While some members of Congress from both parties are calling for tougher gun restrictions in the wake of the Tuscon killings, Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz has a very different outlook. Chaffetz carries his own firearm at many of his public event – and so do many of his constituents. What type of atmosphere does he encounter at his town meetings? What type of security is available in addition to his own firearm? And what does he think about the specific gun control bills being suggested on Capitol Hill? We ask Rep. Chaffetz.
Three Martini Lunch 1/13/11
Greg Corombos and National Review’s Jim Geraghty actually say something nice about President Obama – giving him credit for dismissing the Democratic notion that conservative political speech is responsible for the shootings in Tucson. We also slam the distasteful theatrics of the event, complete with souvenir t-shirts and pep rally-like cheering. And we highlight the genius of Illinois Democrats, who just saddled their taxpayers and businesses with massive tax increases.
Disagreement Is A Good Thing
In the wake of the horrific killings in Arizona, several members of Congress have suggested new gun control legislation and others are advocating a crackdown on any speech or symbols that might be construed as encouraging violence. But Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert strongly rejects both ideas. Why does he think more federal laws on guns are exactly the wrong approach? How does he respond to the call for a ban on political speech and symbols? Why does he say fierce political speech reduces outbreaks of violence? We discuss this and much more with Rep. Louie Gohmert, vice chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security.
No Need to Hike Spending
Georgia Rep. Jack Kingston says he is opposed to Democratic calls for higher spending in order to provide more security for members of Congress back in their districts. Why does he say more money is unnecessary and wouldn’t make anyone safer? What precautions are already available for members? We discuss all of this and more with Georgia Rep. Jack Kingston, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.
Three Martini Lunch 1/12/11
Greg Corombos and National Review’s Jim Geraghty applaud Sarah Palin’s response to the left-wing media assigning her blame for the Tucson shootings. We also criticize Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for trying to turn the tragedy into a fundraising tool. And we’re a little puzzled over President Obama calling France our strongest ally.
The Senate Fights to Come
Republicans now control the House of Representatives and will likely pass most of their agenda. But what will happen in the Senate? Will Republican initiatives like repealing the health care laws even get to the Senate floor? Can Republicans do anything to free up U.S. waters for energy exploration? And how fierce will the fight be to roll back government regulations on the environment that have been imposed by the Obama administration? We ask Louisiana Sen. David Vitter, who will also tell us what his personal legislative priorities are in the new session.
Three Martini Lunch 1/11/11
Greg Corombos and National Review’s Jim Geraghty are encouraged by new polls showing the American people are not falling for the argument that tough political speech is responsible for the mass shootings in Arizona. They also lament the latest push for more gun control and even speech control in the wake of the tragedy. And they observe an important milestone.
Reviewing Capitol Security A-Z
Even before the horrific shootings in Arizona on Saturday, new House Administration Committee Chairman Dan Lungren was planning to conduct a thorough review of Congressional security procedures. So what changes might come and what how will such decisions be made? How does Lungren characterize his meetings with Rep. Giffords? And how does he react to suggestions that rhetoric from Tea Party activists and conservative radio hosts may have played an indirect role in sparking the kind of violence we saw in Tucson? We ask Rep. Lungren.
Back to the Battlefield
Pete Hegseth served with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division in Iraq in 2005 and 2006 and was awarded the bronze star. For the past few years, he has led and been chief spokesman at Vets for Freedom. Now, Hegseth is returning to active duty for the Army in Afghanistan. What prompted him to return to combat? How optimistic or pessimistic is he about the mission in Afghanistan? What does he want to see from the Obama administration as we get closer to the July deadline to begin removing U.S. troops? And what areas of the war does he see as reason to praise the Obama strategy? We ask U.S. Army Captain Pete Hegseth.
Three Martini Lunch 1/10/11
Greg Corombos and National Review’s Jim Geraghty commend most Republicans and Democrats for their handling of the Tucson shooting and for resolving not to let one deranged killer change how they do their jobs. However, they also criticize Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik for injecting politics and speculation into his investigation of six murder, and they slam many commentators on the Left for seeming to conspire to blame Sarah Palin for inciting this act of violence.