Fraud Crackdown, Court Packing & The Trump Shooting Conspiracies | Last Call

Welcome to Last Call, a look at the biggest stories Jim and Greg covered over the past week on the 3 Martini Lunch. This week, Jim was away and guest hosts included Inez Stepman of Independent Women, Hillsdale College Radio General Manager Scot Bertram, and radio and podcast host Craig Collins.This week our biggest stories included Republican voters in Kentucky soundly defeating Rep. Thomas Massie, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass saying she wants to "explore" non-citizen voting, former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown dodging answers on ket issues as he tries to return to the Senate, and the weird congressional obsession with Daylight Saving Time.First, Inez and Greg react to Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie losing decisively to Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein. They also examine how Massie’s image shifted from principled libertarian conservative to a frequent obstacle to the broader GOP agenda.Next, Scot and Greg chronicle Karen Bass saying she is willing to explore non-citizen voting in LA. Scot explains how the left's arguments about citizenship are wildly inconsistent. Greg believes the Democrats' goals on this issue are crystal clear.Then, Craig and Greg get a good laugh out of former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, who was voted out of office in 2024 and running for U.S. Senate again this year, claiming he doesn't know enough about the issues to say whether he supports abolishing ICE or cutting off military aid to Israel.Finally, Scot and Greg groan as the House of Representatives once again considers legislation to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. Scot and Greg explain why this is a terrible idea, what the better permanent time would be, and what the best approach to our clocks really is.Please visit our great sponsors:Fast Growing TreesBetter plants, better growing, and an extra 20% off with code MARTINI at https://FastGrowingTrees.com/Martini for a limited time; terms and conditions may apply.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim Geraghty on Friday’s 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they break down major Justice Department fraud indictments in Minnesota, the Democrats’ laughable 2024 election autopsy, public infighting among top Illinois Democrats over the Chicago Bears, and a big shake-up in the Michigan governor's race..First, they enthusiastically welcome the Justice Department announcing 15 indictments connected to $90 million fin alleged in Minnesota. And officials say they are just getting started. Scot and Greg hope this will lead to the uncovering of fraud in all states. They also react to a lengthy prison sentence handed down in a separate $250 million fraud case and explain why accountability in these cases is vitally important.Next, they get a kick out of the Democratic National Committee’s weak "autopsy" on why Kamala Harris lost the 2024 election. While the report acknowledges a few legitimate problems, Scot and Greg highlight the far more damaging issues Democrats continue to ignore. Then, they enjoy the escalating feud between Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson after the Chicago Bears announced their new stadium would be outside the city limits and possibly outside the state. The truth is both of them deserve blame and since Democrats control Illinois, there's no way to pin this on Republicans.Finally, they react to former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan ending his independent campaign for Michigan governor. Scot explains why Duggan’s public reasoning doesn’t add up and what may really be driving his exit from the race.Please visit our great sponsors:Better HelpMay is Mental Health Awareness Month- a reminder that whatever you’re going through, you don’thave to go through it alone. Find support and have someone with you in therapy. Sign up and get10% off at https://betterhelp.com/3MLBrooklyn BeddingGet 30% off site wide at https://brooklynbedding.com and use Promo Code 3MLPocket HoseFor a limited time, get two free gifts—a 360° rotating pocket pivot and a thumb drive nozzle—whenyou buy the Pocket Hose Ballistic; just text MARTINI to 64000, message and data rates may apply.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim Geraghty on Thursday’s 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they discuss Amazon founder Jeff Bezos delivering a dose of economic reality to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass wanting to "explore" non-citizen voting, tthe end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and Congress once again trying to wreak havoc with our clocks.First, they welcome Jeff Bezos explaining why Amazon is far more competent and efficient than the government, and why Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is clueless when she says no one can earn a billion dollars honestly.Next, they chronicle Karen Bass saying she is willing to explore non-citizen voting in LA. Scot explains how the left's arguments about citizenship are wildly inconsistent. Greg believes the Democrats' goals on this issue are crystal clear.Then, as CBS prepares to air the final episode of The Late Show tonight, Scot explains how Stephen Colbert not only ruined the show but the entire genre of late night television. Greg reminds us why CBS is really pulling the plug, no matter how much Colbert wants to portray himself as a martyr.  Finally, they groan as the House of Representatives once again considers legislation to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. Scot and Greg explain why this is a terrible idea, what the better permanent time would be, and what the best approach to our clocks really is.Please visit our great sponsors:Better Help:May is Mental Health Awareness Month- a reminder that whatever you’re going through, you don’thave to go through it alone. Find support and have someone with you in therapy. Sign up and get10% off at https://betterhelp.com/3ML Brooklyn BeddingGet 30% off site wide at https://brooklynbedding.com and use Promo Code 3MLPocket HoseFor a limited time, get two free gifts—a 360° rotating pocket pivot and a thumb drive nozzle—whenyou buy the Pocket Hose Ballistic; just text MARTINI to 64000, message and data rates may apply.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite

