California Schemin': The Newsoms' Non-Profits & Dem-Friendly Election Laws

Welcome to Last Call, a look at the biggest stories we covered over the past week on the 3 Martini Lunch. Jim Geraghty was on vacation, so we heard from very capable guest hosts, including Jim's National Review colleague, Charlie Cooke. This week Charlie and Greg discuss three stories that suggest many on the left are losing their grip on reality, including Jim Acosta's absurd analysis of Trump’s name being removed from the John F. Kennedy Center, the left’s meltdown over Elon Musk becoming the world’s first trillionaire, a new poll highlighting the huge partisan divide over patriotism, and NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson wishing he still paid taxes in Texas.First, they cover the left's obsession over the removal of President Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center. Former CNN anchor Jim Acosta compared it to the fall of the Berlin Wall and called it “a sign that humankind can stand up against tyranny.”Next, they rip Democrats for their hysterical reaction following the SpaceX IPO, with the likes of Bernie Sanders and Ellizabeth Warren rushing to demand wealth taxes as soon as Musk crossed the trillion-dollar mark. Charlie condems the left's tendency towards punishing success and stifling ambition. Then, they comment on a new NBC poll on American patriotism showing the stark difference in responses between Republicans and Democrats. Pride in America among Democrats seems to be largely dependent upon the occupant of the White House. As an immigrant who is now a U.S. citizen, Charlie explains how disgraceful that thinking is. Finally, Charlie and Greg delight in a clip of NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, who after delivering the New York Knicks their first championship in 53 years, admitted, “I miss the Texas taxes.” Texas does not tax personal income, while New York has one of the nation's highest tax burdens.Please visit our great sponsors:BetterHelpYou don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/3MLNoble GoldDownload the free investor kit. No pressure. No obligation. Just the information.  https://noblegoldinvestments.com/3mlFast 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

American Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Christopher J. Scalia is in for Jim Geraghty on the Friday 3 Martini Lunch. Today, Chris and Greg dissect the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran, note the arrest of a "Dreamer" for the UFC terror plot just as Michelle Obama was extolling the Dreamer program, the deliciously bitter infighting among Virginia Democrats, and Mr. Scalia's latest book.First, they dig into the memorandum of understanding with Iran and react to arguments opposing and supporting it. Chris and Greg share their concerns over the vagueness of the language on the nuclear matters, the money poised to flow into Iran, what's next in the Straits of Hormuz, and why this agreement or a more formal deal is unlikely to hold.Next, they contrast Michelle Obama praising her husband's DACA or "Dreamer" program granting legal status to illegal immigrants who were brought here as minors with the news that a "Dreamer" was just arrested for allegedly leading a terrorist plot against the UFC event at the White House. Chris also shares his thoughts on the opening of the Obama Presidential Center.Then, Chris and Greg pop the popcorn as top Democrats in Virginia are fighting with each other over several major issues and making it clear how much they don't like each other. But Chris warns there could be a major downside for conservatives from this dysfunction on the left.Finally, Chris tells us about his latest book 13 Novels Conservatives Will Love (but Probably Haven’t Read) and how conservative ideas and characters are found in popular literature.Please visit our great sponsors:Brooklyn BeddingGet 30% off sitewide Brooklyn Bedding with promo code 3ML at https://BrooklynBedding.comPocket 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.BetterHelpYou don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/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

Real Clear Politics National Correspondent and Fool's Gold author Susan Crabtree is in for Jim Geraghty on the Thursday 3 Martini Lunch. Today, Susan and Greg discuss some of the concerns emerging from the tentative U.S. deal with Iran, the Justice Department investigation into California Gov. Gavin Newsom and his wife, just how crazy California's election laws are, and the emerging battle on the left over wealth taxes.First, Susan draws on her extensive coverage of the Obama nuclear deal with Iran to explain what we should have learned from that experience. They also discuss some of the most important questions lingering after this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). There will be much more analysis of the contents of the MOU on Friday's 3 Martini Lunch.Next, they shift to the Justice Department's investigation into Gov. Newsom and "First Partner" Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Susan details some of the alleged financial irregularities connected with Siebel Newsom's non-profit organizations and how Gov. Newsom is trying to use this to his political advantage.Then, after Californians and other Americans suffered through the embarrassing, protracted vote counting earlier this month, Susan explains how insane California election laws are compared to the rest of the country and how some extremely questionable election tactics are perfectly legal there.Finally, they note how a proposed five percent wealth tax on billionaires will be on the California ballot in November. Gov. Newsom is opposed. Susan and Greg consider how this puts Newsom at odds with many others on the left who are aggressively pushing wealth taxes.Please visit our great sponsors:Brooklyn Bedding Get 30% off sitewide Brooklyn Bedding with promo code 3ML at https://BrooklynBedding.comBetterHelpYou don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/3MLNoble GoldDownload the free investor kit. No pressure. No obligation. Just the information.  https://noblegoldinvestments.com/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

National Review Senior Editor Charles C.W. Cooke, who hosts the Charles C.W. Cooke Podcast, fills in for Jim on the Wednesday 3 Martini Lunch. Join Charlie and Greg as they break down the FBI thwarting a terrorist attack aimed at the UFC-White House event, the ridiculous ranked choice voting system, Hillary Clinton’s revisionist comments on Biden’s 2024 re-election bid, and the opening of Barack Obama’s presidential library.First, Charlie and Greg react to the alleged plot of a drone and sniper attack at the UFC America 250 event thwarted days in advance by the FBI. Five suspects have been arrested, and at least 23 Signal users are believed to have discussed the scheme on the encrypted app. Charlie emphasizes that drone technology is drastically changing security protocols.Next, Charlie and Greg scrutinize the convoluted ranked choice voting system, illustrated by elections in Alaska and Washington, D.C. Charlie argues that election laws become problematic when average citizens struggle to understand how votes are counted and how winners ultimately emerge.Then, they cover Hillary Clinton’s recent remarks saying President Joe Biden made a “terrible mistake” by running for re-election in 2024. Hillary is the latest Democrat trying to rewrite history after staunchly backing Biden.Finally, Charlie and Greg poke fun at the hideous Obama Presidential Museum and look back at his real presidential legacy.Please visit our great sponsors:Brooklyn BeddingGet 30% off sitewide Brooklyn Bedding with promo code 3ML at https://BrooklynBedding.com Noble Gold Download the free investor kit. No pressure. No obligation. Just the information.  https://noblegoldinvestments.com/3ml BetterHelpYou don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/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

National Review Senior Editor Charles C.W. Cooke, who hosts the Charles C.W. Cooke Podcast, fills in for Jim on the Tuesday 3 Martini Lunch. Join Charlie and Greg as they discuss Jim Acosta's absurd analysis of Trump’s name being removed from the John F. Kennedy Center, Virgina's attack on our Second Amendment rights, the UK’s new social media ban for children, and the elusive details of the U.S.-Iran peace deal. First, they cover the left's obsession over the removal of President Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center. Former CNN anchor Jim Acosta compared it to the fall of the Berlin Wall and called it “a sign that humankind can stand up against tyranny.” Charlie and Greg laugh at Acosta's delusional take. Next, Charlie and Greg rip Virginia officials for arguing that its citizens do not possess an individual right to keep and bear arms, despite protections in both the U.S. Constitution and Virginia's constitution. The argument comes as part of the state's defense of sweeping new gun-control measures. Charlie also dismantles the claim that Second Amendment protections apply only to organized militia service.Then, they slam the UK’s newest laws banning several social media sites for children under 16. The ban includes platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and X. However far-left site Bluesky is conspicuously exempt. Charlie and Greg agree kids should not be on social media, but government control is not the solution. Finally, Charlie and Greg express their dismay with the lack of details regarding the U.S.-Iran peace deal. Trump says the war is over and markets are rallying, but the specifics of the deal have still yet to be released. 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.BetterHelpYou don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/3MLBrooklyn BeddingGet 30% off sitewide Brooklyn Bedding with promo code 3ML at https://BrooklynBedding.comNew 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 Monday 3 Martini Lunch. Join Charlie and Greg as they react to the left’s meltdown over Elon Musk becoming the world’s first trillionaire, the media’s shock that World Cup tourists haven’t found the South to be an inhospitable wasteland, a new poll highlighting the partisan divide over patriotism, and NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson wishing he still paid taxes in Texas.First, they rip Democrats for their hysterical reaction following the SpaceX IPO, with the likes of Bernie Sanders and Ellizabeth Warren rushing to demand wealth taxes as soon as Musk crossed the trillion-dollar mark. Charlie condems the left's tendency towards punishing success and stifling ambition. Next, Charlie and Greg laugh at leftist media figures like USA Today's Christine Brennan being shocked that World Cup tourists were shown excellent hospitality in the American South. The perception of America as dangerous and unwelcoming is proving to be no more than a media lie. Then, they comment on a new NBC poll on American patriotism showing the stark difference in responses between Republicans and Democrats. Pride in America among Democrats seems to be largely dependent upon the occupant of the White House. As an immigrant who is now a U.S. citizen, Charlie explains how disgraceful that thinking is. Finally, Charlie and Greg delight in a clip of NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, who after delivering the New York Knicks their first championship in 53 years, admitted, “I miss the Texas taxes.” Texas does not tax personal income, while New York has one of the nation's highest tax burdens.Please visit our great sponsors:Brooklyn BeddingGet 30% off sitewide Brooklyn Bedding with promo code 3ML at https://BrooklynBedding.comPocket 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.BetterHelpYou don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/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 they discuss Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico's reversal on transgender surgeries for minors, a congressional report showing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz repeatedly failed or refused to stop rampant fraud, Social Security running dry by 2032, and the Congressional Baseball Game.First, Jim and Greg examine the hypocrisy of James Talarico, who now suddenly opposes gender reassignment surgery for minors. In 2023, he argued against a bill that would ban “medical and surgical procedures” for minors with gender dysphoria. They also address recent reports that Talarico dated two of his staffers.Next, they review a House Oversight Committee report that alleges Gov. Walz and his administration ignored repeated warnings from whistleblowers about massive fraud and, in some cases, retaliated against those who raised concerns. Next, they cover the looming threat of the Social Security trust fund running dry by 2032. Despite a national debt of $39 trillion, cuts to entitlements remain deeply unpopular with voters, preventing any political solution. But soon politicians will not have a choice.Finally, they highlight Wednesday’s Congressional Baseball Game, and how the media rarely mention the 2017 shooting at a GOP practice that nearly killed Rep. Steve Scalise. Please visit our great sponsors:IncogniTake control of your digital footprint today.  Use code 3ML at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/3ML Noble GoldDownload the free investor kit. No pressure. No obligation. Just the information.  https://noblegoldinvestments.com/3mlFast 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

