Pragmatism is Patriotism. The goal of Practically Political is to engage and motivate citizens who are fact- and issue-oriented, invite conversation, respect differences of opinion, believe in compromise and put sound policy before partisanship. Whether you’re a Republican, Democrat or Independent, if your bottom line is to get our government working again to serve the best interests of all Americans, then please join us in making our voices heard. This is not the time to give into hopelessn ...
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This week on Practically Political, the gang reunites with a familiar voice—Carrie Sheffield returns for a lively holiday debate that doesn't pull any punches. With Trump's approval numbers hitting historic lows and 75% of Americans feeling the economy is on the wrong track, Dave, Kurt, Ashley, and Carrie dig into whether the administration can cou…
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Pete Hegseth's disastrous tenure as Defense Secretary takes center stage as Dave, Ashley, and Kurt dissect the growing cracks in his support—even among Republicans. From the Venezuela bombing debacle to throwing an Admiral under the bus, the hosts explore whether Trump's loyalty to his embattled cabinet pick has finally met its match. Plus, the cre…
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Ten months into Trump's second term, the unthinkable is happening—MAGA is showing cracks. Dave, Ashley, and Kurt dive into whether Trump has become a lame duck faster than any president in modern history. From the Epstein files vote defying his wishes to his approval ratings hitting January 6th lows, the hosts debate if the Republican coalition is …
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Day 38 of the government shutdown, and Republicans just got a reality check. Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis break down why the GOP's 2025 election losses prove what everyone suspected: Trump's magic doesn't transfer. From Mikie Sherrill's 13-point blowout in New Jersey to Abigail Spanberger's Virginia sweep, Democrats showed up when …
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Day 30 of the government shutdown, and President Trump is halfway around the world. Dave, Kurt, and Ashley dissect the unprecedented absence of a president during a federal shutdown, analyze tight gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, debate whether the Supreme Court will finally check Trump's tariff power, and assess his high-stakes Asia…
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Dave, Kurt, and Ashley dissect the 22nd government shutdown in 50 years, questioning whether Democrats have a winning strategy or are just setting themselves up for another loss. The hosts debate messaging failures, the Republican advantage in the media ecosystem, and why fighting over future crises rarely moves voters. Plus: was Trump's military g…
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In this episode of Practically Political, hosts Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis discuss the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk and its implications for political discourse in America. They explore the reactions from political leaders, the role of social media in radicalization, and the ongoing issues of mental health and gun control…
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Dave Spencer delivers a sobering assessment of the Trump administration's first eight months, rating it at "90% worst case scenario." The hosts break down the spectacular failure of the Alaska summit with Putin, the deteriorating situation in Gaza, and how Trump's tariff wars are driving traditional allies like India into China's arms. They also ex…
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Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis dissect the Texas Democrats' dramatic flight to Illinois over gerrymandering, Trump's alarming purge of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the federal takeover of DC policing. Plus, they preview the high-stakes Trump-Putin summit in Alaska and what it means for Ukraine's future. Will Trump's "art of th…
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Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis dive into Trump's desperate attempts to block Epstein document releases, despite years of promoting conspiracy theories about the case. The hosts examine the political fallout, the discharge petition threat in Congress, and what Trump might be hiding. Plus: Jerome Powell's Fed independence under fire, J…
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Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis reunite in person for a spirited discussion on the shifting dynamics of American politics. The trio analyzes Senator Tom Tillis's retirement announcement and what it means for moderate Republicans in Trump's GOP, while exploring whether there's any value left in being a "swing vote" senator. They dive d…
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Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis break down the week's most consequential political developments. From Israel's devastating strikes on Iran's weakened regime to Trump's controversial deployment of National Guard and Marines on American soil, the hosts examine how close we are to major flashpoints both abroad and at home. Plus, they ana…
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The Big Budget Buster: Trump vs. Musk, Ukraine Strikes Back, and the Death of Fiscal Conservatism
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Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis discuss the political chaos surrounding the massive budget bill heading to the Senate, examining the growing rift between Trump and Elon Musk over fiscal policy. The hosts explore whether this could be the beginning of the end for their relationship, discuss the Republicans' struggle with their fiscal c…
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Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis examine the recently passed House spending legislation, including its impact on Medicaid coverage, tax policy changes, and the political implications for Republicans who voted for it. The discussion also covers new reporting about President Biden's health timeline and prostate cancer diagnosis, analyzin…
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In this episode, Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis dive into Trump's controversial tariff policies and their impact on international trade. They explore the implications of recent trade deals, discuss the complex relationship with China, and examine the developing situation with Iran. The conversation provides insights into how these de…
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Economic Earthquakes and Political Aftershocks: The First Hundred Days That Feel Like a Year
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Join Dave Spencer, Ashley Davis, and Kurt Bardella for a passionate analysis of the political landscape that feels like it's shifting by the hour. In this episode, the trio dives deep into the Garcia immigration controversy dividing Democrats, the market-rattling impact of Trump's tariff policies, and what it means for everyday Americans watching t…
