Dang Mamdani, Dang Pardons, Dang Yankees

Craig Collins remains in for Greg Corombos, and he and Jim wrap up the week by looking at the lighter side of the likely national repercussions if, as expected, Zohran Mamdani is elected as mayor of New York City, examine an unjustifiable pardon from President Trump, and close out by questioning the choices of an allegedly “woke” update to the musical Damn Yankees. First, Craig and Jim start off with the inverse of yesterday’s bad Martini, looking at polling numbers that indicate Mamdani is exceptionally unpopular outside of New York City, even among independents and Democrats. “The results are grim for Mamdani. Among self-identified Democrats and Independents alike and among voters at large, his numbers are actually considerably worse than those of Newsom, Ocasio-Cortez, and Harris.” And let’s face it, it’s not easy to be less popular than Kamala Harris these days. Next, President Trump has made an unpardonable pardon of Changpeng Zhao, the convicted founder of the crypto exchange Binance,. There aren’t a lot of large financial institutions that are willing to do work with al-Qaeda, ISIS, Hamas, ransomware hackers, and kiddie-porn enthusiasts, all simultaneously; these are the kinds of guys who usually end up portrayed as the villains in Jason Statham movies. Finally, in more discussion of musical theater than you ever expected on this podcast, Craig and Jim examine a new revival of the musical Damn Yankees that adds a new racial component to the story, making the main character, Joe Boyd, take the deal because of memories of his father, “a minor league baseball player who was kept out of the major leagues because he was black.” Jim notes this undermines the musical’s original theme that our family and loved ones are more important than the temptations fame and fortune, while Craig observes that the devilish seductive harlot being played by a white actress now adds an uncomfortable implication to Boyd’s temptation. Please visit our great sponsors:Get 20% off your first purchase of classic menswear. Visit https://MizzenAndMain.com with promo code 3ML20—shop online or visit a Mizzen and Main store in select states.Open a new qualified IRA or cash account with Noble Gold and get a free 10-ounce Silver Flag Bar plus a Silver American Eagle Proof Coin—visit https://NobleGoldInvestments.com/3MLSupport your health with Dose Daily.  Save 25% on your first month when you subscribe at https://DoseDaily.co/3ML or enter code 3ML at checkout.

Craig Collins remains in for Greg Corombos, and he notices a big mafia story arrives, just in time to honor his Italian heritage. Craig and Jim applaud some new Trump administration decisions on Ukraine, lament the fact that Zohran Mamdani looks like a shoo in to be the next mayor of New York City, and marvel at a big sports gambling scandal that led to the arrest of an NBA player and coach. First, Craig and Jim note that while it’s been a long time coming, the Trump administration is hitting Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil with new sanctions, cutting off the Russian firms from American banking systems and financial institutions, essentially barring them from operating in U.S. dollars. Trump is finally getting wise to the fact that all of his seemingly good conversations with Vladimir Putin never seem to results in Putin’s policies. Next, President Trump doesn’t see any way that anyone can beat Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayor’s race, and there’s not a lot of evidence to counter the president’s conclusion. In a year where a lot has gone right for the GOP, a major frustration is that no argument about Mamdani’s extremism on everything from economics to policing to geopolitics has seemed to get traction. Finally, the Portland Trail Blazers face a tough lineup of opponents this year – the Warriors, the Lakers, and the FBI. The Bureau announced that it had arrested Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier as  part of a pair of wide-ranging investigations related to illegal sports betting and rigged poker games backed by the Mafia. Jim and Craig acknowledge that while sports gambling is wildly popular, particularly among young men, the temptations and dangers of widespread legal sports gambling were predictable.Get 20% off your first purchase of classic menswear. Visit https://MizzenAndMain.com with promo code 3ML20—shop online or visit a Mizzen and Main store in select states.Open a new qualified IRA or cash account with Noble Gold and get a free 10-ounce Silver Flag Bar plus a Silver American Eagle Proof Coin—visit https://NobleGoldInvestments.com/3MLKeep celebrating World Mental Health Day by starting your journey with BetterHelp—get 10% off your first month at https://BetterHelp.com/3MLSupport your health with Dose Daily.  Save 25% on your first month when you subscribe at https://DoseDaily.co/3ML or enter code 3ML at checkout.

(00:00:00) Intro (00:01:52) GOOD: There are much bigger factors in the outcome of a midterm election cycle beyond fundraising, but... this is a pret (00:06:42) BAD: No, the president of the United States cannot order the U.S. Department of Justice to compensate him $230 million (00:11:04) CRAZY/HILARIOUS: Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner says he accidentally got a Nazi tattoo Craig Collins fills in for Greg Corombos today. Here are your martinis of the day!GOOD: There are much bigger factors in the outcome of a midterm election cycle beyond fundraising, but... this is a pretty big advantage for the GOP.The Republican National Committee heads into the year before the midterm election with a significantly bigger bank balance than the Democratic National Committee, a reflection of the GOP’s dominance in Washington and the minority party’s ongoing struggles.The gap is a warning sign for Democrats as some of their donors remain skeptical of the party’s direction and of whether there is a viable plan to win again.At one point earlier this year, the DNC reached out to big donors to host a San Francisco-area fundraiser headlined by former Vice President Kamala Harris. Most of the donors rejected the request, according to several people familiar with the conversations.Upon receiving the invitation, one replied with a profanity-laced rejection. Others said they didn’t want to give to the party until it produced substantive plans to win elections. Those who declined told the national party they had commitments and couldn’t make it work.The DNC ultimately found a donor who hosted the event, but it raised less than organizers had hoped.The latest fundraising totals released this week show the Democrats’ weakness. The RNC had receipts of $10.7 million in the most recent month and $86 million in cash reserves as it started October, compared with $10.3 million and about $12 million for the DNC, respectively.BAD: No, the president of the United States cannot order the U.S. Department of Justice to compensate him $230 million for past court cases that were dismissed.CRAZY/HILARIOUS: Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner says he accidentally got a Nazi tattoo. Uh-huh.Get 20% off your first purchase of classic menswear. Visit https://MizzenAndMain.com with promo code 3ML20—shop online or visit a Mizzen and Main store in select states.Open a new qualified IRA or cash account with Noble Gold and get a free 10-ounce Silver Flag Bar plus a Silver American Eagle Proof Coin—visit https://NobleGoldInvestments.com/3MLKeep celebrating World Mental Health Day by starting your journey with BetterHelp—get 10% off your first month at https://BetterHelp.com/3MLSupport your health with Dose Daily.  Save 25% on your first month when you subscribe at https://DoseDaily.co/3ML or enter code 3ML at checkout. 

Join Jim and Greg for the Tuesday 3 Martini Lunch as they consider the stunning silence as Hamas slaughters Gazans in the streets, Andrew Cuomo trying to woo Republican voters and shift the blame if he loses, and Karine Jean-Pierre still gaslighting us on Joe Biden's ability to be president.First, they shake their heads at the global indifference as Hamas terrorists murder Palestinians in Gaza’s streets, with President Trump being one of the few world leaders to call it out. Jim explains why the world erupts when Israel fights Hamas but stays silent when Hamas slaughters its own people.Next, they roll their eyes at Andrew Cuomo’s attempt to reinvent himself as a “moderate” in the New York City mayoral race. Cuomo is already setting up excuses to blame GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa if far-left candidate Zohran Mamdani wins. Jim isn’t buying it and details why Cuomo’s outreach to Republicans rings hollow.Finally, they get a kick out of former Biden White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announcing she left the Democratic Party because of how badly it treated Joe Biden following his disastrous debate performance last year. She also still insists Biden was definitely physically and mentally capable of being president for another four years.Please visit our great sponsors:Get 20% off your first purchase of classic menswear. Visit https://MizzenAndMain.com with promo code 3ML20—shop online or visit a Mizzen and Main store in select states.Keep celebrating World Mental Health Day by starting your journey with BetterHelp—get 10% off your first month at https://BetterHelp.com/3MLSupport your health with Dose Daily.  Save 25% on your first month when you subscribe at https://DoseDaily.co/3ML or enter code 3ML at checkout. 

Join Jim and Greg for the Monday 3 Martini Lunch as they as they have plenty to say about the shocking break-in and horrible security at the Louvre, the U.S. Army’s major push into nuclear power, President Trump commuting the sentence of George Santos, and another California controversy that’s literally explosive.First, after briefly noting the break-in and alarming security lapse at the Louvre, Jim and Greg turn to the U.S. Army’s ambitious plan to install nine small nuclear reactors across key military bases. They applaud the move as a major step toward energy independence and boost warfighting capabilities.Next, they rip President Trump's commutation of convicted serial fraudster and expelled former New York Rep. George Santos after he served almost three months of a seven-year sentence. While still a convicted felon, Santos will no longer need to pay restitution to his victims. Unsurprisingly, Santos says he wants to focus on the future and not the past. Jim says this smells like Trump simply rewarding a political ally. Finally, they tackle the California uproar over closing Interstate 5 during the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton. Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the shutdown due to live ordnance, but the Marines insisted it wasn’t necessary. California Highway Patrol officers report a small piece of shrapnel damaged one of their vehicles when an explosive went off prematurely. They also rip Newsom for his self-incriminating tweet about the No Kings protests.Please visit our great sponsors:Get 20% off your first purchase of classic menswear. Visit https://MizzenAndMain.com with promo code 3ML20—shop online or visit a Mizzen and Main store in select states.Keep celebrating World Mental Health Day by starting your journey with BetterHelp—get 10% off your first month at https://BetterHelp.com/3MLSupport your health with Dose Daily.  Save 25% on your first month when you subscribe at https://DoseDaily.co/3ML or enter code 3ML at checkout. 

Join Jim and Greg for a special Friday 3 Martini Lunch as they celebrate 15 years of the show with a mix of politics, scandal, and media madness. Today, they react to standout GOP debate moments in Virginia and New York City, the indictment of former National Security Adviser John Bolton, and some jaw-dropping comments from Don Lemon and Joy Behar.First, they applaud Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares for dismantling Democrat Jay Jones during the debate after Jones’s shocking texts fantasizing about killing a political opponent and his children. Miyares not only explains why that sort of thinking makes Jones unfit for office but explains why that mentality is particularly unsuitable for the job of attorney general. They also assess Curtis Sliwa hammering both Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani over crime in the New York City mayor's debate.Next, they break down the 18-count indictment against John Bolton for allegedly mishandling classified information during his time in the first Trump administration. If the accusations are correct, Bolton clearly broke the law. However, the prosecution is complicated by President Trump publicly supporting the prosecution of Bolton. They also discuss how crimes related to classified information ought to be handled consistently.Then they examine the unhinged left, including Don Lemon urging people of color to go buy guns for when ICE comes to their doors. And The View's Joy Behar oddly insisted no Republicans denounced Jay Jones but Democrats did.Finally, they mark 15 years of the 3 Martini Lunch with their all-time favorite moment and appreciation for our listeners.Please visit our great sponsors:Stop putting off those doctors’ appointments and go to https://ZocDoc.com/3ML to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.Sponsored by Quo, formerly known as Open Phone: Get started free and save 20% on your first 6 months and port your existing numbers at no extra charge—no missed calls, no missed customers. Visit https://Quo.com/3ML

Join Jim and Greg for Thursday's 3 Martini Lunch as they highlight Zohran Mamdani's radical responses in a Fox News interview, President Trump approving covert CIA operations in Venezuela, and the Democrats still tripping all over themselves on the government shutdown.First, they react to socialist New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani’s evasive answers about Hamas disarming and his shocking statement that he would “exhaust every legal option” to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited New York City while Mamdani was mayor. While some are disarmed by Mamdani's calm demeanor and frequent smiles, Jim says he came across as "shameless" in the interview.Next, they analyze a New York Times report that President Trump has approved covert CIA missions in Venezuela aimed at ousting socialist dictator Nicolás Maduro. Jim and Greg would be thrilled to see Maduro go, but Jim warns that there better be a clear plan on what comes next after our recent efforts at installing governments in Iraq and Afghanistan.Finally, they highlight House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries' cringeworthy attempt to blame the government shutdown on House Republicans. They also look at new polling showing that voters blame both parties for the shutdown. And will Democrats fold after their big anti-Trump rallies this weekend or forge ahead in a fight they cannot win?Please visit our great sponsors:Sponsored by Quo, formerly known as Open Phone: Get started free and save 20% on your first 6 months and port your existing numbers at no extra charge—no missed calls, no missed customers. Visit https://Quo.com/3MLOpen a new qualified IRA or cash account with Noble Gold and get a free 10-ounce Silver Flag Bar plus a Silver American Eagle Proof Coin—visit https://NobleGoldInvestments.com/3ML

Join Jim and Greg for the Wednesday edition of the 3 Martini Lunch! Today, they tackle Democrats’ misleading spin on Obamacare subsidies, the Trump administration’s $20 billion bailout for Argentina, and an escalating Senate primary fight in Massachusetts.First, they highlight former Michigan Rep. Peter Meijer’s sharp takedown of Democrats blaming Republicans for the expiring Obamacare subsidies. Meijer reminds CNN that Democrats created these COVID-era subsidies and agreed twice to let them lapse. Jim and Greg also explain how this whole fight proves yet again that Obamacare is a massive failure and was designed to fail.Next, Jim breaks down Argentina’s economic turmoil and the U.S. decision to buy $20 billion of its devalued currency. Will this help give Javier Milei's free market economic agenda more time to work or is it too late?Finally, they dive into the latest Democratic Senate brawl, this time in Massachusetts. Eighty-year-old Sen. Ed Markey faces a challenge from Rep. Seth Moulton, who bizarrely argues that Markey isn’t progressive enough and pledges to enact government-run health care.Please visit our great sponsors:Stop putting off those doctors’ appointments and go to https://ZocDoc.com/3ML to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.Sponsored by Quo, formerly known as Open Phone: Get started free and save 20% on your first 6 months and port your existing numbers at no extra charge—no missed calls, no missed customers. Visit https://Quo.com/3ML

Join Jim and Greg for the Tuesday 3 Martini Lunch as they welcome tightening polls in the Virginia governor’s race, cringe at Christiane Amanpour’s disturbing comments about Israeli hostages, and preview what could be an ugly U.S. Senate primary among Democrats in Maine.First, they break down new polling showing Republican Winsome Earle-Sears cutting Democrat Abigail Spanberger’s lead to less than three points. The momentum shift comes after revelations that Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones sent violent text messages about murdering political opponents and wishing harm on their children. The same poll shows GOP Attorney General Jason Miyares up nearly six points over Jones. Jim unloads on Jones for acting like a "psychopath" toward the opposing party, but he's not sure it will be enough to push Republicans to victory.Next, they wince as CNN's Christiane Amanpour suggests Israeli hostages were treated better than people in Gaza during the recent war. She later issued an on-camera apology, but Jim is disgusted that Amanpour could not hide her disdain for Israel for even one day.Finally, they turn to Maine, where Gov. Janet Mills is entering the U.S. Senate race to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Mills is leaning heavily on her brief defiance of President Trump over gender policies. Meanwhile, a big primary fight among Democrats could be coming. The 77-year-old Mills faces veteran Graham Platner, who is enthusiastically endorsed by Bernie Sanders.Please visit our great sponsors:Sponsored by Quo, formerly known as Open Phone: Get started free and save 20% on your first 6 months and port your existing numbers at no extra charge—no missed calls, no missed customers. Visit https://Quo.com/3MLOpen a new qualified IRA or cash account with Noble Gold and get a free 10-ounce Silver Flag Bar plus a Silver American Eagle Proof Coin—visit https://NobleGoldInvestments.com/3ML

Join Jim and Greg for the Columbus Day 3 Martini Lunch as they rejoice with the freed Israeli hostages. They also examine some serious Democrat hypocrisy over the government shutdown and shake their heads at the people wanting credit for Trump's Middle East deal.First, they are thrilled and relieved that the 20 living Israeli hostages are now free from Hamas captivity. It's a day that many feared would never come. Jim explains why this is the best day of President Trump's second term so far and what he thinks finally got all parties to yes on Trump's plan.Next, they applaud Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan for exposing the shutdown hypocrisy of Sen. Chris Murphy and enjoy Murphy’s awkward attempt to defend himself. Jim and Greg also preview what’s likely to happen if the partial shutdown drags on for several more weeks.Finally, they shake their heads at the people implying they deserve some credit for the return of the living hostages. From British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Sen. Elizabeth Warren to former Biden Sec. of State Antony Blinken, it's been fascinating and more than a little pathetic to watch.Please visit our great sponsors:Stop putting off those doctors’ appointments and go to https://ZocDoc.com/3ML to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.Sponsored by Quo, formerly known as Open Phone: Get started free and save 20% on your first 6 months and port your existing numbers at no extra charge—no missed calls, no missed customers. Visit https://Quo.com/3ML