In this episode of Check The Balance, Jeff and Elliot discuss recent political topics, including Trump's stance on tax reforms and pharmaceutical regulations. They are joined by Kevin Cope, a law professor from the University of Virginia, who delves into the complexities of judicial ideologies and the effects of recent executive orders on law firms. Kevin also shares insights from his upcoming research on American democracy's resilience. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on legal principles, political maneuvers, and the robustness of democratic institutions.

00:00 Welcome Back to Check The Balance

01:33 Discussing Trump's Tax Proposals

03:22 Trump's Executive Orders on Big Pharma

05:32 Introducing Kevin Cope

07:53 Executive Orders Against Law Firms

20:56 The Chilling Effect on Legal Representation

26:51 Job Market Concerns for Law Students

27:28 Impact of Firm Actions on Lawyers

30:30 Measuring Judicial Ideology

32:58 Challenges in Analyzing Judicial Behavior

36:03 Political Influence on Judicial Appointments

41:58 American Democracy's Resilience

46:23 Forum Shopping and Judicial Fairness

57:00 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Join Jeff Hoffmann and his co-host Elliott Baretz on Check the Balance a political podcast, 'By Everyday Americans For Everyday Americans,' as they delve into a variety of pressing topics. In this episode, they discuss the arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Anna Dugan for allegedly obstructing ICE, and the implications of such actions on judicial integrity. They also explore the concept of competitive authoritarianism, referencing Steven Levitsky's analysis from his book 'How Democracies Die.' The episode highlights how various countries like Turkey, India, and Venezuela have struggled with maintaining democratic institutions amidst authoritarian practices. The hosts also engage in a reflective conversation on media biases, the role of journalism, and the challenges of navigating through differing media ecosystems. They conclude with a light-hearted conversation about the nostalgic appeal of 'The West Wing' and its portrayal of American politics. This episode encourages thoughtful discussion and critical thinking in these contentious times.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Beginnings

00:49 Breaking News: Wisconsin Judge Arrested

02:31 Discussion on Competitive Authoritarianism

03:33 Comparing Global Authoritarian Trends

08:08 Trump's Popularity and Democratic Guardrails

11:39 Controversial Deportations and Legal Challenges

20:04 Media Ecosystems and Misinformation

28:23 The Role of Journalism in Democracy

32:53 Nostalgia for 'The West Wing' and Conclusion

Join hosts Jeff Hoffmann and his co-host Elliott Baretz on 'Check the Balance' a Political Podcast by Everyday Americans for Everyday Americans as they dive into a discussion on the national budget, shedding light on the $37 trillion debt and the recent budget framing bill passed by the House. Jeff delivers an impassioned budget rant, discussing tax cuts, defense spending, and the implications for healthcare. Later, the hosts welcome guest Steve Fouts, an experienced educator and founder of 'Teach Different.' Steve shares his unique education approach aimed at fostering empathy and trust through structured conversations. The episode wraps up with reflections on the importance of real-time communication and the potential overblown nature of societal divisions. Don't miss this insightful blend of political discourse and educational innovation.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:52 Diving into the National Debt 01:18 Tax Cuts and Budget Framework

02:09 Healthcare and Defense Spending

03:34 Republican Discussions on Taxing the Rich

06:16 Introducing the Guest: Steve Fouts

09:57 The Essence of American Freedom

18:56 Concerns About Social Media and Communication

24:31 The Evolution of Trust and Political Implications

25:40 Challenges in Political Conversations

26:18 The Importance of Structured Environments

26:59 Losing Practice in Civil Discourse

29:38 Teach Different: A New Approach to Education

30:46 The Story of Jarvis: A Turning Point

33:30 Expanding Teach Different Beyond Classrooms

39:08 The Role of the US Department of Education

44:41 Optimism and Division in Society

47:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts