In today’s episode, Dean Charles dives into one of the most fundamental issues in our economy — the “cheap stuff” we rely on from China (and other countries). From the clothes we wear to the gadgets we use, we’ve built an economy dependent on low-cost imports. Dean takes us through a simplified economics lesson on why this matters and how it shapes our lives.

He breaks down how Sam Walton’s global sourcing revolutionized the retail game, making everyday goods cheaper for the average American. But, as he explains, this also comes with its own set of challenges, especially when tariffs and rising prices start hitting your wallet. Dean also touches on how the U.S. became so reliant on these imports and the logistical nightmare that is global supply chains.

Along the way, he brings in personal stories (like his mom’s tuna fish obsession) to show how we prioritize saving money on little things so we can spend big on what matters most — whether that’s concert tickets, sports games, or a nice vacation. He doesn’t shy away from his stance on tariffs, saying they mess with the system and make everything more expensive, but also emphasizes the need for certain things, like microchips and prescription medicine, to be made in the U.S.

Dean wraps up by addressing the bigger picture: what happens when we depend too much on cheap imports and a global economy? Can we find a balance between saving money and ensuring we can actually produce the critical stuff we need here at home? It’s a thoughtful, down-to-earth conversation on why the global economy is here to stay — but maybe it’s time for some recalibration.

In This Episode:

• [00:00:00] Opening thoughts: The U.S. economy’s dependence on cheap goods from China

• [00:02:00] The rise of global retail: How Sam Walton changed the game

• [00:04:00] Choosing how we spend: Picking and choosing where to save money

• [00:06:00] The everyday products we rely on: Baby clothes, hair scrunchies, and more

• [00:07:30] The cost of cheap goods: How tariffs and inflation affect our wallets

• [00:10:00] Supply chain logistics: The real cost of getting cheap goods from overseas

• [00:12:00] A personal story: The case of the disappearing tuna fish quality

• [00:13:30] What needs to be made in the U.S.?: Microchips, prescription medicines, and the need for self-sufficiency

• [00:16:00] The future of manufacturing in the U.S.: How demand drives domestic production

• [00:18:00] Final thoughts: Balancing the global economy with American manufacturing needs

Notable Quotes

• [00:02:30] “Sam Walton figured out if he bought products as cheap as possible, anywhere in the world, and passed that savings onto the consumer, people would buy it. And they did. It changed the economy.” — Dean Charles

• [00:05:15] “You might buy a cheap pair of hair scrunchies from China for a few bucks, or spend $50 on the same product. It’s your choice, and that’s the beauty of a consumer-driven economy.” — Dean Charles

• [00:07:00] “Tariffs mess with the system. They drive up prices and create inflation. We can’t just ignore that — it’s changing everything.” — Dean Charles

• [00:10:30] “We’re dependent on cheap goods from China, and until we find a way to manufacture some of these things here, inflation will keep rising.” — Dean Charles

• [00:18:45] “There are things we need to make in the U.S. — microchips, prescription medicines. But most of the stuff we rely on, we can’t afford to make here at home.” — Dean Charles

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In this episode, Dean Charles takes a step back after the latest election and asks a simple question: is there still a middle left in America, or have we burned it to the ground?

He talks through the country’s political hangover — the same candidates, the same fights, and the same division that just keeps getting louder. From New York City’s embrace of Democratic Socialism to the growing fear among moderate Democrats, Dean wonders why so many leaders are afraid to speak up. He doesn’t buy into the idea that everything needs to be torn down to be fixed.

The conversation goes deeper than politics. Dean unpacks how social media has warped reality, creating a world where everyone looks rich, successful, and happy except you. He points out how outrage has become the internet’s main currency, where anger gets rewarded and truth doesn’t pay. He also raises alarms about artificial intelligence — how it’s moving faster than anyone expected, and how a lack of regulation could lead to something truly dangerous.

By the end, Dean reminds listeners that the real threat isn’t left or right. It’s the growing divide that keeps ordinary people from hearing each other. And if we keep letting algorithms tell us who to hate, we’ll all end up fighting over who gets to drive the car off the cliff.

