The Political Notebook

William F. Buckley was the founder of modern American conservatism. In this episode, we talk about how Buckley fused together a conservative coalition while also drawing the boundaries that defined the movement. How did Buckley deal with the John Birch Society, and how does this compare to how Kevin Roberts today is dealing with Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes? Is there any hope for traditional co...

Republicans are blaming Katie Hobbs for the condition of the state economy and the state budget. Fair or foul? *** Links: - Robert Robb column on Hobbs's narrow political playing field (https://robertrobb.substack.com/p/hobbss-narrow-political-playing-field) - Go big on civics education (https://chollaexpress.substack.com/p/go-big-on-civics-education)

Can a Reagan conservative win a primary in the MAGA Republican Party?

How are the Democrats doing in opposition? What about Kelly and Gallego?

What are the political and practical consequences of Trump's on-again off-again tariffs? Is Karrin Taylor Robson the new Martha McSally?

Are Trump and the U.S. Senate headed for conflict? Can divided government in Arizona produce results? Links: "The beginning of the end of U.S. leadership of the free world" https://robertrobb.substack.com/p/the-beginning-of-the-end-of-us-leadership "A big GOP win, but not really a mandate" https://robertrobb.substack.com/p/a-big-gop-win-but-not-really-a-mandate "Politics Will Return, Part 2" https...

Kathy Petsas is a long-time Republican activist in Arizona. She was recently featured in a book about how the MAGA movement has taken over the Republican Party at the ground level. Kathy shares her first-hand experience dealing with MAGA true believers who started showing up in waves to precinct meetings in 2021. We also discuss the defining characteristics of MAGA movement, and how MAGA's ideolog...

What are Harris and Trump's end game strategies? Will they work? What would be the effect of a Lake loss on the future of the Republican Party?

Does Lake really have it wrapped up? Can a Haley conservative win a Republican primary for Congress? What's at stake in the GOP primaries for County offices?

What should be done for housing affordability? What is happening with the Prop 123 extension? Show notes: - Robert Robb column on the Starter Home Act: https://robertrobb.substack.com/p/hobbss-veto-message-inadvertently - Column on Prop 123: https://robertrobb.substack.com/p/refer-a-simple-clean-permanent-state - Column on Katie Hobbs triangulating against MAGA: https://robertrobb.substack.com/p/h...

What's next for Arizona and the country? *** Show notes: *** - Robert Robb column on Sinema and Haley: https://robertrobb.substack.com/p/sinema-haley-and-the-end-of-hope - Tim Steller column on Sinema: https://tucson.com/news/local/tim-stellers-column-sinemas-self-indulgent-senate-term-doomed-her/article_08ccdf9e-dbe5-11ee-8d05-cf89651b7f4e.html - Arizona Republic Editorial on Sinema: https://www....

Will Lake have a pragmatic conservative opponent? What about the MAGA melee in congressional district 8?

Is the new right's critique of market capitalism any sounder than that of the left? Is it realistic for populist conservatives to beat liberals in seizing and exercising government power? *** Links: "In Defense of the American Free Market" -- The Optimistic American podcast -- Paul Johnson interviews Robert Robb Audio: https://optamerican.podbean.com/e/in-defense-of-the-american-free-market-robert...

Is there anything that can happen between now and the convention to shake his hold on primary voters? Should Trump opponents consolidate behind a single candidate? Should that be DeSantis?

Who gets the blame if there's a state government shutdown? Can there be a bipartisan approach to the housing shortage?

Is Hobbs going to govern as a moderate? Does Sinema have a chance as an independent? Will the Republican MAGA fever ever break?

Are there any legitimate arguments against Prop 308? How is the immigration issue playing generally in the 2022 election? *** Show Notes: *** Op-Ed by Fred DuVal: "Arizona doesn't have to be the SB 1070 state. Proposition 308 can right many wrongs" https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/2022/10/11/prop-308-gives-dreamers-equal-opportunity-state-tuition/8199900001/

How will the failed referendum play in the 2022 election? What reforms of the current law might be considered? Are district and charter schools being treated fairly? *** Show notes: *** Robert Robb column: "Referendum failure dramatically changes the politics of universal private school vouchers." https://robertrobb.substack.com/p/the-political-notebook-93022 *** Billy Robb on state testing: "Prof...

All about water policy. Where does our water supply come from? Who has the rights to use water from the Colorado River? What happens as the drought gets worse? Do we need a new source of water, such as a desalination plant? *** Show notes: *** Robert Robb column (3/6/2022) https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/robertrobb/2022/03/06/gov-doug-ducey-water-authority-isnt-even-half-baked/936589...

Is the Democratic party moving toward the center? Has Sinema helped or hurt Democratic prospects?

Can Republicans win in Arizona by increasing MAGA turnout? How much can states actually do to secure the border?

Is there any prospect of a counter-revolution to Trumpism in the Republican Party? How should Democrats approach the general election? What happens if the Trump slate wins the general?

How should the state address Covid-related learning losses? What effect are the January 6th hearings having? Links: - Robert Robb on Substack: (https://robertrobb.substack.com/) - Robert Robb post on Covid-related learning loss: (https://robertrobb.substack.com/p/the-political-notebook-72222) - Billy Robb on Substack (https://chollaexpress.substack.com/) - Arizona Agenda post on the Republican Par...

Is there now a political space in GOP politics to challenge the big lie? Is Joe Manchin rescuing Mark Kelly? Subscribe to Robert Robb on Substack: https://robertrobb.substack.com/

Subscribe to Robert Robb on Substack: https://robertrobb.substack.com/ On this episode of the podcast, we talk about the new school voucher law in Arizona. How will the upcoming political fight play out? Also: Should Ducey endorse Robson?