Just Ask the Question Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Just Ask the Press - Constitutional Crisis Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Brian Karem, Mark Zaid, and John T. Bennett discuss the week's significant news events, including Bill Maher's visit to the White House, the ongoing trade war with China, and recent Supreme Court rulings on immigration. The conversation delves into the implications of Maher's visit, the volatility in the stock market due to tariffs, and the complexities of immigration law as interpreted by the Supreme Court. The hosts provide insights into the political landscape and the strategies employed by Donald Trump and his administration. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the implications of the Trump administration's policies on deportation, press freedom, and governance. They explore the troubling nature of arbitrary detentions, the transactional politics involved in deporting individuals, and the risks posed to activists and journalists. The discussion also touches on Trump's instinctive approach to governance and the potential consequences of his actions on the political landscape and public perception.

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Just Ask the Press - Tariffs and the end of the Pax Americana Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Brian Karem, John T. Bennett, and Mark Zaid discuss the significant news of the week, focusing on tariffs introduced by Trump and their implications for the economy. They explore the political strategy behind these tariffs, the public's response through protests, and the potential consequences for the market. The conversation also touches on the role of dissent within the administration and the future of Trump's policies. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the current political landscape, focusing on the state of opposition to the Trump administration, the effectiveness of protests, the implications of tariffs on the economy, and the influence of controversial figures like Laura Loomer within the White House. They explore the disconnect between public protests and actionable political change, the historical context of tariffs, and the challenges faced by the Democratic Party in mobilizing voters. The conversation highlights the complexities of political loyalty and the impact of individual influencers on national security and policy decisions.

Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw

This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here:

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Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"

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Just Ask the Press - Signalgate: National Security Crisis Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, the hosts discuss the implications of the recent Signalgate incident involving high-level government officials and the use of Signal for classified discussions. They explore the accountability of government officials, the role of the judiciary, and the potential impact of Trump's policies on international relations and the economy. The conversation also touches on the upcoming tariffs and their expected effects on the market, as well as the broader implications for law and order in America. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Just Ask The Press - Trump vs Judiciary: The Ongoing Battle Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Brian Karem, Dean Obeidallah, and John T. Bennett discuss the ongoing battle between Donald Trump and the judiciary, the state of the Democratic Party, and the importance of voter engagement. They explore the challenges faced by Democrats in communicating their message and the need for a strong response to Trump's actions. The conversation also touches on upcoming elections and the implications for both parties. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the implications of recent education policy changes, particularly the effects of the No Child Left Behind Act, and how these policies have led to a decline in educational quality. They explore the contradiction between the push for manufacturing jobs and the lack of educational support for the workforce. The discussion also touches on consumer confidence in the economy, the critical role of local news in shaping political opinions, and the controversial actions of the Department of Education, referred to as 'Doge', which some argue represents a new form of the deep state. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the current political landscape in the United States, focusing on the influence of Donald Trump, the role of Congress, and the future of federal institutions. They explore the dynamics of power, the challenges faced by the Democratic Party, and the implications of Trump's spending strategies. The conversation highlights the need for critical thinking and the importance of understanding the forces that shape American politics today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Just Ask the Press - Trump, The DOJ, and The Rule of Law Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, the hosts discuss the recent political landscape, focusing on Donald Trump's unprecedented speech at the Department of Justice, where he made alarming claims about the press and the legal system. They explore the implications of his rhetoric on press freedom and legal accountability, as well as the internal strife within the Democratic Party, particularly regarding Chuck Schumer's leadership. The conversation highlights the challenges facing Democrats as they navigate their strategy in the current political climate. In this conversation,Brian Karem, Mark Zaid and John T. Bennett discuss various themes surrounding financial uncertainty, market reactions to political events, the dynamics between media and government, and the ongoing dismantling of institutions under the Trump administration. They explore Trump's unique communication strategies and the hypocrisy in leadership, particularly regarding public perception and actions. The conversation also touches on legal challenges and advocacy efforts in response to these issues.

Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw

This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here:

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Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Just Ask the Press - It's been a LONG six weeks Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Brian Karem, Mark Zaid, and John T. Bennett discuss the recent political landscape, focusing on Donald Trump's joint address to Congress, the implications of his speech for Democrats, and the ongoing legal challenges Trump faces. The conversation highlights the inaccuracies in Trump's address, the Democrats' response, and the broader implications of Trump's executive actions and legal battles. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various themes surrounding free speech, the role of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in public health, the implications of Donald Trump's transactional approach to international relations, and the future of democracy in America. They express concerns about the misunderstanding of free speech, the impact of vaccine hesitancy on public health, and the potential consequences of Trump's foreign policy decisions. The discussion culminates in reflections on the current state of democracy and the hope for a more sensible political discourse in the future.

Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw

This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here:

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Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"

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Just Ask the Press - The Fallout from Trump's Meeting with Zelensky Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem, along with national security expert Mark Zaid and editor John T. Bennett, delve into the recent events surrounding Donald Trump's administration, particularly focusing on his meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky and JD Vance. The conversation explores the implications of Trump's diplomatic approach, reactions from various political figures, and the ongoing legal challenges faced by the administration. The discussion also touches on the importance of ceasefires in conflict resolution and the historical context of Ukraine's resistance against Russia. Additionally, the episode highlights recent legal updates and the significance of FOIA requests in uncovering governmental actions. In this conversation, John T. Bennett and Mark Zaid discuss the evolving dynamics of the press, particularly in relation to the White House and the challenges faced by journalists. They explore the implications of media access changes, concerns over censorship, and the potential future restrictions on press freedom. The discussion also highlights the need for structural reform within the press association and the responsibilities of journalists in the current political climate.

Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw

This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here:

https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast

Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"

Follow Brian's Salon articles!

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Alexander Vindman - Is Trump a Russian Asset? Mar 02, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation, Brian Karem speaks with Alexander Vindman about his new book, 'The Folly of Realism,' which critiques the West's approach to Russia and its implications for Ukraine. Vindman discusses the historical context of US-Russia relations, the current state of the war in Ukraine, and the impact of Trump's foreign policy. He emphasizes the need for a long-term strategy that prioritizes democratic values and alliances over short-term gains. The conversation also touches on the internal dynamics of the Trump administration and the potential for future political shifts in the US.

Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw

This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here:

https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast

Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Just Ask the Press - Is Trump's Honeymoon Period Over? Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem, along with guests John T. Bennett and Mark Zaid, delve into the current political landscape, focusing on Donald Trump's controversial statements regarding Ukraine and Russia, the Republican Party's response to his actions, and the implications of Elon Musk's influence in the political arena. The conversation highlights the complexities of Trump's relationships with allies and adversaries, as well as the potential fallout from his decisions and the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the evolving political landscape surrounding Donald Trump, including his relationship with Elon Musk, the implications of the stock market's performance, and the controversial appointment of Cash Patel. They also delve into Ukrainian President Zelensky's offer to resign for peace and the broader implications of shifting alliances in global politics.

Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw

This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here:

https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast

Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Just Ask the Press - Legal Battles and Executive Orders: What's Next? Feb 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of 'Just Ask the Press', host Brian Karem, along with guests Mark Zaid and John T. Bennett, delve into the recent actions of Donald Trump, including his ban on the Associated Press from the press pool and the implications of his controversial statements. The discussion covers the dynamics of the press pool, the media's response, First Amendment rights, and the ongoing legal battles surrounding Trump's executive orders. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by journalists in holding the president accountable and the potential consequences of Trump's actions on the future of the presidency and the media landscape. The conversation delves into the evolving dynamics of the U.S. presidency, the implications of Supreme Court decisions, and the shifting landscape of foreign policy, particularly in relation to Europe. The speakers discuss the rise of right-wing populism, the impact of domestic issues on voter sentiment, and the unpredictability of political predictions in the current climate.

Intragram: https://www.instagram.com/jatqpodcast

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCET7k2_Y9P9Fz0MZRARGqVw

This Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon supporters here:

https://www.patreon.com/justaskthequestionpodcast

Purchase Brian's book "Free The Press"

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.