Election Integrity, Ohio News, and Super Bowl Culture: Highlights from the Latest Common Sense Ohio

On the latest episode of Common Sense Ohio, Steve and Norm look into timely topics shaping both the Buckeye state and the nation. From voter ID debate to Super Bowl halftime controversy, and even local law enforcement updates, there’s plenty for thought leaders and Ohio enthusiasts to chew on.

Here are three key takeaways from the discussion:

The SAVE Act & Election Integrity:

The push for a federal voter ID law is heating up. While Ohio already requires ID at the polls, the proposed SAVE Act would apply voter ID nationally, sparking constitutional debates about the balance of federal vs. state authority in running elections.

Both Republican and Democrat voters reportedly support voter ID in high numbers—pointing to bipartisan concerns about election security.

Economic & Regulatory Impact:

From new EPA rulemakings impacting auto and trucking prices, to the boom in Ohio data centers driving up local taxes and impacting rural life, legislation and regulatory action continue to have big ripple effects. The debate around balancing economic growth, environmental policy, and protecting local communities is front and center.

Culture & Division in Public Spaces:

Whether it’s reactions to the Super Bowl halftime show or stories of political confrontation in everyday settings, Steve and Norm explore how identity politics and culture wars are spilling into spaces meant for shared celebration. Their call? Let’s bring back more unity—and healthy debate—into these communal moments.

They also touch on school choice battles, the importance of government fraud enforcement, and personal stories from Ohio history, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in policy, culture, or just a dose of common sense.

Catch the episode for more insights, and if you’re passionate about these issues, chime in with your perspective—let’s keep the conversation going!

Moments

00:00 "Eerie Parallels to Reagan Era"

05:16 Georgia's Role in American Revolution

12:47 "State vs. Federal Voting Control"

17:33 "Election Integrity and Population Shifts"

25:15 EPA Greenhouse Gas Rule Challenge

26:33 "Critique of Government Overreach"

33:47 Cartels, Missiles, and Border Tensions

39:44 Ohio School Choice Legal Challenge

44:10 Miranda Rights and Custody Explained

49:36 Pulled Over in New Mexico

57:06 "Breezy's Comeback Triumph"

01:02:51 Super Bowl Halftime Backlash

01:05:05 "Weekly Common Sense Updates"

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Harper CPA Plus on website

Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.

Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio

Whether it’s Kid Rock vs. Bad Bunny, legal victories, or the ongoing mess in New York City, this episode is packed with sharp insight, humor, and the grounded perspective you’ve come to expect from Common Sense Ohio.

Welcome back to another episode of Common Sense Ohio! This week, hosts Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock are joined by guest Troy Henriksen for a lively and thought-provoking conversation about the headlines and hot topics defining the Buckeye State—and the nation.

In this episode, the crew dives into history with a quick lesson on the Punic Wars and how "Carthago Delenda est" echoes through modern politics, before pivoting to the current state of lunar exploration and the Artemis missions. They break down the heated congressional hearing that saw Rep. Maxine Waters telling Treasury Secretary Scott Besant to "shut up," and unpack the broader problems with identity politics, including the conflation of policies and personal traits in elections.

The episode also tackles tariffs, blue-collar realignment, and the shifting political affiliations of labor unions, with Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock debating their effectiveness and political fallout. They take a closer look at the legal side of hot-button issues, discussing the recent lawsuits around gender-affirming surgeries and the critical role of trial lawyers in shaping medical and corporate behavior.

The conversation doesn’t shy away from tough subjects—from the practical challenges of immigration and birthright citizenship to the mounting controversy over the release of Jeffrey Epstein files and the danger of rumor-driven reporting. And in true Common Sense Ohio fashion, no pop culture stone is left unturned: the Super Bowl halftime show gets the spotlight, with a debate on whether politics belongs in football and who really wins the battle for America’s remote control.

Moments

00:00 "Carthago Delenda Est"

03:59 Corrections on Greenland and Deportations

09:51 "Tariffs and Global Diplomacy"

10:45 "Tariffs: Economic vs. Political Impact"

16:10 "Advocating Informed Vaccine Choices"

17:19 Freedom of Access Debate

22:47 Abortion Clinic Buffer Zone Debate

24:21 "Litigation Reflects Deeper Discontent"

28:54 Haitian TPS, Birthright Citizenship Debate

30:20 "Origins of Birthright Citizenship"

33:16 "Rudy, Koch, and Common Sense"

39:03 "Epstein Case Allegations and Fallout"

40:43 "Reflections on Evolving Debates"

45:58 "Grammys, Virtue Signaling, Stolen Land"

49:50 "Keep the Super Bowl Apolitical"

50:51 "Evolution of National Anthem Performances"

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Harper CPA Plus

Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.

Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.

Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio

Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this week’s episode, hosts Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock kick things off with a sobering look back at the Challenger and Columbia space shuttle disasters, drawing lessons about complacency, risk, and governmental pressure.

The discussion quickly heats up as Norm Murdock tackles the rampant misuse of words like “Nazi” in modern political discourse, calling for historical literacy and cooler heads in polarized times. The trio takes a hard look at recent protests and law enforcement encounters in Minnesota, emphasizing the importance of wise governance and responsible rhetoric—while also leveling criticism at public officials and the media for fanning the flames of division.

You’ll also hear sharp analysis of Trump’s new “baby account” program, the state of Ohio’s spiking credit card debt, and an eyebrow-raising moment from the current AG race. From real estate on Lake Erie to digital kill switches in your car, the guys don’t shy away from tough ideas or controversial takes. Plus, as always, they wrap up with their good-and-bad-of-the-week in true Common Sense Ohio style.

Get ready for a lively—and sometimes provocative—hour, right from the heart of Ohio.

Moments

04:11 "What is a Nazi?"

06:41 "Critique of Immigration Enforcement Rhetoric"

12:20 "Policing, Protests, and Philosophy"

12:56 "First Amendment Restrictions Explained"

18:12 "Political Manipulation and Chaos"

19:08 "Obama's Impact on Police Relations"

23:06 Trump Urges Calm, Seeks Solutions

27:58 Stock Market Accounts for Children

30:45 "Ohio AG Candidate's Controversial Remarks"

34:07 "Resisting Self-Righteous Justifications"

37:53 Ohio's Rising Debt and Taxes

39:32 "Spending Less Without Credit Cards"

42:43 Governor DeWine Opposes Immigration Enforcement

46:20 "Honesty, Hiring, and Second Chances"

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Harper CPA Plus

Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.

Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.

Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/