Y'all-itics

It’s hard to believe hair remains an excuse for discrimination in 2021, much of it rooted in racism.  Do a quick internet search and it won’t be hard for you to find the stories.  And this isn’t a one-size-fits-all problem as you can find victims all across the spectrum, from women in the workplace to teenage boys in High School.  In this episode of Y’all-itics, we join the project “Rooted” being...

It’s one of the most diverse counties in Texas. So, why then did it take 150 years for Fort Bend County to elect its second Black sheriff? And as Texas lawmakers begin to debate police reform, Sheriff Eric Fagan has his own ideas for it and wants the public to hear his perspective. Just don’t use the word “defund” around him.  In this episode of Y’all-itics, the man making – and following – histor...

Contact Tracing.  The very phrase has been somewhat poisoned in the United States, where many of us tend to think of “big brother,” that the government is watching.  A company out of New Zealand says we have it all wrong and we should instead consider it to be contact “logging.”  That company helped New Zealand essentially eliminate the virus.  And now, SaferMe has set up shop in Austin, Texas.  D...

There are nearly 29-million Texans.  But as of January 25, 2021, after a month of distribution, fewer than 1.5 Million of those Texans have received a single dose of the vaccine.  Only 266,000 Texans have received both doses.  At that rate, it would take nearly two years for Texans just to get one dose and nearly five years for all Texans to be fully vaccinated.  If the vaccine was developed in re...

**WARNING:  THIS PODCAST CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE   Let the warning above be your preview as to what the Lincoln Project now thinks about Senator Ted Cruz.  In this episode of Y’all-itics, co-founder Rick Wilson joins the Jasons to talk about how the group is now actively working against the Texas Republican.  The group says Sen. Cruz is part of the “sedition caucus” and his words and actions help...

Even though this will be the pandemic session, other business will be on the table during the 87th Texas Legislature.  And is there a bigger complaint here in Texas than ridiculously high property taxes?  But what if we told you there might be a way to cut those bills in half?  Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley says it’s not going to be easy, but it can be done if lawmakers have the will.  In this...

That escalated quickly.  Following the insurrection at the Capitol, calls are growing for President Trump to possibly be removed from office by the 25th Amendment, an action unthinkable as recently as 48-hours ago.  But what is the 25th and how does it work?  In this emergency episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons go to law school with Stephen Vladeck from the University of Texas School of Law, a nat...

On January 6, 2021, members of the Senate and House will meet to formally count the Electoral College votes for President.  While there have been some objections in years past, 2021 will be different. Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, wants an independent commission appointed to audit the results of the election. The political gambit by some Republican Senators and Representatives to object to the certif...

Coming from a family that is one of the most well-known real estate developers in the state, Trammell S. Crow set out to build something of his own. Crow founded EarthX which the organization bills as “The largest annual exposition and forum showcasing initiatives, research, innovations, policies and corporate practices serving the environment”. Crow has been labeled a “Green Republican” for his a...

The statistic was startling. Twenty percent of all banks in Dallas County exclude all or parts of Southern Dallas. That means mortgages, business loans and access remain out of reach for many families and businesses south of Interstate 30. Problem is, this simply perpetuates the racial wealth gap. In this episode, the Jasons speak with two of the WFAA journalists who worked on this investigation a...

The long, dark COVID winter experts have warned about is upon us.  But there’s also some light at the end of the tunnel, albeit faint and distant.  One drug manufacturer has already applied to the FDA for approval for its COVID-19 vaccine. Another company is close behind.  And the U.S. Health & Human Services Secretary says both could be available to some Americans before Christmas.  That got...

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? An executive in shipping says he and his family are done because he’s worried the supply chain is too stressed and some gifts simply might not make it to you in time if you don’t buy soon. But the stressed supply chain is creating opportunity for thousands of Texans. Insiders give the Jasons a revealing look at how this already unusual year continues to...

