, Instagram: @PasReport Share this episode and join the conversation!