The gang breaks down the controversy surrounding Rep. Tony Gonzales after explicit text messages between him and former staffer Regina Santos-Aviles surfaced, prompting resignation calls and ethical questions about power dynamics in Congress. With Gonzales denying wrongdoing and calling the backlash politically motivated, they ask whether he should step aside or stay in the race. Then they turn to the Olympic culture war, as celebrations of Team USA’s gold medals collide with partisan backlash, White House invitations, and viral locker room politics. When did rooting for American athletes become a political statement?

Chapters

00:00:00 - Intro

00:14:36 - State of the Union

00:32:15 - Tony Gonzales

00:54:35 - Olympic Culture War

01:15:13 - Emails

01:36:17 - Wrap-up

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang debates the SAVE America Act, the proposal requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. Supporters say it strengthens election integrity, while opponents argue noncitizen voting is already illegal and rare and warn the documentation requirements could disenfranchise eligible voters. Then they turn to “Amelia,” the purple haired character from a UK government-backed anti-extremism game called Pathways, who became an unlikely internet mascot after critics argued her concerns about immigration and national identity were framed as extremism. How exactly did a government messaging tool turn into a meme?

Chapters

00:00:00 - Intro

00:10:01 - Halftime Show Emails

00:26:29 - SAVE America

00:59:12 - Brief Kid Rock-RFK Jr. Thoughts

01:01:53 - Amelia

01:21:30 - Emails

01:32:34 - Wrap-up

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang dives into the political turmoil sweeping Europe, where major leaders are seeing their approval ratings crater. From Keir Starmer’s record-low numbers in the UK to Emmanuel Macron’s struggles in France and Friedrich Merz’s challenges in Germany, Justin, Jen, and Heaton explore why incumbents across the continent are facing voter backlash and what it means for the rise of far-right movements. Then they turn to a jaw-dropping Olympic moment, as a Norwegian bronze medalist uses his post-race interview to confess to cheating on his girlfriend in a bid to win her back. Romantic gesture or spectacular miscalculation?

Chapters

00:00:00 - Intro

00:22:58 - European Leaders' Unpopularity

00:47:44 - Olympian Admits to Cheating on Girlfriend

01:03:43 - Emails

01:44:06 - Wrap-up

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.