As Y’all-itics prepares to celebrate its one-year anniversary, the Jasons go back to the beginning in an effort to see what a Biden-Harris administration might mean for the black community.  In our 3rd episode, we asked the founder and CEO of Black Women’s PAC why politicians ignore black women.  Now, one-year and 61 episodes later, Tracy Scott is back, and she says she’s more determined than ever...

Two out of three Latinos voted for Joe Biden last week. But counties along the Texas-Mexico border exposed a growing weakness for Democrats. Biden did not win as many votes there as Hillary Clinton did four years earlier. Just two years ago, Beto O’Rourke had trouble earning support in the Rio Grande Valley. Joining the Jasons this week are political scientists James McCann from Purdue University...

Now that the dust has mostly settled in Texas, it’s time for the soul-searching.  Democrats thought they were in strong position to finally win a statewide office, even possibly taking the Texas House.  Not only did that not happen, in most races it wasn’t even close.  While they still see progress, party leaders are already trying to map out a new game plan for 2022.  At the same time, Republican...

Just like everything else in 2020, the political landscape in Texas has turned upside down.  And many national election experts say forget states like Florida and Pennsylvania, the national bellwether this year could actually be Texas.   And that’s why the Lone Star State has become a national obsession.  But those same expert are also warning everyone to proceed with caution with any predictions...

The lines have snaked through parking lots, around buildings, and don the block. Texans (and Americans generally) are voting…possibly in numbers never before seen. But participation isn’t just limited to casting ballots. Millions of dollars have been wagered on this presidential contest. Oddschecker.com and PredictIt.org show how much money is being wagered on this election and who bettors are pic...

Guns are on back-order. Ammo is sold out. What are so many Texans preparing for? This run on guns started during some of the protests that swept the state and the country this summer. But it hasn’t slowed down since and continues to build as we approach the election. A gun store owner and a firearms trainersay what makes this year different is the fact that the surge is being driven by first-time...

You’ve seen their commercials.  They are brutal.  And effective.  If you needed more proof Texas is a battleground state, The Lincoln Project is ready to spend millions of dollars here during the final days of the campaign.  Imagine that for a moment.  A group of Republicans trying to defeat a Republican incumbent in a deeply red state.  And not only that, but The Lincoln Project is also expecting...

Perhaps nowhere in the country symbolizes voter enthusiasm more than Harris County, Texas. 100,000+ voters in one day for four straight days.  Up to 9,000 votes an hour on average.  Records there are falling left and right.  And the blistering pace shows no sign of letting up.  In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined by Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins.  He talks about what might be...

Many artists say they’re ready to get back to work but can’t without an audience.  In many cases, their backup jobs have been eliminated as well.  And that’s why some say voters should view the arts not only as a battle for the soul of our nation, but also as an integral part of the economic recovery.  In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined by a two-time Grammy and Tony award winner...

He coins phrases like no one else and has covered politics and elections for 70 years. Native Texan and former network newsman Dan Rather shares concerns about the 2020 election, talks about the serious challenges facing current-day media, and explains his latest passion project: Offering a $10,000 prize for the best idea to improve public education in Texas. Dan Rather is not done. Approaching hi...

It is the political story in Texas right now.  And talk about an October surprise: Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton accused of bribery, abuse of office and other potential crimes.  And the allegations are coming from fellow Republicans within the AG’s office.  In a statement, Paxton called them “rogue employees” and said he will not be resigning.  But is the damage already done, if not to th...

You’ve heard on Y’all-itics recently that the Holy Trinity for Democrats in Texas this election will be winning President, U.S. Senate and flipping the Texas House.  On this episode, the Executive Director of the Texas Democratic Party says while all three are realistic, only one is their strategic imperative.  Manny Garcia also discusses the numerous election lawsuits still unfolding in courts a...

Wait, what just happened in D.C.? Democrats and Republicans completely swapped sides on a major contentious issue – whether the U.S. Senate should vote on a Supreme Court nominee this close to a presidential election. Four years ago, under Obama, Republicans didn’t want to consider a judicial nominee and Democrats did. Today, under President Trump, it’s exactly the opposite. Hypocrisy? Senator Ted...