In This Episode:

• [00:00:00] Opening thoughts: post-election fatigue and the search for sanity

• [00:01:00] Democratic Socialism and New York’s new direction

• [00:03:00] The illusion of fairness vs. the cost of socialism

• [00:05:00] Crime, fear, and why safety defines success in cities

• [00:06:00] Why moderates fear the far left — and why they shouldn’t

• [00:07:30] The AI problem: innovation without regulation

• [00:09:00] How social media created the illusion of prosperity

• [00:10:30] The outrage economy — when hate becomes profitable

• [00:12:00] Antisemitism and the cycle of outrage online

• [00:13:00] The Supreme Court, tariffs, and unchecked presidential power

• [00:15:00] The rise of moderates: Spanberger and Sherrill’s victories

• [00:17:00] What it will take to rebuild the center

• [00:19:00] The future of American cities and why New York needs to lead

• [00:21:00] Final reflections: fighting for the middle before it disappears

Notable Quotes

• [00:01:10] “Every election feels like a reboot nobody asked for — same cast, worse script, higher stakes.” — Dean Charles

• [00:03:25] “I don’t believe in burning it all down to fix it. That’s not progress; that’s chaos.” — Dean Charles

• [00:07:45] “AI might be the real monster, and nobody in Congress seems ready to face it.” — Dean Charles

• [00:10:15] “Clicks, chaos, and outrage pay better than honesty — that’s the problem.” — Dean Charles

• [00:21:00] “We’re all arguing over who gets to drive the car off the cliff.” — Dean Charles

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In this episode, Dean Charles takes on what he calls the Democrats’ biggest problem — they’ve lost their center. With the government still shut down and people growing frustrated, Dean asks the question most Democrats seem afraid to: what happens when your silence becomes the story?

He digs into the growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and the party’s refusal to draw a line. When leaders like Zohran Mamdani are celebrated instead of challenged, Dean argues, it’s no wonder moderates and independents are walking away. “Either you’re a socialist or you’re a capitalist — you can’t be both,” he says bluntly.

But this isn’t just about labels. Dean connects the dots between ideology and everyday issues — from drugs and crime to the loss of safety and opportunity that once defined the American dream. He gives credit where it’s due, even praising Trump for tackling the drug crisis in a way past presidents ignored.

By the end, Dean’s message is clear: if Democrats want to win again, they need to stop fighting each other and start fighting for people’s trust. Common sense, not ideology, wins elections — and right now, common sense is what’s missing.

In This Episode:

• [00:00:00] Government shutdown and growing divisions inside the Democratic Party

• [00:01:00] The rise of the DSA and how it’s reshaping the party’s identity

• [00:02:20] Why entitlement culture and anti-capitalist rhetoric don’t work in America

• [00:03:15] Dean’s challenge: pick a side — socialism or capitalism

• [00:04:00] Why safety and opportunity are the true foundations of the American dream

• [00:05:00] Trump’s drug policies and why Dean says he was right to take action

• [00:06:15] Looking back on New York’s drug crisis in the ’80s

• [00:07:30] Why no president before Trump was willing to take on the drug problem

• [00:09:00] The real conversation about gang violence and crime that no one wants to have

• [00:10:15] When ideology gets in the way of saving lives

• [00:11:45] The moral contradiction of ignoring inner-city violence

• [00:13:00] What Democrats risk if they keep avoiding hard truths

Notable Quotes

• [00:03:45] “Either you’re a socialist or you’re a capitalist. You can’t have it both ways.” — Dean Charles

• [00:04:55] “There are two things that define this country: safety and opportunity.” — Dean Charles

• [00:07:15] “Every president ignored the drug crisis — Trump was the first to say, ‘I’m going to stop it.’” — Dean Charles

• [00:09:30] “Why wouldn’t you want to stop kids from dying in the streets?” — Dean Charles

• [00:12:11] “Let Trump go in and clean up that kind of crime. Stop the murders.” — Dean Charles

• [00:14:35] “If Democrats don’t rethink their approach, they’re going to lose — badly.” — Dean Charles

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In this episode of Between the Left and a Hard Place, Dean Charles delivers a direct message to Democratic politicians: it’s time to denounce socialism and separate from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Dean argues that failing to take a strong stance on socialism will be used against Democrats in the upcoming elections, with Republicans already branding them all as socialists. He emphasizes that figures like Zohran Mamdani, who’s leading the New York mayoral race, represent the DSA’s radical agenda, and without a clear rejection of these ideas, Democrats risk losing support in crucial swing districts.

Dean highlights the growing divide within the Democratic Party, where moderate voices are remaining silent or failing to denounce socialism. He also critiques the DSA’s platform, warning that its policies—such as defunding the police and promoting open borders—are out of touch with the majority of Americans. The episode explores how the left's ideological shift is causing a rise in right-wing populism and why moderate Democrats must return to pragmatic policies to regain the middle ground.

In This Episode:

• [00:00:00] Introduction: The Democratic Party’s internal divide

• [00:01:00] Zohran Mamdani’s rise and the impact on the Democratic Party

• [00:02:00] Moderates avoiding the socialism debate

• [00:03:00] Republicans using socialism as their attack mantra

• [00:04:00] The potential impact of Mamdani's policies on New York

• [00:05:00] The dangers of the DSA platform

• [00:06:00] The dark money influence and growing socialist movement

• [00:07:00] Sweden’s capitalist success vs. misconceptions about socialism

• [00:08:00] Fascism vs. socialism: Why the middle will choose fascism

• [00:09:00] Accusations against moderate Democrats like Alyssa Slatkin

• [00:10:00] The left needs to focus on winning the middle ground

• [00:11:00] Citizens United and the growing influence of money in politics

• [00:12:00] Term limits and the need for reform

• [00:13:00] Regulations to protect the public from corporate greed

• [00:14:00] Democrats must reject socialism to stay relevant

• [00:15:00] The failure of social media companies to address division

• [00:16:00] The impact of Citizens United on future elections

• [00:17:00] Moderate Democrats must act now to denounce socialism

Notable Quotes:

• [02:32] “If you can’t get on the right side of the 80/20 issues, you have no chance of winning.” — Dean Charles

• [04:25] “Charlie Kirk told the youth that they have value, that their lives mean something. That’s why he won them over.” — Dean Charles

• [06:00] “Socialism is not the answer. If you endorse Zohran Mamdani, you’re a socialist, plain and simple.” — Dean Charles

• [07:15] “Free stuff doesn’t solve anything. The reality of paying for it just doesn’t add up.” — Dean Charles

• [09:40] “The left needs to reject the far-left ideologies and return to common-sense policies if they want to stay relevant.” — Dean Charles

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In this episode, Dean Charles takes a hard look at the growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) within the Democratic Party. He argues that these factions are incompatible, and it’s time for the Democratic Party to separate from socialism to regain support from the center-left and moderate voters. Dean reflects on his experience defending Democrats during his Las Vegas radio days, only to find himself questioning the party’s direction as more and more leaders endorse socialist policies. He critiques key Democratic figures like Elizabeth Warren and Kathy Hochul for supporting socialist candidates like Zohran Mamdani, while a few brave Democrats, such as Congressman Tom Suozzi, have openly rejected the DSA’s influence.

Dean touches on the core issue of the Democratic Party's failure to align with the views of the majority of Americans, especially on “80/20 issues”—those where public opinion is overwhelmingly on one side. He highlights contentious topics like transgender athletes in women’s sports, DEI programs, and open borders as areas where the party is out of touch with the majority of voters. Dean also discusses how Charlie Kirk, despite being a conservative, has captured the attention of disillusioned youth by offering them a sense of value and purpose, something that the left has failed to do.

The episode ends with a strong call to action for Democrats to return to pragmatic, center-left policies if they hope to remain relevant and win future elections. Dean emphasizes that unless the party denounces socialism and takes a clear stance on key issues, they risk losing even more voters.

In this Episode:

• [00:00:00] Introduction: The divide within the Democratic Party

• [00:01:00] The growing influence of Democratic Socialists in the party

• [00:02:15] Bill Maher and the debate over the Democratic Socialists’ place in the party

• [00:03:00] The role of Charlie Kirk in bringing the youth vote to Republicans

• [00:04:00] Democrats losing the 80/20 issues: transgender athletes in women’s sports

• [00:05:00] Why Democrats need to reject socialism: Charlie Kirk’s impact on the youth

• [00:06:00] The dangers of open borders and free healthcare for all

• [00:07:00] The Democratic Socialists’ radical platform: defunding the police, abolishing prisons

