Episode 115 - GOP Presidential Politics, Unions and Budget Shell Games

Podcast Episode Summary

Jeff and Glenn make no friends this week in taking on everything and everyone. They first explain why the GOP field is thin and hurting its chances of victory in 2012 through an apparent lack of organizing, fundraising and hiring. With Sen. Thune out, Huckabee likely not running, Daniels slow to start and Palin in her own orbit, where is this field headed? They also take on Republicans in Congress for the imposter that is posing as a budget cutting bill, explaining that there is indeed no budget for this fiscal year. They chide the Republicans in the House for passing this bill, knowing that it would never become law, and take on all Members of Congress -- Democrats and Republicans -- for not working together to pass a budget and fund the government in a coherent and responsible manner. How would they like it if their livelihood was funded on the basis of a series of continuing resolutions? It's no way to run a business, or a government. They also explain why raising the retirement age and means testing Social Security needs to be discussed if we ever want to bring our fiscal house in order.  In a surprising move, Jeff -- the show's stalwart Progressive - takes on public employee unions, specifically teacher's unions - over the policy of tenure, and notes that FDR himself was opposed to public employee unions as standing in the way of the prudent operation of government. They understand why tenure was created, but forcefully argue why it is an outdated model now, especially in a struggling economy. A strong union backer, Jeff also chides Gov. Walker for elevating this issue to the point where there can be no reasonable discussion or conclusion that moves policy forward. Always entertaining and informative, it's PoliTalk. Best Friends. Vast Experience. Engaging political discussion without the fighting...and with a few laughs. Hosted by Glenn Gaudet and Jeff Kimball.