Radio America Online News Bureau

Iran

Israel Targets Iranian Nukes, How Trump is Navigating Israel-Iran, Sen. Padilla’s PR Stunt

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Listen to “Israel Targets Iranian Nukes, How Trump is Navigating Israel-Iran, Sen. Padilla’s PR Stunt” on Spreaker.

Join Jim and Greg for Friday’s 3 Martini Lunch as they assess Israel’s bold strikes on Iran’s nuclear program and how President Trump and the U.S. are navigating this conflict. They also weigh in on the controversy surrounding California Sen. Alex Padilla being handcuffed after interrupting a Homeland Security press conference in Los Angeles.

First, they lay out what we know about Israel’s attacks against Iranian nuclear sites, air defenses, and top military personnel. Jim points out that every president since George W. Bush has stated Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon and the Israelis clearly believe they could not wait any longer. They also marvel at the depths which the Mossad infiltrated Iran to help carry out the attacks.

Next, they examine the U.S. response to the strikes. While initial American statements distanced the U.S. from involvement, President Trump voiced strong support for Israel and warned Iran to return to nuclear negotiations. However, Iran now claims it is abandoning those talks altogether.

Finally, they break down the confrontation between DHS Sec. Kristi Noem and California Sen. Alex Padilla. Sen. Padilla interrupted Noem to shout questions. It was only after Secret Service and FBI began restraining him that Padilla identified himself as a U.S. senator. He was eventually handcuffed but quickly released when his identity was confirmed. Jim and Greg agree that Padilla’s approach shows he wanted to create a spectacle. Jim also marvels that no one – even in LA – seemed to know what Sen. Padilla looks like.

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Gov. Newsom’s LA Riot Money Trail, Is Iran Conflict Imminent, Mayor Bass Floundering Again

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Listen to “Gov. Newsom’s LA Riot Money Trail, Is Iran Conflict Imminent, Mayor Bass Floundering Again” on Spreaker.

Join Jim and Greg for Thursday’s 3 Martini Lunch as they break down the money trail that might explain Gov. Newsom’s reluctance to confront the LA rioters, whether the evacuation of some U.S. personnel and their families means we’re on the brink of major conflict in the Middle East, and the staggering incompetence of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

First, they dig into reports suggesting California Gov. Gavin Newsom was uninterested in maintaining order during the recent LA riots because the group sponsoring the protest, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, contributed nearly half a million dollars and a lot of manpower to help him survive the 2021 recall.

Next, they wonder how to interpret the State Department’s decision to remove some U.S. personnel and their dependents from Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Are we on the brink of conflict over Iran’s nuclear program or is this simply a move to pressure Iran to accept the U.S. nuclear deal?

Finally, they head back to Los Angeles as Mayor Karen Bass continues to ooze incompetence. And she is still blaming the rioting, the looting, and the property destruction on President Trump and his followers. Jim explains how Bass has now badly failed two big tests over the past six months and reminds us that Bass was on Joe Biden’s short list for a running mate in 2020.

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Trump Says Houthis Standing Down, GOP’s Senate Midterm Jitters, Biden’s Painful Gaza Pier

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Listen to “Trump Says Houthis Standing Down, GOP’s Senate Midterm Jitters, Biden’s Painful Gaza Pier” on Spreaker.

Join Jim and Greg for Tuesday’s 3 Martini Lunch as they cautiously welcome reports that the Iran-backed Houthi rebels will stop attacking ships in the Red Sea. They also dig into GOP concerns over the 2026 Senate map and expose the shocking costs and failures of President Biden’s Gaza pier project.

First, they react to former President Trump announcing a suspension of U.S. military operations against the Houthis, after the group pledged to cease attacks on ships near Yemen.  Is this the result of overwhelming U.S. force, a concession by the Iranians in hopes of reaching a nuclear deal, both, or something else?

Next, they examine growing Republican anxiety about the 2026 U.S. Senate midterms. Top GOP recruits in Georgia and New Hampshire say they will not run and things look a bit shakier than expected for incumbents in three other states. So, are Republicans just overreacting or is there cause for concern?

Finally, they vent over reports that 62 U.S. service personnel were injured in various ways while assigned to construct the pier designed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Adding insult to those injuries, the pier was only operational for a short time and much of the aid was stolen by terrorists and never given to the people in need.

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Trump Targets the Houthis, Sinema Showcases Dem Hypocrisy, Can Trump Reverse Biden Pardons?

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Listen to “Trump Targets the Houthis, Sinema Showcases Dem Hypocrisy, Can Trump Reverse Biden Pardons?” on Spreaker.

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they analyze President Trump’s decision to strike Iran-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen, former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema exposing the Democrats’ hypocrisy on the filibuster, and Trump’s claim that President Biden’s pardons are invalid. They also pay tribute to two influential figures on the right who recently passed away.