• [00:08:00] The importance of pragmatism and realism in politics

• [00:09:00] Key moments from Bill Maher and Joe Manchin discussing the state of the party

• [00:10:00] The 80/20 issues and how the Democratic Party is losing touch

• [00:11:00] The importance of addressing issues like immigration with common sense

• [00:12:00] Conclusion: The need for the Democratic Party to change or face electoral defeat

Notable Quotes

• [02:32] "Do you understand why you lost the last election? It’s because what the Democrats were offering was so bad, people went with Trump." — Dean Charles

• [04:25] "Charlie Kirk told the youth that they have value, that their lives mean something. That’s why he won them over." — Dean Charles

• [05:00] "If you can't get on the right side of the 80/20 issues, you have no chance of winning." — Dean Charles

• [07:15] "Free stuff doesn’t solve anything. The reality of paying for it just doesn’t add up." — Dean Charles

• [08:52] "Socialism is not the answer. If you endorse Zohran Mamdani, you’re a socialist, plain and simple." — Dean Charles

• [10:00] "The left needs to reject the far-left ideologies and return to common-sense policies if they want to stay relevant." — Dean Charles

• [11:40] "Democrats can’t ignore the majority. You need to appeal to the people in the middle if you want to win." — Dean Charles

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In this episode, Dean Charles addresses the tragic and difficult-to-understand assassination of Charlie Kirk. As a center-left Democrat, Dean reflects on his own experiences with political violence, drawing comparisons to the assassinations of figures like JFK, Martin Luther King Jr., and RFK. He grapples with the shock and horror of Kirk's death, acknowledging the influence he had, especially among young conservatives.

Dean dives into the role social media plays in fueling extremism, acknowledging that while it’s not the sole cause of such tragedies, it has undoubtedly amplified the vitriol and division in society. He also points out that while Congress has done little to address the dangers of social media and AI, they did take action on TikTok due to national security concerns. This episode raises important questions about the effectiveness of current political discourse and the role of platforms that encourage extreme behavior.

He reflects on Charlie Kirk’s life and legacy, noting his pragmatic approach to politics and his efforts to inspire the youth through his faith and practical advice. Dean calls for more leaders who can offer solutions, bridging divides and promoting common sense, as Kirk did. Dean also stresses the importance of safety and opportunity, with a focus on the need for practical, bipartisan conversations to prevent such violence in the future.

In This Episode:

• [00:00] Introduction to the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk

• [01:00] Reflecting on past political assassinations and their impact

• [02:15] Social media’s role in fueling extremism and division

• [03:00] Congress' response to social media and AI concerns

• [04:00] The TikTok debate: Chinese influence and national security

• [05:30] The Pandora’s box of the internet and AI regulation

• [06:30] Charlie Kirk’s influence and legacy: A pragmatic voice

• [08:00] The need for common sense leadership and solutions

• [09:15] Dean's call for bipartisan conversations and safety for all

• [10:30] The importance of finding common ground in today’s politics

• [11:30] Reflection on past experiences with political discourse and finding agreement

• [12:00] Conclusion: A call for safety, opportunity, and pragmatic leadership

Notable Quotes

• [02:15] "The role of social media is undeniable. It's not the sole cause, but it plays a huge part in amplifying extreme views." — Dean Charles

• [05:00] "We’re not ready for what AI could unleash on the world, and Congress isn’t doing a thing about it." — Dean Charles

• [07:30] "Charlie Kirk wasn’t just about politics; he was about inspiring young people to take responsibility for their lives and futures." — Dean Charles

• [09:45] "We need common-sense leadership—people who will step up and bring solutions, not division." — Dean Charles

• [11:00] "Safety and opportunity—that’s what people want. Right now, nobody feels safe. That’s the real crisis." — Dean Charles

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In this episode, Dean Charles takes on the New York Times report that nearly 5 million voters have left the Democratic Party for the GOP. He warns that unless Democrats reclaim the center and reject socialism, the exodus will only grow especially among moderates and independents.

Dean argues that Democrats are on the wrong side of the “80/20 issues,” pointing to hot-button debates like transgender athletes in women’s sports, free speech in schools, and unchecked promises of “free everything.” Drawing from personal experience and his time in Nevada politics, he explains why safety and opportunity not ideology decide elections.

