We address Vice-President Harris’s candidacy, play the “design a president” game, and see if she checks the boxes. We review the relief she is bringing, while acknowledging her speaking style and difficulty retaining staff. We speculate on her confidence or its absence. Plus, a note from our sponsors and statesmen as whack-jobs and heroes.

Mentioned in this podcast:

“‘Bullying’ leaves Kamala Harris without a top team for White House bid.” in The Telegraph

Into the Wild by John Krakauer

Taking back the game by Linda Flanagan

See also.

Meet Kamala Harris’s 6-year-old speech writer

Trump Vows To Unite Nation Against Common Enemy Of Other Americans

https://www.theonion.com/trump-vows-to-unite-nation-against-common-enemy-of-othe-1851602546

Send suggestions, comments, and ideas to ideasfirst@substack.com

We review our thoughts on the assassination attempt, conspiracy theories, and the notion that evil isn’t an absence of good.

We discuss the VP pick, opinions of Trump’s speech in Wisconsin, and debate which party relies on fear.

We share our whack-job and acknowledge over a dozen freshly shaved heroes at the Wall Street Journal.

We begin with our condemnation of violence.

We review changes to the Republican platform. Then, we use Peyton Manning and Daniel Jones analogies to describe aspects of the presidency. We review the risks of ‘seeking to slay monsters,’ play Trump or University of Wisconsin trivia, share our whack-job and recognize two barbers who saved a child from a very close shave.

Referred to in this podcast

“Stop Soft-Pedaling the GOP's Extreme Positions” in the Atlantic.

“Complaint Alleges University of Wisconsin DEI Czar, Husband of Harvard's DEI Chief, Has Decades-Long History of Research Misconduct.” In the Washington Free Beacon

We review a recent Supreme Court decision on gun ownership, speculate on American culture, and ponder whether gun violence is a public health ‘crisis.’

Plus, a deep cut to Kelo v. New London, new summer reading from our sponsor, “raw milk anyone?” and profoundly pro-police.

Referred to in this podcast:

“How the NRA Rewrote the Second Amendment,” by Michael Waldman in Politico.

Little Pink House: A True Story of Defiance and Courage by Jeff Benedict

We’d love to hear from you with your ideas or suggestions: Email ideasfirst@substack.com.

We revisit the presidential debate, discuss politics and the U.S.-Mexico border, give some ideas on next steps, and discuss why meaningful change is necessary but difficult. Plus, when the truth is stigmatizing, gen Z input, a whack-job in the senate, and a Boy Scout to the rescue.

We discuss statistics about fathers, share thoughts on fatherhood, and memories from our dads. Plus, words of wisdom from Father Hesburgh, an umpire called out for gambling while the leagues cash in and seemingly unlikely heroes from the sorority house.

We explore the concept of the noble lie, and what we did and should learn from the pandemic. Plus, our thoughts on using falsehoods to create news copy and a toast to Merrick Garland.

Referenced in this episode:

“The undoing of Roe v Wade has created a mighty political movement,” from The Economist, May 30, 2024.

The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

What Really Happened In Wuhan by Sharri Markson

We review the current Trump verdict, play “University of Wisconsin or Trump Org” trivia, share why we both return our shopping carts, and acknowledge a dozen heroes.