Guardians of the Republic

The rule of law under AG Bill Barr and Radio Sputnik is broadcasting Russian propaganda to the heartland. Ian and Patrick talk about the Democratic debate in an extended "hot takes" and Sen. Ben Sasse gets special recognition in the Guardians of the Week segment.

Did Donald Trump learn a lesson, as Susan Collins claimed? Where did Ben Sasse's conscience go? Is Mitch McConnell divinely inspired?  Plus a look at public opinion on the impeachment trial outcome and the state of the Democratic 2020 field.

Mitt Romney, the State of the Union, and Donald Trump's post-impeachment victory lap. Ian and Patrick discuss whether there is such a thing as a constitutional brain transplant. Plus the state of the Democratic nomination race.

As the impeachment trial wraps up, it may be time to start thinking about Guardians of a *New* Republic. What does "no witnesses" mean, not just for the trial, but for the country?  Plus: Chief Justice Roberts, The Lincoln Project, and how to greet a dog.

Joe Biden's outburst may have captured the mood of the week as the impeachment trial gets underway. Ian and Patrick discuss the House manager's opening arguments, "lawyer lawsuits," "A Very Stable Genius," the latest polls, and a special Guardian of the Week courtesy of Ian's mom.

The impeachment managers have been named. Ian and Patrick discuss what they expect as the trial moves to the Senate and offer their takes on the Iowa Democratic presidential debate. Plus Rep. Matt Gaetz's stand on war powers and an unusual pick for Guardian of the Week.

Sen. Mike Lee's defense of Congressional prerogative sounded a different note for Republicans this week. We also talk about John Bolton's possible testimony, Tribe's Law, and the 2020 Democratic field.

The impeachment vote is in but the saga is far from over.  Ian coins the phrase "Tribe's Law" to describe what comes next and Patrick takes a dim view of biblical references during the floor debate.

Ian and Patrick discuss the articles of impeachment and key differences from both Clinton's impeachment and calls for George Washington's ouster in 1795.  They also look at a recent Monmouth poll that compared Washington to Trump and Obama.  Plus hot takes on the UK election and thoughts on Nancy Pelosi.

Ian and Patrick break down this week's Judiciary Committee hearing, discuss a recent poll that shows Republicans preferring Trump over Lincoln, and offer a mea culpa on the Guardian of the Week.