First, they support Trump’s move to target Houthi militants for their ongoing attacks on U.S. and allied ships in the Red Sea. Jim explains why the strikes are justified and responds to concerns about escalating conflict and whether Trump has congressional authorization.

Next, they enjoy watching former Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema call out the Democrats’ blatant filibuster hypocrisy. Sinema became a pariah in her own party for refusing to kill the legislative filibuster. Now she’s gleefully highlighting the same Democrats for demanding that Senate Democrats filibuster the government spending bill last week.

Then, they consider Trump’s assertion that Biden’s pardons are invalid because they were signed with an autopen and possibly without Biden’s awareness. They cite past evidence of Biden’s confusion over executive orders but doubt Trump could legally overturn the pardons—a precedent he might later appreciate. They also offer some ingenious ideas for speeding up the resolution of all the legal challenges to Trump’s policies.

Finally, they pay tribute to two important figures on the right who died last week. First, they remember former Wyoming Sen. Alan Simpson. Then they reflect upon the life of longtime Reagan speechwriter Tony Dolan, who had a significant impact on Jim’s career.

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Slaughter in Syria, Mixed U.S. Signals on Hamas, Tucker Questions Iran Threat

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Listen to “Slaughter in Syria, Mixed U.S. Signals on Hamas, Tucker Questions Iran Threat” on Spreaker.

Join Jim and Greg as they break down three major developments in the Middle East, from the slaughter of Christians and other minorities in Syria to the U.S. administration’s mixed messaging on Hamas, and Tucker Carlson trying to convince us that Iran should not be one of America’s major concerns.

First, they react to the horrific sectarian violence erupting in Syria just days after Jim’s departure. Reports confirm that over a thousand Christians, Alawites, and Druze were killed by forces aligned with HTS—the Islamist group that toppled Assad and had pledged not to persecute minorities. Jim rejects the claim that Assad was a better protector for them while Greg stresses that HTS is proving to be just another radical faction wielding power through oppression.

Next, they analyze the Trump administration’s contradictory approach to Hamas. Just last week, Trump warned of death and destruction for the terror group if all hostages were not released. Yet by Sunday, his envoy was meeting directly with Hamas officials and even suggesting they might be “pretty nice guys.”

Finally, they sigh as Tucker Carlson suggests Fox News and others are trying to foment a war with Iran and that if you look at the number of Americans Iran has killed “on American soil,” we have far bigger concerns in our own country. Jim and Greg reject Carlson’s terms for judging Iran and do not want a war with Tehran. But they do stress the importance of keeping Iran in check as it reportedly nears deployable nuclear weapons.

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Assessing The Start of Trump’s Second Term: Economy, Foreign Policy, and Culture

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Listen to “Assessing The Start of Trump’s Second Term: Economy, Foreign Policy, and Culture” on Spreaker.

Before heading out on his trip, Jim and Greg recorded a special episode analyzing the Trump administration’s early weeks, covering key issues from the economy to foreign policy and cultural battles.

First, they break down the economy. Jim highlights Trump’s positive moves on taxes and deregulation but warns that tariffs, particularly against Canada and Mexico, could backfire. Greg focuses on DOGE’s efforts to track government spending and the Democrats’ unhinged reaction to the audit. But will it lead to real fiscal responsibility? He’s skeptical.

Next, they assess foreign affairs. Jim notes that Iran and its proxies have curbed their aggression under Trump, and decisive action is being taken against terrorists. However, he criticizes Trump’s habit of publicly chastising U.S. allies. Greg argues that Trump’s unpredictability is a strength but warns he must be ready for the consequences of issuing ultimatums.

Finally, they tackle cultural issues. Jim praises Trump for rooting out DEI from the federal government but cautions that some newfound conservative allies—like those opposing men in women’s sports—won’t align on other issues. Greg agrees Trump has handled the major cultural fights well but stresses that he must stay focused on core voter concerns: inflation and immigration.

Oh, and if you hear Jim and Greg joking about a calamity prompting this episode, don’t worry—they’re both fine! Jim is set to return for regular episodes early next week.

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Cabinet Confirmation Conflict, Trump Brands Houthis Terrorists Again, Brennan’s Laptop Lies

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Listen to “Cabinet Confirmation Conflict, Trump Brands Houthis Terrorists Again, John Brennan Keeps Lying” on Spreaker.

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch, as they discuss Senate Majority Leader John Thune vowing to make Democrats pay for holding up President Trump’s cabinet nominations, President Trump’s decision to designate the Houthis as terrorists once again, and former CIA Director John Brennan’s attempt to cover up his previous laptop lie with more falsehoods.

First, Jim and Greg commend Senate Republicans for standing firm against Democratic attempts to delay the confirmation of President Trump’s cabinet nominees. With Democrats blocking quick consideration on the Senate floor, they may find themselves stuck in Washington over the weekend when the final votes take place.