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In this farewell episode, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield engage in their final spirited debate after four years of collaboration. The duo tackles controversial topics including Trump's tariff policies, immigration enforcement tactics, democracy concerns, and the administration's government cutbacks. As Sheffield prepares to depart the show…
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In this episode of Practically Political, hosts Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis dive into the recent Trump administration scandal involving classified information shared on Signal messaging app. The trio examines the national security implications and whether there will be any accountability for this major breach. They also discuss Tr…
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In this dynamic premiere of Practically Political's new trio format, host Dave Spencer is joined by permanent co-hosts Kurt Bardella (former Republican turned Democrat) and Ashley Davis (Republican strategist) for a candid analysis of the current state of politics. The panel dissects Trump's lengthy address to Congress and the Democrats' ineffectiv…
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Join Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield as they host Gabriella Hoffman, Director of the Energy and Conservation Center at Independent Women's Forum, for a spirited debate on America's energy future. The discussion covers crucial topics including climate change policy, Trump's environmental legacy, Biden's energy initiatives, critical minerals compet…
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In this heated discussion, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield dive into the controversial first ten days of Trump's new presidency. They debate the merits of recent presidential pardons, contentious political appointments, and the emerging relationship between Trump and tech industry leaders. Spencer raises concerns about executive competence …
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In this lively pre-inauguration episode, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield debate the prospects of Trump's upcoming second term. They explore how Trump has changed since 2017, assess his first-term legislative accomplishments, and discuss key challenges ahead, including immigration policy, Ukraine relations, and economic concerns. The hosts o…
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Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield share their picks for the biggest winners and losers of 2024 in this New Year's special episode. They discuss President-elect Trump's victory, the rise of tech oligarchs, the fall of DEI initiatives, and crucial economic challenges facing the nation in 2025.Di Practically Political
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Former congressional candidate Karina Lipsman joins hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield to discuss the 2024 election results, her work at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, and Trump's controversial cabinet nominees. Drawing from her personal experience growing up in Soviet Ukraine, Lipsman shares insights on the dangers of communist…
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In this episode of Practically Political, Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield sit down with Republican strategist Ellen Walter to discuss the latest developments in American politics. Walter, a key figure in Glenn Youngkin's successful Virginia gubernatorial campaign and veteran of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, offers insider perspect…
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In this compelling episode, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield dive into the aftermath of a historic presidential election that saw Donald Trump defeat Kamala Harris. The co-hosts engage in a spirited debate over what led to Harris's defeat, with Spencer identifying three critical campaign mistakes and Sheffield highlighting shifts in demograp…
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In this spirited episode of Practically Political, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield engage in a candid discussion with Mandy Gunasekara, former Trump EPA Chief of Staff and author of the new book "Y'all Fire: A Southern Belle's Guide to Restoring Federalism and Training the Swamp." The conversation delves into controversial topics including …
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In this impromptu yet riveting episode of Practically Political, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield sit down with conservative legend and nationally syndicated columnist Cal Thomas in Middleburg, Virginia. Thomas offers candid insights into evangelical support for Trump, drawing fascinating parallels between Biblical figures and modern politic…
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In this spirited episode of Practically Political, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield engage in a lively debate on pressing political issues. The duo discuss the current state of the US economy, media bias, and foreign policy challenges. They begin by examining the disconnect between positive economic indicators and public sentiment, with Dave…
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In this episode, the hosts explore the strategic motivations behind calls to end the filibuster, examine the most competitive Senate races, and evaluate Speaker Mike Johnson's performance. Dave and Carrie also engage in a spirited debate about Trump's approach to NATO and Russia.Di Practically Political
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In this engaging and thought-provoking episode, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield sit down with special guest Bill Walton, host of The Bill Walton Show and a key figure in planning the Trump economic policy in 2017. Bill brings his vast experience in economics and policy to the table as they dive deep into the recent debate between Kamala Har…
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In this episode of Practically Political, Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield dive deep into the aftermath of the Democratic National Convention and its implications for the 2024 presidential race. Key topics include: An analysis of Kamala Harris's convention performance and her challenges ahead Strategies for Donald Trump to counter Harris in the ge…
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In this conversation, the hosts and guest, Keli Goff, discuss Kamala Harris and the current state of the presidential race. They explore topics such as Kamala's likability, the media's role in the election, and the challenges faced by both candidates. The conversation touches on issues like the economy, foreign policy, and the preferences of differ…