He calls on moderates like Catherine Cortez Masto, Jackie Rosen, John Fetterman, and Cory Booker to stand up publicly against socialism before it’s too late. Otherwise, Trump and Republicans will keep capitalizing on Democrats’ silence.

With blunt honesty and frustration, Dean leaves listeners with a sobering message: unless Democrats kick out the socialists and fight for fairness, they will keep losing voters and elections.

In This Episode:

• [00:08] Introduction and overview

• [01:01] Transgender women in women's sports

• [02:03] Opportunity, safety, and political strategy

• [02:52] Call for politicians to denounce transgender athletes in women's sports

• [03:47] Critique of socialism in the Democratic Party

• [04:38] Swing states and the Nevada example

• [05:30] Education, free speech, and DEI in schools

• [06:35] Democratic Socialists of America platform critique

• [07:30] Socialist policies and economic concerns

• [09:25] Call for moderate politicians to step up

• [10:31] Socialism, capitalism, and Nevada’s identity

• [11:29] Transgender athletes as a key election issue

• [12:28] Anti-white colonialism and identity politics

• [13:00] Conclusion and call to action

Notable Quotes

• [01:21] "Men who are transgender to women cannot play in women's sports. Do you hear me? Transgender women cannot play in women's sports." — Dean Charles

• [01:40] "Democrats have daughters, too. Do you hear me? Then they don't want their daughters playing sports against men, biological men." — Dean Charles

• [04:11] "Five million people have already switched from Democrat to Republican. How many more do you want? How many more are thinking about it?" — Dean Charles

• [06:11] "What happened to Martin Luther King's judge people by the content of their character? What happened to that?" — Dean Charles

• [07:47] "The socialists offer neither all the free stuff that they want to offer. Free buses, free, you know, school, free health care, free childcare, free living, free, you know, rent control, free groceries. It doesn't work." — Dean Charles

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In this fiery episode of Between the Left and a Hard Place, Dean Charles takes the gloves off and calls out prominent Democrats who claim to be center-left but refuse to reject socialism and the Democratic Socialists of America platform publicly. Drawing on his years defending Democrats on a Hannity-and-Colmes-style radio show in Las Vegas, Dean questions whether the party has lost its grip on the middle.

He names names: Alyssa Slotkin, Cory Booker, Jason Crow, Catherine Cortez Masto, and dissects their recent public statements (or lack thereof) on the growing socialist influence inside the party. Dean warns that ignoring this issue is political suicide, especially when it comes to winning over independents and moderates.

This is a passionate, unfiltered look at why the Democratic Party risks alienating the very voters who could decide the next election.

Key Takeaways

• Why silence matters: Public figures like Alyssa Slotkin, Cory Booker, and Jason Crow refusing to push back against socialism sends the wrong message to moderates.

• The 80/20 principle: Winning issues lie in appealing to the political middle, not the far left.

• Electoral consequences: Dean warns that embracing, or failing to reject, socialism could hand elections to Republicans.

• The call to action: Center-left Democrats must unite, clearly reject socialism, and focus on pragmatic issues if they want to win.

In this Episode

• [00:00] Dean sets the stage for the discussion on socialism in the Democratic Party.

• [00:18] Reflecting on his past defense of Democrats and shifting views.

• [01:04] Alyssa Slotkin’s Colbert interview and her failure to denounce socialism.

• [02:25] Cory Booker’s “stay out of New York politics” response.

• [03:22] Jason Crow’s surprising defense of Zohran Mamdani on Bill Maher.

• [04:21] Why Dean wants more action from Cortez Masto.

• [04:45] How not rejecting socialism could cost the Democrats the election.

• [05:29] Dean’s plea for the center-left to unite and reject socialism.

Notable Quotes

• [03:09] “Cory Booker says, 'Let New York politics be New York politics.' Come on. Are you a socialist? Seriously, Cory, are you gonna run on the socialism platform? Gimme a break. You're gonna lose the independence and the left and the center left. You're just gonna lose them.”

• [05:01] “The big umbrella thing isn't gonna work. I'm telling you it's not gonna work. The Republicans are gonna beat you to a pulp. Seriously, they're gonna pull out the 80/20 issues and it's gonna be over. You don't seem to understand why you lost the last election. You should really think about it more 'cause you're not understanding why you lost.”

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