Inez Stepman of Independent Women fills in for Jim Geraghty on Wednesday’s 3 Martini Lunch. Join Inez and Greg as they break down Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie’s decisive Kentucky GOP primary loss, President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Ken Paxton in the high-stakes Texas Senate race, and why union victories in New York could send hotel prices soaring even higher.First, they react to Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie losing decisively to Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein. They also examine how Massie’s image shifted from principled libertarian conservative to a frequent obstacle to the broader GOP agenda.Next, they consider the fallout from President Trump's formal endorsement of Ken Paxton over John Cornyn in the Texas GOP U.S. Senate primary. Senate Republicans are frustrated by the endorsement. Will Trump's move put that seat and the Republican majority in serious danger or will it mean a more conservative senator from Texas?Then, they dive into major union victories in New York involving Long Island Railroad employees and hotel housekeepers. Those housekeepers will get a 50 percent raise and now enjoy average salaries above $100,000 per year. And guess who pays for all of this?Finally, they look back at the U.S. Senate. With Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy losing his primary on Saturday after Trump endorsed one of his challengers, and Sen. Cornyn possibly losing next week, will they make it tougher for Republicans to get things done?Please visit out great sponsors:Better Help May is Mental Health Awareness Month- a reminder that whatever you’re going through, you don’t have to go through it alone. Find support and have someone with you in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/3ML Brooklyn BeddingGet 30% off site wide at https://brooklynbedding.com and use Promo Code 3ML Fast Growing TreesBetter plants, better growing, and an extra 20% off with code MARTINI at https://FastGrowingTrees.com/Martini for a limited time; terms and conditions may apply.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite

Inez Stepman of the Independent Women's Forum is in for Jim on the Tuesday 3 Martini Lunch. Today, Inez and Greg break down an MSNOW host being horrified that House Speaker Mike Johnson would say our rights come from God and not government, the disgusting Luigi Mangione fangirls who celebrate his murder of a health insurance CEO, Iran's stalling tactics on a deal to end the war, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom's "break the glass" scenario in California politics.First, they shake their heads as MSNOW's Katy Tur is worried about officials on the right claiming that our rights come from God is usurping the Declaration of Independence. They laugh over the fact that is Johnson is precisely articulating the main point of the Declaration of Independence. But they weep at how ignorant so many Americans are about our founding and the state of civics education.Next, they shudder over the Luigi Mangione fans becoming "journalists" covering his case and then taking to the sidewalk outside the court to celebrate Mangione's murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and defending political violence as “heroic.” Inez explains how this and the reaction of many on the left to the murder of Charlie Kirk prove this is an acceptable perspective from way too many people on the left.Then, they react to President Trump once again agreeing to push back additional military action because Iran is supposedly more serious about reaching a peace deal. Inez and Greg discuss why stalling is in Iran's interest and what the impact is on the U.S. as well.Finally, as Gov. Newsom alludes to ways the Democrats can make sure the next governor of California is not a Republican, inez explains how the California Democrats operate and almost always get the results they want.Please visit our great sponsors:Better Help May is Mental Health Awareness Month- a reminder that whatever you’re going through, you don’t have to go through it alone. Find support and have someone with you in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/3ML  Brooklyn BeddingGet 30% off site wide at https://brooklynbedding.com and use Promo Code 3ML Pocket HoseFor a limited time, get two free gifts—a 360° rotating pocket pivot and a thumb drive nozzle—when you buy the Pocket Hose Ballistic; just text MARTINI to 64000, message and data rates may apply.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite

Radio and podcast host Craig Collins is in for Jim today. Join Craig and Greg for the Monday 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss a convicted Minnesota fraudster implicating Rep. Ilhan Omar, some major wins on the national security front, a red state Democrat trying to fool voters on ICE, and the coming Texas Senate runoff.First, they react to a key figure convicted in the Minnesota fraud scandal saying that Rep. Ilhan Omar is very much a part of the scandal. Craig and Greg don't believe we should automatically believe the convicted criminal's allegations, but they have other reasons for suspecting Omar is likely involved.Next, they applaud three key wins on the national security front, including the elimination of a top ISIS figure in Nigeria, and the arrests of a top Tren de Aragua cartel leader, and an Iraqi national suspected of helping terrorists target American citizens and interests.Then, they get a good laugh out of former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, who was voted out of office in 2024 and running for U.S. Senate again this year, claiming he doesn't know enough about the issues to say whether he supports abolishing ICE or cutting off military aid to Israel.Finally, in the wake of Louisiana Republican voters rejecting a third term for Sen. Bill Cassidy on Saturday, Craig reports on the intensity of the U.S. Senate runoff in his state of Texas with just a week to goPlease visit our great sponsors:Noble GoldDownload the free investor kit. No pressure. No obligation. Just the information.  https://noblegoldinvestments.com/3ml Better Help May is Mental Health Awareness Month- a reminder that whatever you’re going through, you don’t have to go through it alone. Find support and have someone with you in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/3ML  Brooklyn BeddingGet 30% off site wide at https://brooklynbedding.com and use Promo Code 3MLNew episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite

Welcome to Last Call, a look at the biggest stories Jim and Greg covered over the past week on the 3 Martini Lunch. This week, Jim was away and his National Review colleague Charles C.W. filled in for three days.This week, Charlie and Greg highlight he Trump administration’s escalating crackdown on Medicare and Medicaid fraud, the dangerous Democratic push to expand the U.S. Supreme Court, the disturbing number of people who think the Trump assassination attempts were staged, and North Korea's new nuclear policy.First, Charlie and Greg applaud Vice President JD Vance and CMS Director Mehmet Oz for taking a tougher stance against Medicare and Medicaid fraud. The administration announced it is deferring $1.3 billion in Medicare reimbursements to California over concerns the state is failing to combat fraud effectively. Vance warns other states could face similar consequences, while Oz explains the huge benefits we could see from greatly reducing fraud.Next, Charlie goes deeper into his condemnation of Democrats openly plotting to expand the U.S. Supreme Court by enough seats to give the left a likely majority. Charlie explains why he believes that would be the most damaging event to our constitutional order since the Civil War.Then, they're horrified that a third of Democrats believe the attempted White House Correspondents Dinner shooting was staged. And even more of them believe the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania - where Trump actually got shot - was staged. Charlie and Greg discuss the relentless conspiracies in our politics and whether there's a way to reverse the trend.Finally, they comment on North Korea's new law that if another nation kills or incapacitates Kim Jong-Un, North Korea would "automatically and immediately" launch nuclear weapons.Please visit our great sponsors:CalotrenIf you’re looking for the missing piece-Calotren is it. Visit https://toploss.com/martini and use codeMARTINI for FREE Shipping.Fast Growing TreesBetter plants, better growing, and an extra 20% off with code MARTINI athttps://FastGrowingTrees.com/Martini for a limited time; terms and conditions may apply.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim Geraghty on Friday’s 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they react to Kamala Harris embracing sweeping Democratic power-grab proposals, alarming declines in student reading and math scores nationwide, the growing push to tax unrealized capital gains, and a leftist policy proposal that Americans of all political persuasions should reject.First, they break down Kamala Harris’s “no bad idea brainstorming” session, where she advocated abolishing the Electoral College, expanding and packing the U.S. Supreme Court, and punishing justices for rulings that differ from expectations during confirmation hearings. Meanwhile, the Democrats and their media allies claim they were playing nice with Republicans until now.Next, Scot and Greg are concerned but not surprised that reading and math have declined in the vast majority of school districts over the past decade. They discuss why this is happening, how to turn those results around, and what left-wing ideas are proven failures.Then, they shake their heads over Illinois Democrats proposing taxes on unrealized capital gains — meaning Americans could be taxed on increases in the paper value of stocks, real estate, and other assets before selling them. The Democrats say it's only aimed at millionaires and billionaires, but explains how this approach will inevitably hit everyone.Finally, they get ready to fire up their grills as Los Angeles councilwoman and mayoral candidate Nithya Raman proposes a ban on backyard barbecuing during windy and dry conditions.Please visit our great sponsors:QuoMoney is on the line. Always say hello with QUO. Try QUO for FREE PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/3ml Mizzen&MainRight now, Mizzen&Main is offering our listeners 20% off your first purchase at https://MizzenandMain.com promo code 3ML20.Pocket HoseFor a limited time, get two free gifts—a 360° rotating pocket pivot and a thumb drive nozzle—when you buy the Pocket Hose Ballistic; just text MARTINI to 64000, message and data rates may apply.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite

