McConnell Won't Run Again, More Hamas Horrors, DOGE Cuts & 'Malicious Compliance'

02/21/25 • 21 min

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Inez Stepman of the Independent Women's Forum fills in for Jim on the 3 Martini Lunch podcast. Join Inez and Greg as they discuss Sen. Mitch McConnell announcing he won't run again, the latest unspeakable atrocities committed by Hamas, and how federal agencies are making DOGE-related budget cuts painful for the public.
First, they analyze Mitch McConnell’s decision to retire after 42 years in the Senate and 18 years as GOP leader, and they assess his performance. They credit McConnell for defending free speech, blocking left-wing policies, and confirming conservative judicial nominees. However, they criticize his failure to address federal spending and his lack of progress on conservative priorities during Republican control of the Senate.
Next, Inez and Greg express their outrage over the latest atrocities perpetrated by Hamas, including a gruesome ceremony involving the return of hostages' remains and reports detailing how the two young brothers who were brutally murdered. In addition, the remains of their mother, Shiri Bibas, were excluded from the return to Israel. With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing reprisals, Inez and Greg reflect on the critical details of the Bibas family's abduction and the role of the Red Cross in facilitating the spectacle we saw this week.
Inez and Greg discuss government-run sites making DOGE-related budget cuts as painful as possible for visitors. They highlight three instances of "malicious compliance" and recall past government shutdown tactics used by Democrats to needlessly inconvenience the public.

Previous Episode

Trump Targets the Cartels, Trump vs. Zelensky, Congestion Toll Clash & Cuomo's Return

Inez Stepman of the Independent Women's Forum fills in for Jim today. Join Inez and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they analyze the U.S. decision to designate cartels and gangs as terrorist organizations, President Trump’s sharp criticism of Ukrainian President Zelensky, and the latest developments on congestion tolls in New York City, where Andrew Cuomo's political ambitions are taking shape.
First, they commend the State Department for labeling MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and several cartels as terrorist organizations. They discuss why this designation matters, the impact it may have, and how it aligns with Trump’s national security strategy.
Next, they break down President Trump’s strong criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. They examine where Trump’s rhetoric diverges from the facts and how how Trump most likely believes this statement will help bring the war to an end. And while Trump and others have suggested possible Ukrainian concessions to reach a deal, Greg and Inez also consider what demands should be placed on Russia.
Finally, they dive into two major news items in New York City, where Inez resides. They assess the battle between the Trump administration and Gov. Kathy Hochul over congestion tolls. Plus, they react to reports that former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is likely to announce his run for mayor before the month ends.

Next Episode

Elon's Email, Chicago Mayor's Shocking Polls, Trump vs. States on Girls' Sports

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour Host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they break down Elon Musk’s Saturday email to federal employees, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s disastrous poll numbers, and blue states setting themselves up for another humiliating defeat over girls’ sports.
First, they analyze Musk’s DOGE email to federal employees, demanding they reply by midnight Monday with five accomplishments from the past week. Scot explains how this is common in the private sector, especially during management transitions, and argues that a short email shouldn’t be a major burden. Greg says the current amount of spending in our government in simply unsustainable. But he does hope government downsizing can be done as orderly as possible.
Next, they react to a shocking new poll showing Mayor Brandon Johnson with a dismal 6.6 percent approval rating and an overwhelming 80% disapproval. Scot, a Chicago-area native, walks through Johnson’s long list of failures and explains how the mayor’s leadership has left him more than 73 points underwater with voters less than two years into his term.
Finally, they shake their heads as lefties in multiple states insist on losing ground legally and politically by resisting President Trump's executive order removing federal funds for states and locales who allow males to participate in girls' and women's sports. They specifically highlight Trump's public exchange with Maine Gov. Janet Mills and the Michigan High School Athletic Association refusing to change its policy.
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