Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers with a Microphone copertina

Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers with a Microphone

Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers with a Microphone

Di: R. Stanton Scott and Scott Konopasek
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I chose the name Foggy Bottom Line years ago while working on a doctorate at George Washington University. I studied international relations and security there and it’s in Foggy Bottom in DC, so it made sense at the time.

The Foggy Bottom Line brand focuses on the idea that the bottom line answer to most questions is rarely completely clear. A bit of fog always clouds the truth, and I don’t deal in absolutes.

Background may or may not give credibility, and we have no desire to argue from authority or experience (which is always, after all, anecdotal). We're either right or wrong and will always endeavor to provide evidence – or at least logical reasoning – that supports our views and policy recommendations.

But for the record Scott and I are both retired combat soldiers (tanks and intelligence) with broad military, academic, economic, political, and management training and experience. I have worked defense contracting and Scott served as a local election official for decades is several states.

We bring a unique blend of conservative and liberal thought to the national debate and believe our analysis and commentary has an audience.

But as always, we could be wrong.

Copyright Foggy Bottom Line Media and R. Stanton Scott 2025 Politica e governo Scienze politiche
Episodi
  • Trump to Iran: Deal or Die

    Trump to Iran: Deal or Die
    Oct 2 2026

    Trump spoke at the UN General Assembly on the Iran war and US foreign policy with a clear message to the Iranian government: Make a deal or "I'll annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly." A not so subtle threat to use nuclear weapons.

    Trump also bragged about stealing Venezuelan oil reserves.

    Domestic and international reactions were immediate: this is a breakdown of the international rules-based order the US constructed after World War I. French President Macron: it's a return to the "law of the jungle."

    Scott and I briefly discuss the history of the international order, how this threatens it, and the implications of a threat to nuke Iran, including the further hit to America's reputation as a trusted partner, how this actually makes Iran more defiant and likely to seek nuclear weapons, and how this pushes long-time allies even further away.

    Tune in for a lively conversation between two crusty old combat soldiers with academic credentials in international relations and decades of military experience.

    And don't forget to subscribe.

    Follow us on Socials: https://linktr.ee/FoggyBottomLine Politics VLog #Politics #Economics #Trump #Iran #OilPrices #Nukes #NuclearWar #Hormuz #France #foreignpolicy
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    46 min
  • Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers: The War in Iran is a No Win Scenario

    Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers: The War in Iran is a No Win Scenario
    Oct 2 2026

    We've seen a lot of developments in the Iran War over the last few weeks.

    Iran fired a ballistic missile at the USS George Washington, a Ford class aircraft carrier. Didn't hit it, but did the effort help Iran build the technology needed? Did Russian and/or China help?

    Iran also claimed to have captured a US drone submarine...quite the technology find...and attacked ten vessels attempting to move through the strait.

    The US destroyed five Iranian tankers in response.

    Houthis attacked the civilian airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the US declined a request for help because of low munitions inventories.

    Most recently, Iran offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the US eases military pressure and ends it's blockade of Iran's ports.

    Meanwhile at home, oil prices topped $100 a barrel, gas averages $4.50 a gallon, and diesel fuel is almost $7 a gallon, which hits farmers and shippers where it hurts.

    And as the GAO reports the war's high costs and the Pentagon tries to hide casualties while avoiding intense warfare to save precious munitions.

    What does all this mean about who is winning? This week we revisit the Iran war and discuss victory conditions and what each side needs to do if they want to claim a win.

    Spoiler: Iran doesn't have to win. They just have to keep bleeding us.

    Follow us on Socials: https://linktr.ee/FoggyBottomLine

    Politics VLog #Politics #economics #Iran #Trump #Hormuz #SaudiArabia #Houthis #OilPrices #Oil #Drones #Missiles #Israel
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    44 min
  • Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers Get Optimistic: Boring Governance is Good!

    Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers Get Optimistic: Boring Governance is Good!
    Sep 18 2026

    Even while the entire US is pretty much on fire we still see the occasional good governance...and this is a good sign.

    This week we try to find examples of government actually...governing. Passing legislation. Completing reports. Doing its job.

    Starting with the SCOTUS ruling that blocked Trump's effort to use the Postal Service to disrupt the midterm elections, we discuss some of the boring things government still does but we don't see in the media - and why our media ignores them.

    Check it out, and don't forget to subscribe to the channel and check out our Patreon page.

    Follow us on Socials: https://linktr.ee/FoggyBottomLine

    #Politics VLog #Politics #Economics #Trump #Congress #midterms # governance #GAO
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    48 min
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