Join Jim and Greg for the Friday 3 Martini Lunch! Today, they tackle President Trump saying a deal with Iran is imminent, the hyperbolic venting of longtime CBS reporters over the shakeup at 60 Minutes, foreigners being blown away in awe at the USA as they come for the World Cup, and Pete Buttigieg's weak argument for deciding presidential elections with a national popular vote.First, they react to President Trump calling off intense airstrikes and an invasion of Kharg Island because a peace deal with Iran is imminent. Iran is also releasing it's version of the agreement, which almost assuredly does not resemble the actual negotiations. This is a ruse Tehran has tried before. But are we actually close to a deal?Next, they laugh as longtime CBS reporter and 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl calls Bari Weiss' shakeup at the network "by far the worst experience I’ve been involved in, or even witnessed." Citing a Washington Free Beacon story, Jim and Greg remind Stahl of some of the far more troubling stories she has done and how dramatic the legacy media get over changes they don't like.Then, they relish the stories of foreigners coming to the U.S. for the World Cup and gushing about how much they love the country, our people, and what we have to offer. It's a good reminder of how good we have it when others see it for the first time.Finally, they pick apart Pete Buttigieg's argument for scrapping the Electoral College for a national popular vote for president. Buttigieg says it would make every state matter. Jim and Greg explain why the Electoral College makes far more sense - including reasons we just witnessed this month.Please visit our great sponsors:OneSkinGet 15% off OneSkin with code 3ML at https://oneskin.co/3MLPocket 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.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

Join Jim and Greg for the Thursday 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss Cuba's alleged drone threat to the U.S., Trump's response to the latest inflation numbers and the quote Democrats will hammer him with, the passing of the $70 billion ICE funding bill, and the Congressional Baseball Game. First, Jim and Greg react to recent intelligence reports of Cuba acquiring over 300 drones from Russia and Iran, posing a risk to U.S. sites. Jim questions whether the U.S. should tackle another regime change abroad. Next, they address President Trump’s “I love inflation” response to reporters after the 4.2 percent inflation rate was released. Ahead of midterm elections in November, Democrats are hoping to capitalize on Trump’s comment. But Jim stresses that inflation will only get worse if Democrats control Congress.Then, they break down the recent $70 billion Secure America Act signed Wednesday by President Trump after months of resistance from Democrats. Jim and Greg point out Republicans only have a few more months before midterms until the next fight for funding.Finally, they highlight Wednesday’s Congressional Baseball Game, and how the media rarely mention the 2017 shooting at a GOP practice that nearly killed Rep. Steve Scalise. Please visit our great sponsers:IncogniTake control of your digital footprint today.  Use code 3ML at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/3ML OneSkinGet 15% off OneSkin with code 3ML at https://oneskin.co/3MLPocket 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

Join Jim and Greg for the Wednesday 3 Martini Lunch as they review House Republicans ripping the Southern Poverty Law Center’s (SPLC) partisan selection of hate groups, Social Security running dry by 2032, several recent developments in the Iran war, and the latest midterm election primary results. First, Jim and Greg blast the SPLC for labeling TPUSA a hate group while its list of 1,500 "hate groups" did not include a single Islamist organization. Combined with ongoing allegations of financing the very groups they claim to oppose, Jim says the SPLC has lost all credibility.Next, they cover the looming threat of the Social Security trust fund running dry by 2032. Despite a national debt of $39 trillion, cuts to entitlements remain deeply unpopular with voters, preventing any political solution. But soon politicians will not have a choice.Then, Jim and Greg recap several developments in the Iran war, including Iranian missile strikes, the downing of an American attack helicopter, and the shifting realities of war. Jim also offers his take on the proliferation of drones in modern militaries.Finally, they recap the recent primary election results in South Carolina, Maine, and California.Please visit our great sponsors: Noble GoldDownload the free investor kit. No pressure. No obligation. Just the information.  https://noblegoldinvestments.com/3ml Pocket Hose For 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. OneSkin Get 15% off OneSkin with code 3ML at https://oneskin.co/3ML 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