Topic: Mike Lee

Producer "Greg the Welder" submits a donation and a note expressing opposition to Senator Mike Lee's proposal to sell public lands. Greg argues that these lands belong to the American people and should not be sold to private interests like Blackstone or Microsoft. The hosts debate whether the land sale is intended for housing or energy development.

Elko, Nevada is currently experiencing a massive infestation of "Mormon crickets," which eat their own dead and create hazardous road conditions. The hosts suggest the name is a derogatory "op" against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who have requested not to be called Mormons. They speculate this could be an intelligence community jab related to the NSA's presence in Utah.

Former CIA operative Evan McMullin is challenging Senator Mike Lee in Utah, frequently highlighting his intelligence background. The discussion contrasts the CIA's ability to remain in the shadows with the FBI's more public and often controversial history of domestic operations.

During a Senate hearing, Senator Mike Lee questioned a Justice Department official, Ms. Clark, regarding the claim that voter ID laws are inherently racist. The official responded by stating that the discriminatory effect of such laws must be evaluated based on specific facts and access to ID. The exchange highlights the ongoing partisan divide over election integrity and voter suppression.

During a confirmation hearing, the nominee for the head of the ATF is questioned by Senator Mike Lee regarding previous comments. The nominee describes his past remarks as "self-deprecating humor." The hosts mock the exchange and the nominee's performance.

Senator Mike Lee surprises the hosts with a high-energy speech in Spanish at a Trump rally, appealing to Hispanic, Catholic, and Mormon voters. The discussion touches on an NPR report about Trump "weaponizing masculinity," which the hosts argue is a key factor in his growing support among Black and Hispanic men. They also briefly discuss the cultural appeal of "Mexican radio" and loud music.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced a House vote on a War Powers Resolution to limit President Trump's military actions against Iran, led by Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin. During a press conference, Representative Ilhan Omar claimed that conversations about war triggered her PTSD, despite being seen laughing in the background of the event. Republican Senators Mike Lee and Rand Paul also expressed frustration with the administration's military briefings.

Executive Producer Dave Duncan contributes $333.33 and provides a detailed note about the recruitment of Mormons by the CIA, FBI, and NSA at BYU. He explains that Mormons are often targeted for recruitment because they typically lack "vices" like drugs or alcohol that could compromise agents. The note also touches on the political divide among Mormons regarding Donald Trump, Mitt Romney, and Mike Lee.

Senator Mike Lee of Utah delivered a speech to the Federalist Society warning about the long-term sustainability of the $21 trillion national debt. He noted that while debt service payments are currently manageable at $300 billion, they could spike to $1 trillion annually if Treasury yield rates return to their historic averages. Lee expressed concern over how the US will handle the next major international crisis or recession.

Senator Mike Lee provided a historical overview of Supreme Court confirmation hearings, noting they only began in 1916 with Louis Brandeis. He detailed how nominees like Felix Frankfurter and Potter Stewart historically declined to answer specific questions about future rulings. Lee argued that the modern "Ginsburg Rule" of not offering "hints or previews" is being ignored by Democrats demanding specific commitments from Kavanaugh.

Professor Cass Sunstein testified before a Senate committee, claiming the NSA does not target individuals based on religious or political views. Senator Mike Lee challenged this, questioning whether "jihadist" views are protected as religious beliefs. Critics noted Sunstein's specific phrasing that there is "no targeting" by the NSA, which may leave room for other agencies to use NSA-collected data for targeting.

The confirmation hearings for Secretary of Defense nominee Chuck Hagel are reviewed, specifically focusing on his past comments about the Pentagon being "bloated." Senator Mike Lee's attempt to get the Joint Chiefs of Staff to agree with Hagel's assessment of fraud and waste is highlighted. The hosts discuss the political theater surrounding the confirmation and the lack of a true audit at the Pentagon.

Senator Mike Lee expresses concern that the UN disability treaty could allow a Geneva-based committee to interfere with homeschooling and parental rights in the U.S. The hosts further discuss the impracticality of international disability mandates, such as wheelchair ramps for historical sites like the Eiffel Tower, and warn of future treaties targeting internet freedom.

The Senate is debating the UN Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST), which critics argue subordinates U.S. sovereignty to international law. Hillary Clinton testified in favor of the treaty, dismissing concerns about UN taxes as "black helicopter" conspiracy theories. Senator Mike Lee of Utah is highlighted as a primary opponent of the agreement.