Matching Menendez Convictions, China Helping Houthis Target U.S. Ships, Will DOJ Charge Cuomo?

Join Jim and Greg for Tuesday’s 3 Martini Lunch as they enjoy a rare all-good-news episode! Today, they discuss Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin finally hanging it up, major progress against terrorists, and the escalating fight between the DNC and David Hogg.First, Jim and Greg are glad to see Sen. Durbin announcing his retirement after next year. He's been on the wrong side of almost every issue for 30 years and he may be best remembered for some very ugly comments on the Senate floor. The sour side of this good martini is that Democrats will be heavy favorites to hold the seat.Next, they applaud a major counterterrorism success. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz reports that U.S. forces have eliminated 74 terrorist leaders in the first three months of the Trump administration. Additionally, 45 American hostages have been freed. Jim calls these significant victories but urges the administration to release more specifics to the public.Finally, they relish the growing turmoil inside the DNC. Chairman Ed Martin is preparing to demand that Vice Chair David Hogg stop backing primary challengers to Democratic incumbents or resign. But with Hogg promising combative primaries regardless of his role, Jim and Greg look forward to costly, divisive battles in Democratic primaries across the country.Please visit our great sponsors:This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first monthCut through political bias with Ground News’s Vantage Plan—visit https://GroundNews.com/MARTINI to get 40% off for a limited time!This spring, get up to 50% off select plants at Fast Growing Trees with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase!  Visit https://fastgrowingtrees.com/Martini

Join Jim and Greg for Tuesday’s 3 Martini Lunch as they have a great time breaking down a series of jaw-dropping stories. They dig into Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s awkward admission about Biden’s mental decline, a far-left Minnesota prosecutor refusing to charge a leftist state employee who seriously vandalized numerous Teslas, and explosive allegations that Klaus Schwab grossly misused World Economic Forum resources. Plus, they uncover a Die Hard connection to another of the day’s biggest stories.First, they thoroughly enjoy watching a progressive podcast host grill Sen. Warren over her insistence that she didn’t notice signs of President Biden’s cognitive struggles before last year’s debate. Warren ultimately tried to deflect, but Jim and Greg explain why this backpedaling will haunt Democrats and the media for a long time.Next, they’re stunned by prosecutor Mary Moriarty’s refusal to press charges against Dylan Adams, a Minnesota state employee accused of deliberately vandalizing six Teslas—causing $20,000 in damage. Adams will face no jail time and even gets to keep his government job.  Jim notes the frustration of local police and the damage done when intentionally criminal behavior is swept under the rug due to politics.Then, they dive into the allegations against outgoing World Economic Forum leader Klaus Schwab and his wife, who are accused of stealing substantial funds from the WEF and taking over a luxury property owned by the organization during COVID lockdowns. Please visit our great sponsors:This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first monthCut through political bias with Ground News’s Vantage Plan—visit https://GroundNews.com/MARTINI to get 40% off for a limited time!Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at https://openphone.com

Join Jim and Greg for the 3 Martini Lunch as they dig into Nadine Menendez’s conviction in the same egregious corruption scandal that will soon send her husband, former New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, to prison. They also cover new reports of a Chinese-linked company aiding the Houthis in targeting U.S. ships, and House Republicans pressing the Justice Department to prosecute former Gov. Andrew Cuomo for lying to Congress about his COVID-era nursing home cover-up.First, they're pleased to see Nadine Menendez found guilty on all 15 counts tied to a bribery scheme involving her husband, the Egyptian government, and over $100,000 in gold bars, cash, and other luxury gifts. Now Mr. and Mrs. Menendez have matching bracelets. Jim blasts the media for largely ignoring the case—arguing that if Bob Menendez were a Republican, this scandal would dominate headlines daily. They also wonder whether Bob Menendez's begging for a pardon will actually convince President Trump to give him one.Next, they react to alarming reports that a Chinese government-linked company is assisting the Iran-backed Houthis in targeting U.S. warships and other American vessels in the Red Sea. Jim calls it another front in a proxy war with China and was forced to find foreign press accounts to evaluate the effectiveness of recent U.S. airstrikes.Finally, they look at House Republicans urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to charge Andrew Cuomo with lying under oath. Despite this and a $450,000 taxpayer-funded settlement to a sexual harassment victim, Cuomo continues to lead the NYC mayoral race by a wide margin.Please visit our great sponsors:Cut through political bias with Ground News’s Vantage Plan—visit https://GroundNews.com/MARTINI to get 40% off for a limited time!Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at https://openphone.comThis spring, get up to 50% off select plants at Fast Growing Trees with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase!  Visit https://fastgrowingtrees.com/Martini

Jim Geraghty is back! Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss the death of Pope Francis, more Democrats preparing to grandstand in El Salvador, and David Hogg stirring internal tension within the DNC. Plus, Jim offers a quick update on where he was last week.First, they react to the passing of Pope Francis, who died just hours after attending Easter Sunday services at the Vatican. Jim and Greg reflect on Francis's 12-year papacy—highlighting how his comments on cultural and political issues often energized progressives before being walked back by Vatican officials. They also discuss how his views on climate change, wealth redistribution, and illegal immigration often frustrated conservatives. And they humorously clarify that Vice President J.D. Vance had nothing to do with the pope’s passing.Next, they unpack a trip planned by four House Democrats to El Salvador to advocate for Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Jim criticizes the media's portrayal of Garcia as a harmless "Maryland Dad," drawing parallels to past sympathetic framing of problematic figures. He agrees Garcia should return to the U.S. for legal proceedings—before being deported back to El Salvador where he belongs.Finally, they enjoy the drama unfolding within the Democratic Party as David Hogg announces plans to back challengers to numerous sitting Democrats. His efforts are already causing stress within the DNC, with many Democrats pushing back and defending their incumbents. It’s shaping up to be quite the primary season—popcorn, anyone?Please visit our great sponsors:This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first monthCut through political bias with Ground News’s Vantage Plan—visit https://GroundNews.com/MARTINI to get 40% off for a limited time!Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at https://openphone.com

Jim and Greg are off for Good Friday but they've also been busy lately doing some spring cleaning—but not around the house. Greg is tossing out outdated policies, messages, and organizations, while Jim is ready to send a few politicians packing.First, Greg targets the type of taxes he finds most infuriating. He's not a fan of any taxes but there's one he finds particularly burdensome and fundamentally unfair. Jim, meanwhile, celebrates the quiet departure of a Republican who dominated headlines late last year but is now largely forgotten—and not missed.Next, Greg shifts his focus to education, identifying a major obstacle to our schools that, if eliminated, would greatly benefit students and restore academic integrity. Jim highlights a once-promising politician who failed to deliver, faced numerous legal issues, and appears headed for a huge political defeat this year.Finally, Greg turns to the lighter side and takes aim at some of the most irritating TV commercials. While he is a huge fan of free speech, Greg explains why these ads are especially grating and need to go. Jim reflects on a political figure who has already stepped away from the spotlight—but wonders how long before he fades from public view altogether.Please visit our great sponsors:Oracle will cut your cloud bill in HALF —new US customers only, offer ends May 31st! Check eligibility: https://oracle.com/MARTINIThis spring, get up to 50% off select plants at Fast Growing Trees with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase! Visit https://fastgrowingtrees.com/MartiniIt’s free, online, and easy to start—no strings attached. Enroll in Understanding Capitalism with Hillsdale College. Visit https://hillsdale.edu/Martini

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour Host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they dig into the IRS possibly revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status, Bernie Sanders backing a truly radical Senate candidate in Michigan, and CNN’s over-the-top praise for George Clooney’s 2024 call to replace Joe Biden.First, they analyze reports that the IRS may strip Harvard of its tax-exempt status. Scot emphasizes that this issue should be treated separately from the Biden administration’s efforts to withhold federal funds over the school’s failure to meet anti-Semitism standards. The guys also mull over whether such an action by the IRS would make it easier for a future Democrat administration to take aim at conservative institutions, or whether the left will do that regardless of what the right does now.Next, they spotlight Bernie Sanders endorsing far-left candidate Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate in Michigan. El-Sayed is known for supporting government-controlled health care, taxpayer-funded college (dubbed "free" college by the left), and for his hostility toward Israel. But Scot cautions that El-Sayed is an articulate speaker, boasts a successful medical background, and could receive glowing media coverage similar to Barack Obama back in 2004.Finally, they call out CNN’s Jake Tapper for heaping excessive praise on George Clooney’s “brave” letter to the New York Times editor urging Democrats to replace Joe Biden after last year’s debate. Scot and Greg see it as a transparent effort by the media and left-wing elites to rewrite history and pretend it was impossible to know about Biden's cognitive decline before the debate.Please visit our great sponsors:Oracle will cut your cloud bill in HALF —new US customers only, offer ends May 31st! Checkeligibility: https://oracle.com/MARTINIThis podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visithttps://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first monthIt’s free, online, and easy to start—no strings attached. Enroll in Understanding Capitalism withHillsdale College. Visit https://hillsdale.edu/Martini

Former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney and National Review Contributing Editor Andy McCarthy is in for Jim on Tuesday’s 3 Martini Lunch. Join Andy and Greg as they dig into ICE’s clever move to apprehend a Columbia protest leader, the UK Supreme Court’s affirmation of reality concerning biological sex, and the legal spotlight now shining on New York Attorney General Letitia James for behavior strikingly similar to what she prosecuted Donald Trump for last year.First, they applaud ICE agents for their creative tactics in apprehending Columbia University student and anti-Israel protest organizer Mohsen Mahdawi by summoning him under the guise of a naturalization interview. Andy also breaks down the legal distinctions between citizens and non-citizens when it comes to speech that incites hate. Greg highlights how mainstream media continue to spin radical activists like Mahdawi into sympathetic figures.Next, they're pleasantly surprised over the UK Supreme Court’s ruling affirming that sex is binary—just male and female. Considering the dominance of gender ideology in the UK and elsewhere, the decision wasn’t guaranteed. The ruling stemmed from a case designed to clarify DEI policies in Scotland, so there's still a long way to go. Andy explains how his legal background helps interpret such cultural shifts. Greg adds that if momentum keeps building for biological truth, expect many elites to pretend they never supported the opposite.Finally, they react to news that New York Attorney General Letitia James is under federal investigation for mortgage fraud and falsifying financial records— the same offenses she charged Trump with in 2023. Authorities say she claimed a Virginia property as her permanent residence, which could disqualify her from her role. She also missated the number of units existed in another property. Andy closely followed the frivolous case against Trump and is stunned that James would have brought those charges forward with this kind of baggage in her own background.Please visit our great sponsors:Oracle will cut your cloud bill in HALF —new US customers only, offer ends May 31st! Check eligibility: https://oracle.com/MARTINIThis podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first monthIt’s free, online, and easy to start—no strings attached. Enroll in Understanding Capitalism with Hillsdale College. Visit https://hillsdale.edu/Martini

Former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney and National Review Contributing Editor Andy McCarthy joins Greg for Tuesday’s 3 Martini Lunch. Today, they tackle Harvard's complaining about the Trump administration's demands, the legal fight over an illegal immigrant deported to El Salvador, and fresh evidence that the left’s climate promises don’t add up.First, they highlight Harvard’s response to having more than $2 billion in federal grants frozen for refusing to comply with Trump administration orders targeting antisemitism and more. Andy questions why a wealthy institution like Harvard relies on taxpayer dollars at all, but also warns against government overreach—regardless of party. Meanwhile, Greg notes the irony of Harvard objecting to federal pressure when the left regularly uses it to punish conservative schools and organizations.Next, they examine the legal fight surrounding Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an illegal immigrant deported to El Salvador and now imprisoned there. A federal judge has ruled that Garcia must be returned to the U.S. due to a violation of his due process rights. Andy explains why the court is legally correct and critiques the White House’s arguments on the issue. Greg questions why the U.S. government makes it so easy for people to enter illegally but so difficult to remove them. Andy points to the man he says is responsible for this mess.Finally, they dissect a Washington Post analysis revealing that many “green” home retrofits don’t produce energy savings for years—or even decades. Andy argues this underscores how the environmental left’s agenda is filled with economic and environmental contradictions. He also points out that some of these so-called green initiatives are actually terrible for the environment in many ways.Please visit our great sponsors:Oracle will cut your cloud bill in HALF —new US customers only, offer ends May 31st! Check eligibility: https://oracle.com/MARTINIThis spring, get up to 50% off select plants at Fast Growing Trees with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase! Visit https://fastgrowingtrees.com/MartiniThis podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit https://BetterHelp.com/3ML to get 10% off your first month

Former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney and National Review Contributing Editor Andy McCarthy is in for Jim on today’s 3 Martini Lunch. Join Andy and Greg as they dig into the latest developments surrounding a Columbia University grad student facing deportation, a chilling arson attack at the Pennsylvania governor’s residence, and former Washington Post columnist Taylor Lorenz’s disturbing praise of an alleged murderer.First, they discuss an immigration judge in Louisiana agreeing that Columbia University graduate student and anti-Semitic campus agitator Mahmoud Khalil can be deported. Andy explains how U.S. law is clear that aliens and citizens are treated differently under the law in this situation and that aliens can be deported if they are threatening national security. Andy also tees off on political lefties who argue the law in question is seldomly used.Next, they react to the shocking case of an arsonist breaking into the Pennsylvania governor’s residence on the first night of Passover. The intruder reportedly set the home on fire while Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family were inside. Greg and Andy express hope for swift justice and transparency, while Andy suggests we already offer some strong clues about the motivation for this attack.Finally, they assess Taylor Lorenz gushing over alleged murderer Luigi Mangione to a CNN reporter. From Lorenz calling Mangione a morally good person to CNN's reporter giggling along with her explanation of why some women are enamored with Mangione, Andy explains why this spectacle is a bad sign for our society and highlights how some elements on the left are far too comfortable with political violence.Please visit our great sponsors:Oracle will cut your cloud bill in HALF —new US customers only, offer ends May 31st! Check eligibility: https://oracle.com/MARTINIThis spring, get up to 50% off select plants at Fast Growing Trees with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase! Visit https://fastgrowingtrees.com/Martini

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour Host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they discuss the GOP’s push for consumer freedom, Democrats’ extreme opposition to making sure only citizens can vote, and President Trump’s call to make Daylight Saving Time permanent.First, they praise President Trump’s executive order restoring consumer choice over showerhead water pressure, along with a U.S. Senate vote to repeal a Biden-era rule targeting gas-powered water heaters. Scot and Greg see these moves as a strong rejection of the left’s absurd climate agenda and unnecessary government interference in everyday life.Next, they cheer the House passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. Democrats are leveling bizarre claims that the bill would disenfranchise married women who changed their names. Scot and Greg dismantle those arguments and call out Rep. Eric Swalwell and others for resorting to profanity and theatrics  to act like they're fighting hard against the GOP.Finally, as President Trump calls for making Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent, Scot explains why permanent Standard Time makes far more sense if you're going to make one time permanent. He also points out that America tried year-round DST back in the 1970s and hated it. And, while neither of them particularly enjoy the time changes, Scot and Greg also wonder why so many people are suddenly obsessed with this issue when nobody really seemed to care about it a generation ago.Please visit our great sponsors:Future-proof business operations with NetSuite by Oracle. Visit https://NetSuite.com/MARTINI to download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning.This spring, get up to 50% off select plants with code MARTINI, plus an extra 15% off at checkout on your first purchase! https://fastgrowingtrees.com/Martini