Rational Radio Daily with Steele and Ungar

Latest Episodes:

"I think they're honing in on an obstruction case, not a collusion case." Dec 05, 2017

Show notes

President Trump stated in a tweet over the weekend that he fired General Michael Flynn as National Security adviser for lying to Vice President Mike Pence and the FBI. The tweet set off a storm in the media as pundits talked about the issue of what the president knew and when he knew it. Does that build the foundations for an obstruction of justice case? Andrew McCarthy, a contributing editor to National Review and a former top federal prosecutor, weighs in on the potential strength of an obstruction case. He also discussed his calls to end non-disclosure agreements that help shield sexual harassers in Congress. Professor Andy Wright of Savannah Law School gives Rick Ungar and guest co-host Rick Tyler a different view on how a possible obstruction case would play out.

"There is a lot of faith that the tax bill is going to move forward." Dec 02, 2017

Show notes

The Hill launched a new podcast series this week to expand its news coverage from Capitol Hill. The “HillCast” series consists of “AM View” on weekday mornings, “PM View” on weekday afternoons and “Power Politics” on the weekend. The series launches tomorrow, December 2. Niv Elis, a budget reporter for The Hill and host of “PM View”, talks about the Senate GOP's tax bill and covering this crazy week in Washington. Michael Steele and Rick Ungar debate where the Mueller probe is headed now that former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn has pleaded guilty and is cooperating with the special counsel's investigation.

"They are making the job of Mr. Tillerson very difficult...It's very harmful to our foreign policy and dangerous as well." Dec 01, 2017

Show notes

During his speech at CPAC earlier this year, then-White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon said one of the Trump administration's most important goals would be the “deconstruction of the administrative state”. But what exactly does that mean? Look no further than the State Department. The State Department is facing an unprecedented shortage in funding, staffing and is having issues communicating with foreign diplomats. Ambassador Chris Hill, a four-time U.S. ambassador, shares his thoughts on how we've arrived at this point. He also talks with Rick Ungar and guest co-host Rick Tyler about the potential implications of a deconstructed State Department and how it could harm the United States. Former assistant U.S. attorney Kimberly Wehle discusses the gap between the way the entertainment industry and Capitol Hill respond to allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct.

"News and analysis is one thing. Opinion and invective is something else." Nov 30, 2017

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In a speech to the International Center for Journalists, Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace put forth the idea that the news media is hastening its own fall from grace in the Trump era. Wallace implored journalists to abandon partisan rhetoric and commentary on President Trump and return to giving context and reporting the facts. Wallace joined Steele & Ungar to elaborate on his argument and weigh in on the firing of Today Show co-host Matt Lauer due to allegations of sexual misconduct. Michael Chui of the McKinsey Global Institute talked about the group's shocking report that automation could wipe out 30 percent of America's workforce over the next two decades.

"This free and open access and platform enables opportunities all over the globe." Nov 29, 2017

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FCC Chairman Ajit Pai plans to hold a vote in December to repeal the main rules and regulations that make up net neutrality. Pai and his supporters believe the policy is government overreach and stifles investment in net-based infrastructure. Proponents of net neutrality argue it protects consumers from corporate greed, increases opportunities for smaller web outlets and encourages investment and innovation. Michael and Rick listened to both points of view tonight on Steele & Ungar. Democratic FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn argued the pro-net neutrality side and Professor Larry Downes of Georgetown University presented the case for ending the open internet rules.

"There is a lot of interest in Michael Flynn...This is a key player." Nov 28, 2017

Show notes

The New York Times reported last week that former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn’s lawyers broke off communication with President Trump's legal team. The move suggests that Flynn is now cooperating with special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. Flynn’s cooperation seems even more plausible in the wake of a new Washington Post piece detailing even more of Flynn’s unregistered work on behalf of Russian interests. Michael Kranish, one of the Post reporters who broke the story, joins us to talk about how Michael Flynn’s legal woes could now be even bigger. Michael Steele and guest co-host Jonathan Capehart, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post columnist and the host of the “Cape Up” podcast, discuss how they think Congressional Democratic leadership is falling short in its response to allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment against Senator Al Franken and Congressman John Conyers.

"I cannot think of a lower moment in presidential politics." Nov 22, 2017

Show notes

Today, President Trump all but endorsed Roy Moore for Alabama's Senate seat. He cited multiple criticisms of Moore’s Democratic opponent, Doug Jones, citing his “terrible” record on crime, the border, the military and the need for a conservative to support his agenda. The president went on to defend Moore against accusations of sexual assault from nine young women, saying, “He says it didn’t happen. You have to listen to him also.” Michael and Rick discuss what this says about the sorry state of our politics and behaviors. Tom Jawetz, former chief counsel of the immigration subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee, talks about the coming battles on Capitol Hill over immigration policy regarding DACA and the Trump administration’s push to deport 60,000 Haitian refugees by removing their residency protections.

"Love is more powerful than any hate, than anything that is negative." Nov 21, 2017

Show notes

In 2012, filmmaker A.J. Ali was stopped by two police officers in Howard County, Maryland. The experience got Ali thinking about the nature of community relations in America, especially between members of law enforcement and the black community. That’s why he made “Walking While Black: L.O.V.E. Is The Answer”, a documentary that showcases the criticism and concerns from both communities and calls for compassion and finding common ground. Ali talks about the film and the goals of the “L.O.V.E. Is The Answer” movement. Michael and Rick also examine the cuts to Medicaid and other safety nets programs in the GOP's tax plan.

"I can't think of anything more serious than healthcare." Nov 18, 2017

Show notes

Award-winning director and writer Jonathan Lynn made his name as one of the great British political satirists of the Margaret Thatcher-era. In his television series, “Yes, Minister” and “Yes, Prime Minister”, Lynn used the power of the pen to educate Britain on the inner workings of the parliamentary bureaucracy. Lynn talked to Rick Ungar and guest co-host Rick Tyler about his new book, "Samaritans", a satirical take on the American healthcare system, and the power of educating through comedy. The Ricks discuss how and whether we should talk about politics around the Thanksgiving dinner table.

"You don't treat people like that!" Nov 17, 2017

Show notes

On Wednesday, November 15th, Rick opened the show with a monologue on the sexual assault allegations against Roy Moore and President Bill Clinton and the need for people on both sides of the aisle to hold their leaders accountable. In light of the new allegations against Senator Al Franken, Rick and guest co-host Kirsten Haglund reinforced the need for us to demand accountability from our leaders. Phillip Berenbroick, senior policy counsel for Public Knowledge, an open internet non-profit, talked about the potential economic fallout if the FCC votes to roll back net neutrality.