National Review Senior Editor Charles C.W. Cooke, who also hosts the Charles C.W. Cooke Podcast, fills in for Jim on the Thursday 3 Martini Lunch. Join Charlie and Greg as they break down the Trump administration’s escalating crackdown on Medicare and Medicaid fraud, the dangerous Democratic push to expand the U.S. Supreme Court,and the predictable results of Callifornia providing taxpayer-funded iPads to prisoners.First, Charlie and Greg applaud Vice President JD Vance and CMS Director Mehmet Oz for taking a tougher stance against Medicare and Medicaid fraud. The administration announced it is deferring $1.3 billion in Medicare reimbursements to California over concerns the state is failing to combat fraud effectively. Vance warns other states could face similar consequences, while Oz explains the huge benefits we could see from greatly reducing fraud.Next, Charlie goes deeper into his condemnation of Democrats openly plotting to expand the U.S. Supreme Court by enough seats to give the left a likely majority. Charlie explains why he believes that would be the most damaging event to our constitutional order since the Civil War.Then, they sigh as California spends $189 million on taxpayer-funded iPads so prisoners, or "justice impacted individuals" as many on the left call them, can contact their families and pursue educational opportunities. Do you think that's what the devices are being used for? No. No, it is not. Charlie rips the waste of money and the Orwellian way the left looks at criminals.Finally, the New York Times proves Charlie right by promoting the dubious Nicholas Kristoff column on it's main X page, but addressing concerns about evidence and fact-checking to a public relations account with a tiny fraction of the followers that the main page has.Please visit our great sponsors:QuoMoney is on the line. Always say hello with QUO. Try QUO for FREE PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/3ml Mizzen&MainRight now, Mizzen&Main is offering our listeners 20% off your first purchase at https://MizzenandMain.com promo code 3ML20.Pocket HoseFor a limited time, get two free gifts—a 360° rotating pocket pivot and a thumb drive nozzle—when you buy the Pocket Hose Ballistic; just text MARTINI to 64000, message and data rates may apply.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite

National Review Senior Editor Charles C.W. Cooke, who also hosts the Charles C.W. Cooke Podcast, fills in for Jim on Wednesday’s 3 Martini Lunch. Join Charlie and Greg as they dig into the heinous allegations against Israel by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristoff, Biden Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas regretting not acting sooner to secure the border, California  Democrat Xavier Becerra's pathetic plea for only a few tough questions from the media, and more.First, Charlie and Greg slam Kristof’s column accusing Israel of horrific abuses against Palestinian prisoners, including claims involving trained dogs. They contrast those allegations with newly detailed reports documenting the brutal atrocities committed by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks on Israel.Next, they roll their eyes as former DHS Sec. Mayorkas admits the Biden administration should have acted sooner to control the border. But he still ultimately blames Congress and says he is very proud of the executive orders Biden issued in the summer of 2024 to reduce the chaos. Charlie shreds Mayorkas' argument and explains how the border crisis was intentional.Then, they laugh at California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra asking a reporter to limit the number of difficult questions. Charlie explains why the moment perfectly captures the modern left’s expectations of media coverage.Finally, they react to the winner of the Democratic U.S. Senate primary in Nebraska planning to drop out of the race and endorse the "independent" candidate.Please visit our great sponsors:QuoMoney is on the line. Always say hello with QUO. Try QUO for FREE PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/3ml Mizzen&Main Right now, Mizzen&Main is offering our listeners 20% off your first purchase at https://MizzenandMain.com promo code 3ML20.Fast Growing Trees Better plants, better growing, and an extra 20% off with code MARTINI at https://FastGrowingTrees.com/Martini for a limited time; terms and conditions may apply.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite