The Middle - UNPLUGGED with Anthony Weiner

Episode 121: Is it Time to Panic? Yup!

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Anthony has been in the “pick our spots” camp about the madcap beginning of Trump II. Some things are worth the fight and others maybe not. We will know an authoritarian overthrow of our nation when we see it. Well, you don’t need to squint much to see it coming. Courts are ordering the administration to do things and team Trump is saying no. Now what? It’s a good time to go back to 1803 and Marbury v Madison. It's an emergency reading assignment this week. In Ask Anthony Anything, the legal limbo of Eric Adams.

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Episode 120: Chaos as Feature not Bug

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0000

Did that whole trade war we had this week work out ok? It depends. Some people like reading what monkeys at typewriters produce. It ain’t Shakespeare. Anthony looks at the meta behind the chaos and finds there may be less than meets the eye. Like a 9 year-old banging on a pan, the attention itself may be the end goal. Also this week in Ask Anthony Anything, when political gamesmanship is totally ok.

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Episode 119: Trump vs. The Republican Congress?

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0000

The new Trump team has thrown a whole cookbook of spaghetti against the wall of the American political system in its first weeks. Anthony offers his grudging respect for their sheer chutzpah. But when it comes to deciding not to do spending that Congress authorized or changing immigration laws without permission, it is the Republicans in the House and Senate that have to stand up or roll over. Trump is stress testing his own party at the same time as he is stressing us out with the onslaught of crazy. In Ask Anthony Anything, is loyalty to Trump a DEI program?

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Episode 118: Pardoning Cop Beaters is The New GOP Brand

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 14:39:00 -0000

The first days of Trump 2.0 had a lot of trolling but also some legitimately outrageous.

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Episode 117: Special Counsel Special Edition

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:55:00 -0000

We hire special investigators/prosecutors when we want to get to the bottom of politically sensitive cases. So how did we do? This week, not one, but two Special Counsels dropped their long awaited reports on what they did and didn’t do and why. A bit of an anti climax in both cases but still Anthony looks at the what and the why of the things. In Ask Anthony Anything, a visit to the JD Vance hall of rhetorical mirrors on immigration.

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Episode 116: Now the Hard Part for the GOP…Passing Stuff

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 14:44:00 -0000

If there is one thing that the Republicans seem to know how to do, its tax cuts. If giant, deficit-exploding giveaways to the rich are your thing, they have delivered. But this year, Donald Trump, Mike Johnson and the GOP faithful are going to have their hands full even doing the “easy” thing - renewing the 2017 tax cuts. Anthony gets a little wonky this week explaining why it's easier to talk about cuts than to do them. And in Ask Anthony Anything, a professional interviewer asks Anthony what the hell is going on in your host’s head.

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Episode 115: Party Like It’s 2017

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 20:27:00 -0000

Maybe predicting the future in Washington is not that hard. We’ve seen a version of this movie before. Anthony looks at the parallels and differences between the beginning of Trump I and Trump II. Call it a prediction show or call it a deja vu. In Ask Anthony Anything, an explainer on “Detainer Requests”

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Episode 114: The Twelve Principles of Good Politics

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 20:55:00 -0000

It's a joyous and - hopefully - meaningful time of year. Anthony departs this week from his usual unpacking and repacking of the issue of the moment to look at what he thinks should be the principles of the vocation of politics. Heck, if we can’t get a bit spiritual this time of year, when can we? In Ask Anthony Anything, which new idea is proving to be least popular?

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Episode 113: A Big Apple Primer

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 14:20:00 -0000

What's going on with New York? Anthony has the answer. Some history, some trends and some predictions about the city we love. We measure the vibes. In Ask Anthony Anything, the other ABC bends at the knee.

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Episode 112: America Remembers We Hate Insurance Companies

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 17:13:00 -0000

A serious conversation was reignited this week by a cold blooded assassination. The crime was inexcusable but the conversation after was inevitable : why do we even have health insurance companies? Anthony explains the odd way we pay for and distribute health care in America and suggests that the populist rage this week is both well founded and not difficult to address. Also this week in Ask Anthony Anything, Anthony is the one on the hot seat. Will he or won't he run?

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Episode 111: The Last Ever Hunter Podcast

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Anthony staked his claim on conservative radio by being the left’s truth teller about the long and winding road of Hunter Biden. The pardon of the first son is the last - loud - chapter in a story that began with an abandoned laptop documenting a life in addiction and ending with two guilty verdicts. The summary isn’t tidy. That's for sure. Democrats are as upset as Republicans. It's time for a post mortem and a post script and then we move on to other outrages. In Ask Anthony Anything, a movie maker admits his story about a stolen election was bull and not mules.

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Episode 110: A Complex World Awaits Trump

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 13:25:00 -0000

It it may take a while for Donald Trump to mess things up at home, but he can really light the rest of the world on fire on day one. Anthony takes a tour of the world's hot spots this week and looks at what Trump's promise is to bring the “Art of the Deal to the international stage again. Hawkish appointments and dovish public statements make it hard to figure what will happen next, but unlike domestic affairs, Trump's ability to cause trouble in the world is unfettered. In Ask Anthony Anything, a look at the wisdom of having government contractors named musk and Vivek in charge of reforming government.

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Episode 109: Keeping our Powder Dry

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 12:49:00 -0000

It's a red alert! A crisis! DefCon5! Democrats are losing their cool even as Americans have stopped paying attention. Anthony suggests adopting the British model : let the majority govern and then pounce when they fail. In Ask Anything Anything, a look at the signature Trump catch phrase - mass deportation.

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Episode 108: Much Ado About Not Much

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0000

You can choose your own ending. Epic upheaval or a shrug emoji? Appropriate for a podcast with middle in its name, Anthony has some from column A and a bit from column B. Maybe Democrats are from Mars and Republicans are from Venus. In Ask Anthony Anything, bad Biden takes.

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Episode 107: A Gloomy Recap.

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0000

Well that didn't go as planned. Anthony sits down with Frank Morano and tries to unpack what we just watched. It's one of the stages of grief - record a podcast.

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Episode 106: A Rosy Scenario for Election Night

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Sure it's close. And yeah, lots of people may be rooting for the spectacle, but perhaps the most likely scenario for next Tuesday is that we have another smooth election where we know the winner pretty fast. Anthony knows we expect chaos, but elections are actually usually not controversial affairs and now we have a lot more experience dealing with the new(ish) development - early voting. He runs though a Rosy scenario. In Ask Anthony Anything, should Harris talk more about how historic she is?

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Episode 105: A Viewer's Guide to The Final Fortnight

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 13:26:00 -0000

Americans are ready for election day. Somewhere between a scream and a shrug, we are all sort of over it. So what’s going to happen? Anthony has an insider’s take on how to look at what we are seeing. The polls are tied, so don’t look there. Perhaps the way to view the closing arguments is what the TV ads are saying. In Ask Anthony Anything, Donald’s visit to McDonalds.

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Episode 104: The Vance Dance

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 20:00:00 -0000

Can we please stop asking JD Vance if Trump lost? Anthony looks at his prediction that the junior Senator from Ohio would be a very capable candidate. He also wonders why reporters seem to miss the opportunity to not just ask the same questions over and over. Of course he would ignore the constitution at the whim of his boss! Otherwise he would not have been chosen. Duh! But perhaps push him a bit on the tent posts of his non answer answers. Anthony gives some pointers. In Ask Anthony Anything, the other candidate for Veep gets over his skis about the electoral college. But he wasn't wrong.

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Episode 103: October 7th A Year Later

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 12:18:00 -0000

The wounds still are raw and Israelis are far from ready to move on. Hostages remain in captivity and rockets still fall from the sky on a nation about the size of New Jersey. Palestinians - both those responsible for the atrocities and those simply trying to survive the reign of Hamas - are suffering. But the leadership and capabilities of the terror groups that have tormented Israel and prevented peace for generations have been degraded. And Iran seems more feckless than fearsome. Could better days be ahead? Anthony has thoughts. In Ask Anthony Anything, the politics of the dangerous weather.

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Episode 102: A Big Apple Corruption Explainer

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 18:37:00 -0000

While Donald Trump’s whole campaign seems to be about shouting insults about made up things, Anthony takes a break from the day-to-day of the 2024 campaign and breaks down the news of the New York City mayor being indicted. While Anthony isn't impressed by the case, it's still a big deal. In Ask Anthony Anything, which presidential candidate is the bigger spender?

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Episode 101: A Senate Control Check In

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 13:52:00 -0000

Back in January, Anthony shared the Democratic despair in how tough a year this would be for the fate of control of the United States Senate. Things looked grim. So with 40 days to go, do the Democrats have a prayer? Maybe the prayers are helping. In Ask Anthony Anything, Senator Vance invites Anthony to talk about one of his favorite subjects - Obamacare.

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Episode 100: A Meta 100th Celebration

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0000

In honor of the 100th edition of the show, Anthony goes meta and looks at the arc of the podcast and what has and hasn't worked since it launched nearly two years ago. We take a break from the news of the week to gaze at the state of the format and the attempt to find “the middle". In Ask Anthony Anything, what's it like to be Weiner?

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Episode 99: A Debate Recap Update Show

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 18:48:00 -0000

Ok, it's official. Kamala kicked ass. But that's just my opinion. Hear some other voices from 77WABC Radio.

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Episode 98: Trump Wants to Talk About Afghanistan? So Do We.

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:31:00 -0000

Photo ops on hallowed grounds are in the news, but maybe Vice President Harris would rather not talk about the traumatic and deadly withdrawal from America’s longest war. But if Donald Trump wants to point fingers about the deaths of 13 Marines and over 170 civilians at the hands of the Taliban in Afghanistan, then Anthony wants to introduce some facts to the conversation that Trump wants us to forget. Also, in Ask Anthony Anything, we try to figure out how windmills make bacon expensive.

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Episode 97: What's Next? A Campaign Planner

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 13:40:00 -0000

We got caught by surprise a lot in recent weeks as the campaign has taken some epic twists. But Anthony tries to lay out some of the key dates coming next. It's less than 10 weeks until election day. Plenty of time for debates, court dates and election law rulings. In Ask Anthony Anything, another take on RFK Jr.

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Episode 96: A Conventional Look at The Prez and Senate Polls

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The Harris coronation is going swimmingly in Chicago as The Donald spends his time not apologizing to the veterans he insulted. So who’s winning? It's been a few months since Anthony checked in on the polls (Episode 82) and freaked out a little bit. Is he feeling any better? In a word, yes…but. It's been even longer since he gave us an update on the races in the United States Senate (Episode 63) when he was practically in tears. Has that improved at all? Yep. Also this week in Ask Anthony Anything, who cares about issues anyway?

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Episode 95: The ‘24 Double Double Standard

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 13:27:00 -0000

The ideal is that candidates make themselves available to the press and take hard questions, right? Trump has and Harris hasn't. Outrage! But Anthony asks whether a fact free hour in front of a microphone is anything to cheer about when Trump does just that. If “answering" questions is saying a string of untrue things, then maybe we need new standards. Speaking of double standards, now hacked documents are off limits? Hillary Clinton 2016 would like a word.

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Episode 94: Walzing Out of a Coconut Tree

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 13:40:00 -0000

With only 90 days to work with, Harris has her man. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz wins the veepstakes. Anthony was pulling for someone else but can barely contain his excitement. Pundits are smart, but a good campaign with a confident team makes good decisions. We check the pros and cons and then look at the contrast with the angry and weird Republican duo.

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Episode 93: Make America Weird Again

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 13:50:00 -0000

Finally a week of relative calm! As we all try on our new campaign environment, the Trump v Harris race still has that new car smell. So what will it look like for the next…checks notes…97 days? Anthony has some ideas. The Orange Man from Florida always brought some heavy weird to the game, but JD Vance is raising it to an art form. Is this the opening for a campaign that is less about issues and more about name-calling? Why not? On the other side, Kamala Harris has a chance to clean up and rebrand without the pesky pressures of a primary. In Ask Anthony Anything, say my name…correctly.

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Episode 92: Democrats Exhale

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 17:42:00 -0000

But of course we saw this coming! A month of insane twists brings us the one Democrats needed and few of us expected. Now, the race is between an old convicted felon and a young prosecutor. Popcorn please. In Ask Anthony Anything, explaining Kamala is brat.

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Episode 91: Looking for Silver Linings

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 16:19:00 -0000

Anthony looks at a busy and consequential week in America. It seems like a lot has changed, but has it? An assassination attempt may not succeed in cooling our national rhetoric. A judge's ruling won't end the stolen documents case. A veep pick just confirms what we already knew about how Donald Trump thinks. If you are feeling exasperated, this might not cheer you up but we try to find some glimmers of hope in the ashen landscape.

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Episode 90: The Conundrum for Democrats

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 13:16:00 -0000

Lets first dispense with the obvious : Joe Biden has been old for a long time. But suddenly over the course of a trainwreck of a debate, many Democrats and reporters were ready to do what polls show Americans had done a while ago - add the word “too”. It’s 120 days before the election and there is a national consensus - Joe Biden is too old. But what about that other universal point of agreement that Democrats share that Trump must be defeated? This week Anthony is joined by a former member of Congress and party insider, Michael Capuano of Massachusetts. Mike was a part of House leadership under Nancy Pelosi and shares a thing or two about the conversations taking place among Democratic office holders and apparatchiks today. Is there a safe option for Democrats? Spoiler alert : no! In Ask Anthony Anything, what did the elections in the UK and France mean? Anthony finds a local hook.

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Episode 89: SCOTUS Makes an Ominous July 4th

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 23:12:00 -0000

Anthony is usually not one for hyperbole, but is this the worst Supreme Court decision in history or what? His hair isn't on fire or anything, but even a cool, level headed look at the breath of the Presidential immunity that now exists, is enough to make us all sweat. He breaks it down and tries to find tiny silver linings. In Ask Anthony Anything, a modest proposal for a Biden comeback.

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Episode 88: Other People’s Debate Advice

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 09:50:00 -0000

Is anyone not giving public debate advice to Trump and Biden? Has everyone already figured out what they need to do and what they need to avoid? Anthony takes a look at what the partisans are telling their candidate to do in tomorrow’s debate and has some help in sorting out what will work and what won’t. He is joined by Charlie King, friend of the pod and former Executive Director of the New York State Democratic party and candidate for Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. The two old hands look at what David Corn of Mother Jones and the editorial board of the New York Post are suggesting their respective candidates say on stage in Atlanta. In Ask Anthony Anything, Anthony finds himself in uncomfortable agreement with the Speaker of the House.

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Episode 87: Biden Wins at the Pump?

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 12:38:00 -0000

If there is one economic data point that every president fears it is the price of gas. But like a political Rorschach test, voters - and podcast hosts - see what they want to see when the cost at the pump goes up or down. Now, with prices dropping and oil profits skyrocketing, could it be that Joe Biden has cracked the code? It's time to bring in an expert. Anthony chats with Dan Dicker, author of books about energy policy and explainer of oil prices with his newsletter The Energy Word at www.DanDicker.com. Dan has some surprising takes. Also, this week in Ask Anthony Anything, the politics of hostages is ugly even by today’s standards.

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Episode 86: Fear And Loathing of Hunter

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Hunter Biden is guilty but not for all the things he has been accused of. Now that the jury has spoken, Anthony takes a step or two back in time and recalls the odd winding road that led us to this place. It isn’t pretty. A box on a form was filled out wrong and that is a crime. But how did all that lead to just this? Anthony explores. Also, fast food is too damn expensive, but why?

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Episode 85: It's a Wrap from Trump Trial 1 of 4

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:36:00 -0000

Everything has been said about the Trump verdict, but has everyone said it on this podcast? Anthony puts a bow on the proceedings by separating the Trump complaints into a couple of categories. He finds plenty of good faith questions about our system and our most famous trial. Answers abound but are they the correct ones? We have a few more courts that have to weigh in. In Ask Anthony Anything, what to make of the public reaction? Did the campaign suddenly change? In a word : no way.

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Episode 84: Immigration Through the Years : Same Old, Same Old

Wed, 29 May 2024 13:50:00 -0000

Some American debates may be destined to never be resolved. Abortion anyone? How about gun control? But there is one sticky wicket we have been able to sort out and kind of find compromise on : immigration. It hasn’t been easy. And, to be fair, it also hasn’t been recent. But this week we consult with the last five Presidents to find a path through the pitched arguments about our border, the invaders and all the other hot rhetoric around immigration. In Ask Anthony Anything, is Biden really losing because of Weiner?

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Episode 83: We Have a Veepstakes!

Wed, 22 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Ok, so it won’t be Kristi Noem, but there is no shortage of Veep wannabes preening for Donald Trump’s attention. Anthony knows the best way to get on Defendant Donald’s radar screen is to get on his television screen. This week we listen to what they are saying and why. In Ask Anthony Anything, it is time for a prediction in the hush money case.

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Episode 82: A Trump Trial Update and a Poll Freak Out

Wed, 15 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000

After a lot of staring at trees, Anthony brings us a view of the forest in the Trump hush money case. The big climax is Micheal Cohen but the scaffolding of the case seemed ready this week. A preview of the Trump defense and a bold prediction about whether the defendant will testify to his own not guiltyness. In Ask Anthony Anything, is it time to panic over the polls? Lets ask this guy panicking on this podcast.

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Episode 81: Dissecting 16,037 Words of Donald Trump

Wed, 08 May 2024 13:24:00 -0000

Donald Trump sat for interviews with Time Magazine and this week, Anthony tried to bring us a line-by-line analysis. Tried, as in didn’t really pull it off. He explains a few things we did learn (besides the surprising fact that Time Magazine still exists) and wraps up some loose ends. In Ask Anthony Anything, our least favorite dog shooting governor digs herself a deeper hole.

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Episode 80: Former Rep. Israel About Current Israel Protests

Wed, 01 May 2024 15:59:00 -0000

How should we think about the campus debate/protests/politics around Israel's war with Hamas? There are a lot of ideas and even more perspectives. This week, Anthony checks in with a fellow who has worn a few relevant hats - former Representative and current university “professor” Steve Israel. They talk about the often narrow scope of our education around these things and those who are operating in good faith and others who aren't. In Ask Anthony Anything, maybe Christie Noem isn’t gonna be VP pick afterall. Enter JD Vance.

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Episode 79: Why Was Last Week In Congress Different?

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Let's call it the fifth Passover question, how did they finally do their jobs? Anthony looks at the historically incompetent 118th Congress and gives kudos for the week of action. Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan all finally had urgent needs funded. How did it happen? Was it a sea change? Maybe. Also this week, a look at the early tells from the Trump trial.

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Episode 78: Can Trump Get a Fair Trial?

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Perhaps it's unexpected given his history with the criminal justice system, but Anthony has been a cheerleader for the idea that “the system" will hold and Donald Trump will be held accountable…if he's guilty. But, there are reasonable questions that reasonable people can have about the ability of an infamous politician to get a fair trial. Anthony asks them and tries to answer. And, in Ask Anthony Anything, a look at the Trump tax cuts and the Biden response.

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Episode 77: Understanding Who Likes RFK, Jr.

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 17:02:00 -0000

Democrats have some PTSD around third party candidates. You can imagine why. Is Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. the newest version of Ralph Nader or Jill Stein? Anthony takes a look at what we know about the guy with the iconic Democratic name and decides that we may not have that much to fear. RFK Jr. said more words this week and his Dance of the Seven Veils shows him to be nakedly MAGA. In Ask Anthony Anything, a minor correction about a major 2024 issue.

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Episode 76: Put Rhona McDaniel on NBC If She Does This

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 12:59:00 -0000

Wait, wait! Before the Rhona McDaniel tempest fades from memory, Anthony would like a word. He explains what it takes to be considered an election denying conspiracy theorist worthy of the scarlet letter. Spoiler alert, being pissed about the Electoral College or money in politics isn't enough. But being a dangerous liar maybe is just what we need on TV right now, if they do it right. What if Rhona had done this differently and pursued a path of rigorous honesty about her sins? Nobody asked Anthony in advance, but he has a counterfactual for us to consider. And, speaking of Asking Anthony Anything, the Jewish boy from Brooklyn dives into the controversy over the war on Easter (eggs).

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Episode 75: China - The Thing We Mostly Agree On

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:02:00 -0000

It has the longest name of any committee in Congress (maybe ever) : The House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. But what they lack in punchy, they made up for in actually working. Anthony looks at what seems like a true national consensus around our rivalry with China and what we (and he) got wrong at the turn of this century. In Ask Anthony Anything, we go long form.

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Episode 74: Donald Trump, Security Risk?

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 17:35:00 -0000

Another week and another sign that Donald Trump is super desperate for cash. He can’t raise the money or find a bond for one of his many expensive legal verdicts. This all got Anthony wondering about whether a fellow with the former president’s record would even pass a routine background check to be eligible for the security clearance that so many in Washington and the military get. A not-so deep dive into the federal regulations governing access to government secrets. Spoiler alert, one of the 13 guidelines talks about “untreated mental illness. In Ask Anthony Anything, a slow clap for Mike Pence.

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Episode 73: “Yes, but Covid” Examining the Trump Defense

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Joe Biden had a lot of words to say in his amped up State of the Union this week. More than a few of them were about the “greatest story never told”, the amazing recovery our economy has seen under his watch. Anthony looks at the comparison between the Trump economy and this one and unpacks the “yes, but Covid” explanation that comes from the MAGA world. If not for the pandemic, then Trump would have done better, they say. So do we not even count his final year? It started out as a numbers question, but Anthony got sucked into a vortex of the Trump words. Join us as we remember 2020. And in Ask Anthony Anything, looking at the future of Trump and the vaccine he is so, uh, proud of.

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Episode 72: Weed is Legal but What a Mess

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Buying, selling and consuming cannabis is legal all over the place. So why is there so much chaos around it? Anthony looks at the odd mish-mash of federal laws, state programs and local enforcement that has left citizens bewildered and policymakers returning to the drawing board. Howie Miller of Two Buds Dispensary in the Bronx may be the poster boy for how New York intended its legalization program to work, but even he is struggling to navigate the rules. Anthony visits with Howie this week and they have their first chat since their days in prison together. In Ask Anthony Anything, is there more crime in Blue or Red states?

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Episode 71: Biden Wins South Carolina

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 13:30:00 -0000

It's officially a trend. Trump “wins” a primary and looks weaker for doing it. Anthony takes a look at a gathering body of evidence that every time Americans do that voting thing, they reveal that the Republicans and their leader are unpopular. They've shown it in three presidential primaries, a bunch of special elections and in 7 statewide referenda. In Ask Anthony Anything, the Republican phony meter goes to 11 with Dominic Carter.

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Episode 70: A Refresher About The Hush Fund Case

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0000

It's been so long, we sort of forgot about the Trump/Stormy Daniels hush money case. Anthony is here for us with an explainer about what makes the case unusual; what makes the case very usual and why the main witness is unusually suspect. Why now? Because finally, at long last, one of the criminal cases and 34 of the indictments is going to go to trial in just over a month. We are so ready! In Ask Anthony Anything, Andrew Giuliani gets a friendly but stern clap back.

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Episode 69: Trump Literally and Seriously Wrong

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0000

A bit of an ongoing series here. Let's call it a serial perhaps. Or is that name taken? Anthony returns to things that the former President said and treats them like something uttered by a maybe future president. Inviting Russia to attack NATO? A tax on everything imported into our country? Not jokes and not joking matters. Taking Donald Trump seriously and literally again…still. Also, in Ask Anthony Anything, it’s time for a correction and a special cameo by a guy in a red beret.

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Episode 68: The Cost of the Trump Delay Play

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 13:47:00 -0000

Did you know Anthony wasn’t a lawyer? Did you know that was a story? That’s how we start this week but it leads us into a conversation about the competing imperatives that the criminal justice system has - don’t delay but follow the rules which create delays. Donald Trump, with the help of $76 million his supporters have given him, is doing everything possible to delay the many legal cases he faces. But what about the voters? Don’t they have a right to know if one of the candidates for President is guilty of a crime before they go to the polls. Anthony has a thought about this. In Ask Anthony Anything, it’s Rep. Salazar’s turn in the barrel.

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Episode 67: How We Can Get Rid of Trump and Biden

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0000

Maybe it happens every election cycle, but this year there seems to be so much idle chatter about who “the real” candidates for president will be. Michelle Obama? Oprah? Dick Cheney? Ok, that last one maybe no one is really saying, but with one candidate a step away from prison and the other a misstep away from the Emergency Room, there has been more than a little speculation that maybe we won’t have a Trump v. Biden rematch after all. Anthony takes a look at how a candidate could be replaced and interviews the foremost expert on election law in America - Jerry Goldfeder, the Director of the Fordham Law School Voting Rights and Democracy Program. Follow him @JerryGoldfeder. In Ask Anthony Anything, Trump’s running mate in waiting gets a history lesson.

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Episode 66: New Hampshire News, Veep Views & Court Blues

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 20:24:00 -0000

Anthony starts with breaking news from New Hampshire this week and then looks at what’s ahead in 2024’s two big stories : Who will be Trump’s running mate and when will Trump stand trial? We have some guesses, both educated ones and the other kind. In Ask Anthony Anything it's time for a correction/clarification.

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Episode 65: Report from Davenport & Davos

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 14:09:00 -0000

Some cold weather, cold calculations and cold facts this week as Anthony updates the unsurprising Iowa caucus and some shocking news about the haves and the have nots in Iowa and globally. Children in Iowa will be hungry this summer. And they won't be alone. Also this week, Ask someone else about Anthony?

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Episode 64: I Come to Bury the Iowa Caucus, not Praise it.

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 13:46:00 -0000

Republicans cast their first votes for President this week in the Iowa Caucus. Anthony thinks the Democrats had a better idea – just cancel it. From a novel idea, to an influential moment on the political calendar, recently the obsession with the “first in the nation” contest has now become a near laughing stock. The preview of what will happen on Monday only takes a moment, so Anthony takes the rest of the time to explain why its time to finally bury the Iowa Caucus once and for all. In Ask Anthony Anything – it’s host-on-host violence! Anthony has his first feud with another talent at WABC Radio.

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Episode 63: The Democrats Plan to Keep the Senate…Pray

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0000

There will be plenty of time to talk about the top of the ticket in the year to come, so Anthony starts the us off with a look at the fight for the United States Senate. Things look bleak for the Democrats but not hopeless. You can always hope for a miracle! In Ask Anthony Anything, a sober look at that wacky 14th Amendment to the Constitution.

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Episode 62: A Season of Unity and… Hating Electric Cars?

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 13:00:00 -0000

We learned again this year that we can fight about anything. We’re looking at you Taylor Swift. But Anthony is puzzled that those fancy new electric cars and trucks became political fodder in 2023. Don't we all sort of want, uh, progress? Why can't we just all get along?

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Episode 61: Weiner Grades… Weiner

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 21:03:00 -0000

It's time for end of year evaluations. So how’s Anthony doing? This week, he offers up a take on his best and worst takes of 2023. Sure, he’s biased but who better to call out Weiner than… Weiner.

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Episode 60: Repealing Obamacare Again Still

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 14:33:00 -0000

For over a decade now, Republican candidates have been promising to undo the most significant health care reform in a generation. Yet, Obamacare lives. This week, Anthony accepted the most recent challenge after Donald Trump issued his 17th assurance that, if reelected, he would overturn the ACA. Biden should welcome this development. Also, a special edition of Ask Anthony. He appears as a guest on The Miller Report with Suzanne Miller. I think the kids call it a collab!

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Episode 59: A Weiner Focus Group

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Each week, Anthony hosts a radio show on 77WABC Radio in New York City - the lone progressive voice on a conservative station. The show has been a success. This week on the podcast, Anthony welcomes two callers from Saturdays to explore why the nation seems so divided and what we can learn by welcoming diverse voices. Richard from Texas and Chris from Long Island, welcome to the show.

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Episode 58: DeSantis v. Newsom? Yes, Please.

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0000

The Presidential Debates are a year away, so why not a good pretend one? Anthony looks at the much hyped showdown between Gavin Newsom and Ron DeSantis and sees real promise. Sure, neither one of these cats is going to be president anytime soon, but they have their reasons to want this improbable debate. Anthony has a preview. Also, this week Trump definitely had the more, uh, interesting Thanksgiving greeting.

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Episode 57: Giving Thanks

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Anthony has a lot of gratitude this Thanksgiving week. So many people make the show a success. But surely we didn’t expect to see a 19th Century Canadian scientist or a 16th century British doctor make the list. Don’t fret, Swifties, your girl gets her due. Also, this week, a special Ask Anthony Anything gives us a new way to look at justice in America.

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Episode 56: Taking Trump Seriously…and Literally

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Anthony admits he didn’t take Trump seriously or literally in 2016. So this time he is taking a much closer look at the proposals for Trump 2.0. Some of them are crazy and some of them are dangerous but all of them are possible. Anthony unpacks the list. Also, what we learned, campaign 2023 edition.

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Episode 55: Biden Just Sounds Old

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0000

A year before the Presidential Election '24 and Anthony is sweating about his candidate. Joe Biden is underwater and losing in key states. Maybe it's not his age that's the problem though. Maybe it's his voice.

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Episode 54: Let Us Watch Trump On Trial

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Americans learn about geography by watching wars on TV. We learn about Congress when we almost shut down the government or fire a speaker and see it on TV. And we learn about the courts from watching big cases on TV. Anthony thinks we should watch the trial of the century on television also. USA v. Trump will not be televised unless they change the rules. If we want faith in our system, open the doors and let the cameras in. Also, in Ask Anthony Anything, Biden is old, you know who else is?

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Episode 53: Israel is Losing…On Tiktok

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Their posters and chants say “Free Palestine”. But do our - mostly young - friends on the left even know what they mean? Anthony looks at the tissue paper thin understanding that so many anti-Israel activists and commentators seem to have. History is complicated and solutions to the conflict are elusive, but surely we can do better than two word slogans.

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Episode 52: Israel's Dangerous Neighborhood

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 13:25:51 -0000

From the very beginning, Israel's creation was the source of celebration for many but not for the Arab world. This week, Anthony takes a look at which counties could have been helpful to Hamas in their brutal terrorism. Also, a response to the visceral need by some to make Biden the villain of every story.

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Episode 51: A 9/11 for Israel Minus the Unity

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:12:09 -0000

Terrorists have targeted Israel again. Now 2023 will be added to the sad list that includes 1948,1967 and 1973. Anthony looks at the history and sees some sad through lines and one thing that is very different this time - US friends of Israel turning on each other.

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Episode 50: The Base Blew Out The Speaker

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0000

I'd love to say we were surprised. The Republicans apparently didn't think their Speaker was groveling enough or something. Anthony explains what they were thinking and why they weren't all wrong. Goodbye Speaker McCarthy, we hardly knew thee. Also this week, the important stuff : Taylor Swift and fire alarms. Yay.

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Episode 49: Getting Trump into the Debate

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Another Republican debate and another missed opportunity to see the leader of the pack. But Anthony has an idea. If you can't get the man, perhaps it's time to get some feedback about his proposals. Some on the stage are running for Vice President, but do they really like some of the nutty ideas Donald has been laying out there? Round up all the homeless and concentrate them in camps? Death penalty for drug dealers and retiring Generals? Show of hands please. Also, this week on Ask Anthony Anything, the leading conspiracy theory of the Biden impeachment hunt goes up in smoke…live on Fox News.

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Episode 48: How Not to Interview Trump

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0000

What's more useless than watching an interview of Donald Trump? Watching a bad interview of same. Anthony takes a look at the latest case study, this time on Meet the Press. Does it have to be this bad? Or can we shake up the "art form" a little? Also, in Ask Anthony Anything, the slow news outrages of hoodies in the Senate chambers and a Congresswoman from Colorado being unruly and hypocritical.

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Episode 47: Impeaching Democracy in Wisconsin

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Every election there is one state that makes us roll our eyes, pull our hair out and make our head hurt. This time Wisconsin seems like our winner. Anthony looks at the effort by GOP lawmakers in the cheese state to impeach a newly elected judge before she has heard a single case. It's a study in chutzpah and it may be a sign of things to come. In Ask Anthony Anything, a look at the subtle art of not taking blame.

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Episode 46: A Whisper To A Scream. Weiner Argues About Immigration

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 11:33:51 -0000

The switchboard lights up when the conversation returns to talk radio’s eternal flame - immigration. It's a weapon for demagogues. It’s the dry tinder of our multicultural democracy. For years it has been a tough nut for serious legislators. With the wave of new migrants coming to New York, Anthony opened up the phones and found himself being yelled at and doing some yelling himself. Who saw that coming?

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Episode 45: Selling Bidenomics to a Skeptical Nation

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 15:48:35 -0000

Almost everyone knows today for whom they will be voting. But for the 10% of the population that resides in 4 or 5 swing states, the top issue continues to be the economy…stupid. Anthony looks at the new strategy by The White House to lean into Bidenomics. He has some thoughts about how to do it right. Also, in Ask Anthony Anything, Is Jonathan Turley wrong, dumb or greedy?

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Episode 44: A Republican Debate Preview Spectacular

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Ok, let's spin the wheel of sports metaphors to get this week’s edition underway…Anthony marks the end of the preseason in the Republican race. It's time for live fire. Wait, what? Maybe the first debate will actually mean something to the future of our republic. It is taking place in Wisconsin, one of the vanishing breed of true swing states. It will feature a bunch of interesting candidates that have had their light blocked out by the black hole of Donald Trump. (How many metaphors is the limit in one episode description?) Anthony offers a state of the race update from Iowa and a debate preview. In Ask Anthony Anything, please God, no more Hunter Biden.

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Episode 43: An Alabama Senator Declares War on the U.S. Military

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Once upon a time the Republican party held itself out as the pro military team. But all at once, Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) is trashing that reputation. Anthony and his guest Paul Rieckhoff look at how this one Senator has jammed up hundreds of well earned and routine military promotions and what it means for our ability to fight wars and recruit for our all volunteer armed services. Anthony and Paul then look at what it means to be Independent/Middle. In Ask Anthony Anything, Professor Alan Dershowitz gets an “F”. Paul Rieckhoff is the Host of The Independent American podcast and the Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. He is on Twitter at @paulrieckoff.

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Episode 42: Weiner Calls His Lawyer

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000

It's been a week of legal talk because the world still has Donald Trump. After letting ‘er rip on his radio show, Anthony checks in with famous lawyer and fellow radio icon, Arthur Aidala. They talk about the big questions and little mysteries of the many Trump cases. For Ask Anthony Anything we hear a dramatic reading of the latest not so bombshelly testimony from the Hunter investigation.

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Episode 41: Being Serious About SCOTUS Ethics

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Ok, stop laughing. Yes, the highest court in the land has a bit of a credibility problem. Only 18% of Americans have confidence in the Supremes. Anthony looks at why and what can be done. Term limits anyone? Also, Trump is being indicted…for you! Ok, you can start laughing again.

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Episode 40: An Ask Anthony Anything Special Episode

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000

In honor of our Ruby Anniversary show, Anthony has a conversation with two listeners and talks “woke” with an interviewer from a conspiracy theory loving podcast. It’s a tsunami of Ask Anthony just in time for the summer blockbuster season.

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Episode 39: A Biden Bullhorn Moment on Climate?

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000

It’s not just hot this summer, it’s the hottest. Anthony looks at whether Joe Biden should do that thing that Presidents do from time to time: declare an emergency. Few would dispute that things are dire and our response needs to find a next level. This problem demands a “Bullhorn Moment”. Also, in Ask Anthony, what is that sound that Tucker Carlson just made?

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Episode 38: An Inexcusable Biden Lie

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Joe Biden is a family guy. We like that about him. But Anthony got stirred up this week when he learned our President has been lying about his grandkids. Yes, there is a Hunter Biden angle. Isn’t there always? Also, this week in Ask Anthony - hands off my pizza!

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Episode 37: Why The Run - RFK, Jr & Chris Christie Edition

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000

What are these guys up to? Anthony looks at a guy with a famous name and a fellow who once gave the keynote address at a national convention. We know Robert Kennedy Jr. and Chris Christie are running for President, but why? And, are we sure we know for which party? Its a puzzle wrapped in a conundrum and a perfect holiday week conversation. Also, this week Ask Anthony makes a call to the bullpen to help out the Mayor of Miami.

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Episode 36: They Came, They Saw, They Impeached

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Anthony saw it coming, but even he didn’t think it would be this bad. SINO (Speaker In Name Only) Kevin McCarthy has mostly watched as his Republican friends (sic) have gone from censure to impeachment in their one true calling - to impress Defendant Donald and his legion. How did we get here? Why didn’t Nancy Pelosi have this problem? This week, we explain it all with the only three things you need to know in order to understand everything about politics in 2023. Also, in Ask Anthony, restating the same question 13 times.

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Episode 35: The Slow Death of the 6th Amendment

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0000

We have a right to a trial if we get accused of a crime. It's right there in the Constitution. But for 97% of cases there is no jury, only a plea bargain. Anthony sees a crisis in how few trials there actually are and so does his guest Norman Reimer, who is of Counsel to Vladeck, Raskin & Clark, former CEO of Fair Trials, former Executive Director of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Also this week, pardon Trump?

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Episode 34: Donny and Little Lindsey Take Runs at Weiner

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 15:32:54 -0000

Anthony is not unfamiliar with being the center of attention, but it's been a while. But this week both Trump and his biggest lackey Lindsey Graham took shots at your favorite podcast host. Anthony uses the opportunity to give a refresher on what really happened in the Clinton emails case and why it's not what Donny and Little Lindsey think it is. It surely isn't anything like stealing state secrets and keeping them in golf club bathrooms.

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Episode 33: What if the News is Fake?

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 13:32:04 -0000

Anthony is a part of the media now and he is worried about his profession. He sits down with writer, newspaperman and now professor of journalism, Henry Goldman, to unpack a slew of recent stories that have turned out to be one way or another just wrong. Confidence in journalism is at record lows but polls say only one party feels that way. Can we agree on the truth when we have such different views of the reporters? Tough nuts to crack this week. And in “Ask Anthony” a new presidential candidate has a query.

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Episode 32: A Debt Deal with Glaring Deficits

Wed, 31 May 2023 15:59:00 -0000

Every time the President said he would not negotiate over raising the debt limit, was that all just a negotiating tactic? You might expect a show named for the middle, might celebrate a deal to prevent the extremists from driving our economy off a cliff. But Anthony is not cheering. Who can be happy about a plan to make it harder for hungry kids to eat at a time when the military budget can’t be touched? And we finally rebranded our listener mail segment. Presenting, “Ask Anthony”.

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Episode 31: Making "Greedflation" a Thing

Wed, 24 May 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Anthony is proud of himself this week. He was way ahead of the curve on a novel economic theory that is now in vogue - the idea that we have inflation in part because of corporate greed. He tries to explain. In a special listener mail segment, the long tortured history of the Durham report.

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Episode 30: Immigration Reform is Easy or Impossible

Wed, 17 May 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Fixing the immigration regime in our country has been a vexing challenge but not because the solutions are so complex but because the politics are maddeningly simplistic : a lot of Republican voters and their politicians don’t really want a fix, they want an issue. Anthony looks at the efforts that have failed this century and sees a tiny opening on a narrow path to a slim chance at a breakthrough. Also, in listener mail, Biden’s primary opponents.

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Episode 29: Biden ‘24: Old, Feeble and Winning

Wed, 10 May 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Joe Biden is old and he knows it. The Ronald Reagan strategy of self effacing jokes and controlled appearances in public can’t hide the obvious. But Anthony takes a look at the unusual contours of the likely campaign for reelection and sees lots of reasons to think that age might not be the silver bullet that the GOP wishes it was. In a rematch with “45” it will come down to who is perceived as having done the better job as president and little more. In that case, the case is open and shut. In listener mail, Anthony takes aim at a big target - Sid.

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Episode 28: Making Sense Out of Trillion Dollar Coins

Wed, 03 May 2023 11:09:47 -0000

Debates about government debt limits are like Kabuki theater without the screen. The politics of the thing are so transparent and the outcome so preordained that Anthony wonders if there is anything interesting about this year’s version. Well nothing is normal in Washington when the margins are so unprecedentedly narrow. So maybe the sky does fall this time and our economy collapses. Just in case, we look at far out ideas and one that maybe is sneaky brilliant. In the mailbag this week, how to interview a liar.

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Episode 27: Democracy Didn’t Collapse After All

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0000

On a week when Joe Biden announced his plans and Tucker got kicked to the curb, and after years of fears about the fate of Democracy, Anthony gives the country an inspection and finds that the emergency brakes still work. The body politic bounced back very nicely in fact. Also in listener mail, Anthony talks back to a fellow 77WabcRadio host.

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Episode 26: One Hand Clapping About Bud Light

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Some people are very, very upset about a social media personality's choice of which beer she likes. Well, as Anthony tries to explain this week, it's more about the pronoun the brand - Bud Light - uses for this actually very popular Internet figure. She is a trans person and that's a cause for outrage. But is it now? In listener mail, the trial of the century?

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Episode 25: Asymmetrical Warfare

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 17:18:20 -0000

Who is winning in this political asymmetrical warfare.

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Episode 24: Making Good Use of the Soros Fever

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 13:05:57 -0000

To listen to the Axis of Loopy (Trump, Desantis and Fox) tell the story, you would think that the Manhattan District Attorney’s first name is “Soros-Backed”. Anthony gets to the truth of how George Soros is connected to the story of 45’s long-awaited indictment. He also looks at the depth of the anti-Semitic bile directed at Soros and how the legitimate right and their illegitimate supporters have fanned it. But is there a silver lining? A way to turn the lunatic fringe to good use? Maybe so. Also, in listener mail, a return to the argument for universal health insurance.

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Episode 23: An Almost Indictment Makes Them Completely Nuts

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 12:36:00 -0000

Anthony loves a good troll as much as the next fella, but the Trump “Be Outraged for Me” Tour this week seems to have been handled particularly badly by some in the Fourth Estate and those in one half of one half of the first branch of government. Reporters still don't seem to know how to handle Trump’s brain farts and the great minds in the House GOP seem to not have read the basic rules of their jobs. In listener mail, another shooting and another excuse.

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Episode 22: Is “Woke” a Taunt or a Compliment?

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000

This Florida Man, Ron DeSantis, sure does use this word “woke” a lot. But Anthony wonders if everyone hears that as a sick burn or do many see it as a compliment? Some research shows that this may be less of a political cudgel than political consultants seem to believe. Anthony shares his experience with poll-tested ideas and dives into the numbers to see if being the most anti-woke candidate is a winning thing. Also, in listener mail, 45 wonders about King James as a woman…really.

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Episode 21: A Bank Collapse Freak Out

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Wait, you mean banks that cater to tech bros and bitcoin dudes crashed? Who could have seen that coming? Well, no surprise that Anthony didn’t. But what about all those folks who really should have? Regulators and bank CEOs have a lot of explaining to do - literally. How did this happen and why do we seem to forget how much we rely on adult leadership and smart government regulation? Also, in listener mail Anthony hears voices.

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Episode 20: The People of DC Get Just Can’t Win

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0000

No issue brings out demagoguery more than crime. And crime issues in big cities with many residents of color are particularly intoxicating for the right. So when the City Council of the District of Columbia decided to revise a criminal code that had been written in 1901, there was much grist for the conservative mill. Anthony looks at the truth and context behind headlines about reducing penalties for carjackers. He also looks at the failure of Democrats to take up the fight and what it means for the battles to come.

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Episode 19: News, Guesses and Hunches About Covid and China

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Finally, we know the source of Covid 19. What a relief. It came from a lab in China. We think maybe it might have. Either that or from a bat in a market in China. Perhaps. Anthony confronts the one universal truth of our day - the only thing that matters is how to make the headlines work for our team. This was a rough week for anyone that wants actual closure on the origin story of the pandemic but a banner one for Republicans who want to defend Trump, rip the Chinese or generally feel aggrieved. So in other words, it's every week USA. In listener mail, Anthony defends Rupert Murdoch…sort of.

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Episode 18: Biden Defines Success in Ukraine

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0000

As we enter the second year of the Russian assault on Ukraine, President Biden takes a breathtaking trip to a real war zone and his critics take to the airwaves to try out ways to do what they know how to do - be naysayers. Anthony tries to make sense of the critiques and offer rebuttals where needed. But mostly he finds that they just don’t like Biden and maybe some of them sort of like Putin. There is some history there. Also, in listener mail, is Mike Pence a hero? Nah.

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Episode 17: Why We Fight: Social Security Edition

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0000

They heckled, they howled, their heads exploded at the State of Union. What set off the already pissed off Republican caucus of the United States Congress? This week Anthony looks at the uneasy peace that the GOP has made with our nation’s biggest entitlement programs. Let’s brush up on our history and see if anything has changed much since 1935. Also, in listener mail, $600,000 missiles shooting down...kites?

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Episode 16: Inflated Thoughts on Chinese Balloons

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Still hoping there is some air left in the China spy balloon kerfuffle, Anthony tackles the big questions about what we really don't know about anyone's spying. He looks for lessons in this low stakes big deal. Also, in listener mail, standing up for Newsmax and irony.

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Episode 15: Finally, An Investigation of the FBI

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0000

The House of Representatives created a new panel to investigate the FBI. Democrats all voted "No" but they should have been saying "Hell Yes!" It isn’t really news any more that the FBI in New York was working overtime to hurt Hillary Clinton in 2016. But we may soon learn how and why. Anthony looks at the arrest of a New York FBI agent who is accused of working for the Russians. Maybe all those leaks from the FBI were bought and paid for by a Russian oligarch. Seems like both parties have some tough questions for the FBI nowadays. Also, in listener mail, Trump v DeSantis takes shape.

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Episode 14: The Saudis, Golf and the Future of Bipartisanship

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000

We are not big fans of golf over here. But suddenly the horrible, not very good, sort of evil Kingdom of Saudi Arabia thinks they can repair their reputation by paying a lot of money to get famous players to join them in a sports league / public relations campaign. Congress seems unimpressed. Anthony looks at how the latest effort at “sportwashing” may spur bipartisan agreement to stand up to the country Joe Biden called a “pariah”. In Listener mail, Anthony looks at who gets what committee assignments in Congress. Santos wins a small prize and Schiff and Swalwell trigger a big fight.

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Episode 13: The Real Questions About State Secrets

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000

#ClassifiedDocumentsNearSportscarsGaziGate is well underway and Anthony has little new to offer about it. But he does wonder if we are asking the wrong questions about our government's penchant to try to keep so many secrets in the first place. Maybe the lust for investigation and the hunger for headlines might lead the new Congress to raise the veil on the secrets about all our secrets.

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Episode 12: Mastering the SINO Rules

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000

So now that we have a Speaker In Name Only, Anthony explains what matters about all these "new" rules of the House and which ones aren't worth the paper they are written on. He has some experience with mischief making in Congress and offers a tutorial for today's class of disruptive reps.

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Episode 11: A January 6th Report Takeaway Rundown Summary List

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0000

Just under the wire, the January 6th Committee makes its final report and data dump. Anthony takes a look at the mountain of information and finds some gold in them there hills. It’s a somber subject with some big lessons for our nation, but there is also some humor in how some of the rats jumped off the ship and how some doubled down on there, uh, rattiness. In listener mail, Anthony claps back at someone who (probably) doesn't even listen.

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Episode 10: The Talented Mr. Santos and the Weight of Secrets

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000

As we usher out 2022, there is some irony on the holiday menu. Anthony is in the odd situation of interviewing a politician accused of lying. In a special edition of the podcast, we listen in as Anthony uses his prime time fill-in show to try to shed some light and maybe some grace on the Santos case. He speaks from experience, after all. Yes, we live in curious times.

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Episode 9: The Other Social Media Company to Worry About

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000

As Jordan turns 11, his dad worries about TikTok. It's enormous, addictive and built to echo and amplify the worst of the web. Anthony wonders if all the attention on Twitter has missed the mark. Also, could it be that making a bunch of money doesn't necessarily mean you are smart? This week, Anthony, an admitted “thousandaire” looks at the record of some rich guys when they step out of their lane. In listener mail, why the attachment to stuff that just ain't so?

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Episode 8: Griner gets her Freedom and Taylor Greene gets her Ick On

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000

Even good news gets the partisan treatment. The deal to rescue Brittney Griner was met with relief by most Americans, but it was not without its critics who don’t like the mostly grey real estate of prisoner exchanges. Anthony sees more than the usual amount of hypocrisy on this issue. Marjorie Taylor Greene came to New York this week to wave her insurrectionist flag and also to gross us all out. She has sex toys on her mind but pledges her support for Kevin McCarthy for Speaker. (That’s a sentence we never thought we’d write.) Also, this week a listener presses Anthony on the source of Covid 19.

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Episode 7: Celebrating a Season of Lame Duckery

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0000

While the former President called to shred the Constitution and then clarified that he meant it, the last days of the current Congress may still have some life left in it. Judges, marijuana and maybe even immigration are on the docket for the final days of the lame duck session. Anthony catches us up and also answers the question, who is the biggest dope in Congress? Nope it won’t be Hershel Walker. But please don’t ask Anthony to talk about Hunter. Ok, go ahead.

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Episode 6: A Court Case to End Court Cases

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 13:48:23 -0000

Coming soon to the Supreme Court, arguments over whether other courts can even hear some cases. After blowing up a basic rights of women, this could be even worse. Anthony takes a look at what it may mean and how it may not go the way his conservative friends think. Also, Anthony calls aside his pal Elon for a word.

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Episode 5: Exit Nancy Pelosi, enter Hunter Biden?

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 14:19:29 -0000

To begin this week Anthony reminiscences about what made Nancy Pelosi a great leader. What will the new Republican majority be like? We got a clue this week as the GOP announced hearings into the Hunter Biden laptop. Anthony takes the opportunity to review a case he calls his obsession.

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Episode 4: The Red Trickle Blame Game Begins

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 13:24:07 -0000

We know what happened, but why? National Republicans think they know, but we have been here before. The House tips ever so slightly to the GOP, but is that good or bad for them? In New York it's the Democrats who are in the circular firing squad with King Zeldin taking credit and maybe getting a nice job out of it. This week Anthony makes sense of it all and tries to build on his very excellent record of making predictions. Also, listener mail. Episode ideas? Questions? Complaints? Reach us at WeinerWABC@Gmail.com or on Twitter @repweiner.

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Episode 3: In The Wee Small Hours - Instant Election Reaction

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 14:56:46 -0000

The votes are not fully counted but Anthony sees a lot of good news for the middle of both parties and sees lessons from what he calls the 4D view of the races: Dobbs, Deniers, Donald and Desantis.. He doesn’t brag about his predictions, he will wait for the weekend for that. Episode ideas? Questions? Complaints? Reach us at WeinerWABC@Gmail.com or on Twitter @repweiner.

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Episode 2: Election Madness and Just Plain Madness

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 12:49:16 -0000

This week on TMU (we are trying out the nickname) Anthony wonders about the gaslighting around the Pelosi kidnapping attempt. He agrees there are a lot of people with mental issues who believe conspiracy theories. But the purveyors of lies have to stop. With six days left until the midterms, Anthony speaks for a lot of us in wishing the campaign was over now. Also, how many Halloween costumes does a fella need? Episode ideas? Questions? Complaints? Reach us at WeinerWABC@Gmail.com or on Twitter @repweiner.

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Episode 1: Mo’ Middle - Introducing The Middle Unplugged

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 13:34:00 -0000

From the people that brought you the top rated radio show hosted by former New York Congressman Anthony Weiner, it’s a podcast that is sort of like that radio show…but better. This week, Anthony looks at the Republican todo list for then they take over the House of Representatives. He finds a bunch of ideas that are uncontaminated by specifics, clarity or even much thought. Still he finds a couple he likes. Also, Anthony dips into the mailbag. Episode ideas? Questions? Complaints? Reach us at WeinerWABC@Gmail.com or on Twitter @repweiner.

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