Next, they cheer President Trump’s decision to reclassify the Iran-backed Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization. After Joe Biden removed the Houthis from the list upon taking office, he later imposed much lighter sanctions on the group. This move was widely viewed as an attempt to appease Iran, even as the Houthis continued to create chaos for shipping in the Red Sea and throughout the region.

Finally, they get a good laugh as former CIA Director John Brennan whines to MSNBC about Trump rescinding his security clearance. Brennan, along with dozens of others, falsely claimed in 2020 that the Hunter Biden laptop was part of a Russian disinformation campaign. Now, he tries to backpedal, claiming he never said it was disinformation, but rather a “Russian information operation.” Jim and Greg are having none of it.

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Jimmy Carter’s Political Legacy

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Listen to “Jimmy Carter’s Political Legacy” on Spreaker.

On Sunday, former President Jimmy Carter died at age 100. He lived longer than any president and had the longest post-presidential life by far. Carter was a one-term president from 1977-1981. After surprising many by winning the Democratic nomination in 1976, he defeated President Gerald Ford in the general election. However, Carter suffered a resounding defeat in his bid for re-election. In 1980, he lost 44 states to Ronald Reagan, and Reagan won the Electoral College 489-49.

As events soon begin to commemorate Carter’s life and public service, Jim and Greg offer what they see as a fair but honest assessment of Carter, particularly during his time in the Oval Office.

First, they highlight Carter’s military service and his impressive victory as a dark horse candidate in 1976. They also discuss what they see as Carter’s successes in the White House—both foreign and domestic—along with some notable achievements through the Carter Center after leaving office. They also applaud his example as a husband during his 77-year marriage to former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

However, the Carter presidency overall was not a success. Jim and Greg walk through Carter’s failure to ward off the rise of a radical Islamist government in Iran, which then took dozens of Americans hostage for the next 14 and a half months and has fomented mayhem in the Middle East and beyond ever since. They also assess his weak approach to the communist threat in Central America and Afghanistan. Domestically, he oversaw a very rough economy, and Americans of a certain age will certainly remember gas lines and the energy crisis among other serious challenges.

Finally, they look at his 44 years after leaving the presidency, from his work building homes for the needy to remaining very active in international affairs. But while he was convinced he was right, Carter’s efforts sometimes created headaches for future administrations.

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Assad Falls, Islamists Taking Over Syria, DC’s Terrible Drivers

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Listen to “Assad Falls, Islamists Taking Over Syria, DC’s Terrible Drivers” on Spreaker.

Join Jim and Greg on 3 Martini Lunch as they explore the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, weighing its upsides and potential dangers. They also dive into why DC-area drivers rank among the worst in the nation, offering some humorous observations.

First, they celebrate the end of the Assad regime, marking the conclusion of more than 50 years of brutality and oppression. They discuss how Assad’s fall weakens Iran and undermines its terrorist allies in the Middle East. This is also a big embarrassment for Russia. While President Biden tries to claim credit, Jim and Greg provide a dose of reality on who deserves recognition.

Next, they analyze the troubling implications of Assad’s downfall. The rebel coalition includes extremist leaders with close ties to Al Qaeda and ISIS, raising serious doubts about the possibility of a moderate or democratic future in Syria. They also highlight the danger of the U.S. supporting groups with such alarming histories and intentions.

Finally, they lighten the mood with a new Lending Tree report showing that DC-area drivers are among the worst in the nation – especially in the District of Columbia and in Maryland – when it comes to speeding, accidents, drunk driving and more. They explain how this data only confirms what they already knew from driving on and around the Beltway.

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Biden Pardons Hunter, Making Sense of Syria, Trump Bets on Kash at FBI

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Jim and Greg are back from Thanksgiving and are ready to rip into President Biden for his lying and brazenly bogus logic for pardoning his son. They also dissect the latest carnage in Syria and Trump’s choice of Kash Patel to lead the FBI.

First, they vent over Biden’s very predictable yet inexcusable pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. After repeatedly insisting he would never pardon him, Biden now asserts that Hunter was a victim of unfair political persecution. And the pardon covers a span of more than 10 years. We’ve got a lot to say about this one!

Next, they analyze the ongoing conflict in Syria, where rebel forces are seizing large territories, and some believe Bashar al-Assad’s regime may be coming to an end. But Jim and Greg point out that there are no clear “good guys” in this fight, which also includes Russia and Iran.

Finally, they discuss Trump’s choice of Kash Patel to lead the FBI and the left’s full-blown freakout over the nomination. Can Patel get confirmed? What has he promised to do in such a role? Jim and Greg also discuss how the Hunter Biden pardon may make life easier for Patel in the long run.

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