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Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield dive deep into the aftermath of the Trump assassination attempt, debate the merits of JD Vance as VP pick, and explore the challenges facing Kamala Harris as she steps into the presidential race. The hosts offer contrasting views on crime statistics, immigration policy, and the controversial Project 2025, providing…
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In this conversation, Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield interview Charlie Gasparino, a journalist and author, about the presidential election and his upcoming book. They discuss the performance of Joe Biden, the potential role of Kamala Harris as the first DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) potential president, and the influence of Wall Street …
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In this episode of Practically Political, Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield discuss the support for Donald Trump among Black men and the upcoming presidential debates. They also touch on topics such as inflation, tech regulation, and the loyalty of Republican politicians to Trump. The conversation highlights the importance of policy over personalit…
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In this special episode of Practically Political, host Carrie Sheffield is joined by guest Carla Sands, former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark and Republican Senate candidate from Pennsylvania. Together with co-host Dave Spencer, they dive into a spirited discussion about the future of the Republican Party and the key strategies needed to win in 2024. A…
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Chapters 00:00 FDIC Chairman's Resignation and Political Fallout 06:19 Debating the Supreme Court's Moral Standards 11:59 Nikki Haley's Support for Donald Trump and Political Strategy 27:32 Remembering Alice Stewart: A Tribute to a FriendDi Practically Political
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Former Rep. Dave Brat Debates Illegal Immigration, Election Integrity and the War in Ukraine
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In this spirited episode, former Republican Congressman Dave Brat debates hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield on hot-button issues like illegal immigration, the integrity of the 2020 election, and the war in Ukraine. While the discussions are passionate and the disagreements are sharp, the conversation remains friendly and highlights the import…
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In this conversation, Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield discuss various topics including Nikki Haley's refusal to endorse Trump, Trump's outreach to voters, college demonstrations, spirituality and mental health, and the impact of the trial on Trump's candidacy. They also touch on the reputation of the Trump administration, the importance of logist…
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In this episode of Practically Political, special guest Charlie Sykes joins hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield to discuss the current political climate and key issues heading into the 2024 election. The conversation covers the challenges Biden faces with inflation and border security, the recent developments in Republican support for Ukraine a…
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Navigating Media Bias, Immigration, and Transgender Visibility in a Polarized Political Landscape
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In this episode of Practically Political, hosts Carrie Sheffield and Dave Spencer engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the challenges faced in today's polarized political climate. They delve into the public's dwindling trust in media, examining potential biases in reporting and the impact on shaping public opinion. The conversation also t…
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In this episode of Practically Political, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield are joined by Ryan Clancy, chief strategist for No Labels, to discuss the organization's strategy for the 2024 presidential election. No Labels aims to provide an alternative choice to the American public by potentially fielding a unity ticket. Clancy shares updates o…
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In this episode of Practically Political, hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield engage in a lively discussion on several pressing political issues. They start by examining Alabama's decision to grant personhood to embryos and its potential impact on IVF treatments, debating the ethics and political implications. Next, they delve into the topic of…
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In this episode, Maria Snegovaya, an expert on Russian affairs, discusses the situation surrounding Alexei Navalny and the actions of Vladimir Putin. She highlights the boldness of Putin's actions and the impact of Russia's relationship with China. Snegovaya also discusses the incentives for Putin's actions, including the perceived weakness of the …
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Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield discuss the latest debates around border security and immigration policy, including Republican calls to impeach Secretary Mayorkas and bipartisan negotiations around a border security bill. They also cover disagreements over aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia. Additionally, they debate a proposal to financially …
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Welcome to another riveting episode of "Practically Political" with your hosts Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield. In this episode, we dive deep into the dynamic world of American politics, dissecting the latest developments and speculating on the future landscape. Join us as we unravel the intriguing journey of Nikki Haley and explore the twists an…
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Carrie and Dave wrap up 2023 with all the news headlines they were watching this year and look ahead to 2024 that will surely be a year for the record books.Di Practically Political
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In this conversation, Dave Spencer and Carrie Sheffield discuss various political topics. They start by discussing the refusal of Hunter Biden to testify publicly and the motives behind the Republican party's focus on him. They then move on to the debate between Gavin Newsom and Ron DeSantis, comparing the policies and performance of California and…
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Hosts Carrie Sheffield and Dave Spencer are joined by author Lexi Hudson to discuss her new book "The Soul of Civility" and how we can promote respect and human dignity even amidst political and cultural divides. They cover topics like social segregation, mutual harm from incivility, reclaiming civic responsibility, the timeless challenge of "other…
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