Joe Zepecki
Shortcuts, Not Solutions (Hour 1)
When Republicans in the Legislature start rejecting ideas favored by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, you know it’s a group of GOP lawmakers who’ve lost the ability to govern and are simply content saying no to everything. We’ll talk to Joe Zepecki about this week’s headlines, and we’ll ask what happens at the state party conventions as Democrats gather this weekend in Green Bay.
Dems in Array (Hour 1)
It’s a well-worn punchline in political circles: “Dems in Disarray!” scream the headlines at the slightest sign that Democrats aren’t marching in lockstep. But compare progressives to what Republicans are going through on two fronts—the public backlash for repealing abortion rights and the internal turmoil over the debt ceiling deal. We’ll visit with Joe Zepecki about the GOP’s attempts to gloss over their differences on both topics.
Florida Man: Ron ‘DiSaster’ (Hour 1)
In the presidential campaign Hall of Shame you’ll find Jeb! Bush muttering, “Please clap.” There’s Scott Walker’s 71-day mark for shortest flameout. Now you can add Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis disastrous rollout on Twitter. We also mark the passing of singing legend Tina Turner. And Joe Zepecki reviews the progress—if you could call it that—being made by Republicans working on a new state budget.
The Call Is Coming from Inside the House (Hour 1)
Republican Congressman Bryan Steil chairs a committee with the stated mission of boosting election confidence and rooting out the things that erode that confidence. If that includes fake electors—and it should—then part of the problem is literally inside the committee room with a new “junior staffer” who took part in actual voter fraud, not the fake claims that undermine our elections. We’ll cover that and more in a conversation with Joe Zepecki.
“May the 4th” and Darth Johnson (Hour 1)
America is being brought to the brink of recession. A default on the nation’s debt could lead to an estimated 8 million job cuts. Who are Republicans turning to for leadership when the times demand calm responsibility? A Wisconsin senator who has never been on the right side of keeping America from defaulting. And, of course, the obligatory “May the 4th” Star Wars discussion about the “right” order to watch the movies and shows.
Slash Veterans Care or We’ll Kill the Economy? (Hour 1)
Republicans in Congress have been threatening to cause a government default—which would trigger a national recession—unless President Biden agreed to massive spending cuts. Biden told the GOP: You go first. On Wednesday, Republicans voted for a plan with punishing cuts to veterans’ health care, assistance for children with disabilities, and repeal energy tax credits that could cost thousands of jobs. We’ll report on how Wisconsin Republicans voted.
Is Kwiktrip pulling a quick one with Kwikstar? (Hour 3)
It's the 1st 100 days of the new Congress and the report card is out on GOP lawmakers. It's......not good. Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis picks another fight with the Mouse House. Who'll win?
Can Wisconsin pass medicaid expansion? (Hour 2)
Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Sarah Rodriguez joins the show to talk about expanding coverage. North Carolina recently passed Medicaid expansion. How did they accomplish that? NC Rep. Sarah Crawford explains. (Hint: Let the GOP think it's their idea.)
Bucks, Dominion, and Thomas (Hour 1)
Joe Zepecki in for Kristin. Bucks lose 1st game in the NBA playoffs. Will Dominion settle with Fox? More news about Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and more mass shootings in the US.
Maybe You’re the Problem? (Hour 1)
Scott Walker is blaming the Republican loss of young voters on “indoctrination.” Congressman Mike Gallagher says the solution is to “tighten election procedures.” Is there any chance they’re asking if maybe their extremism is the problem? We’ll talk to Joe Zepecki about GOP reaction to last week’s election and Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s announcement that she’s running for a third term next year.
