The John Batchelor Show

STREAMING THE MAKING OF JBS, FEATURING THADDEUS MCCOTTER, 6-9-2026.
1901 CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Thaddeus McCotter, a former member of Congress from Michigan, serves as a colleague and co-host for the program. Drawing on his experience as a veteran of multiple midterm election cycles, he provides analysis on the current political landscape, focusing on the intersection of the economy, foreign policy, and the rise of populism.
On the midterm environment, McCotter asserts that the economy is the number one issue for voters and will define the midterm, noting that when there are problems with "war and peace" and the economy simultaneously, it creates a "terrible midterm" for the party in power. He argues that the Republican party is struggling because its "failure to get out of the way and let its policies succeed" has allowed socialist ideologies to gain traction, and notes a "civil war" within the GOPbetween the MAGA movement and the established party infrastructure. He suggests that the Republican party must find a way to energize its base, as Democrats are highly energized not only by a personal dislike of Trump but by the negative impact of current policies.
McCotter is highly critical of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), describing it as a "strictly far-left entity" currently in a "civil war" with the Democratic establishment. He characterizes the DSA as offering "free stuff" to attract voters and believes they attempt to change reality by changing language, such as using terms like "unhoused" or "the homeless experience." He specifically criticizes the DSA-aligned response to homelessness in Seattle, where "dog-sized" sheds were built for the "unhoused" during the World Cup, describing this as shunting "badly damaged" people aside rather than addressing the underlying issues of mental illness and chemical dependency. He observes that the DSA has significant "youthful energy" because young people feel the American dream is beyond their reach due to current economic regulations and the high cost of living.
On Donald Trump, McCotter offers a nuanced view: he interprets Trump's statement about not wanting to be "Jimmy Carter" as a sign that he does not want his presidency or maneuvering ability to be held "hostage" to Iran policy. He expresses skepticism regarding Trump's decision to attend a Knicks game during a period of economic concern, arguing that such actions can lead voters to feel the president is not focused on the issues they care about, specifically the cost of living. He views Trump as a "magnifier" of existing political disorder rather than the sole cause, noting that Trump has successfully taken advantage of this disorder through his rhetoric.
McCotter notes that Michigan experienced significant population loss following COVID-19, attributing this partly to "draconian" lockdowns under Governor Whitmer and a business environment that struggles to attract new industry. He highlights a broader trend of "the well-to-do" leaving high-tax states like New York, California, and Michigan for states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee.
McCotter concludes that the current political "consternation" is a result of both parties engaging in internal battles, suggesting that eventually the country will look for "calm, seasoned leadership" once these "civil wars" are settled.

Peter Huessy details China's growing non-strategic nuclear arsenal and dual-use delivery systems. He explains that Beijing believes it can control escalation to keep the US out of the Western Pacific. Huessy emphasizes that NATOlacks a comparable response in Asia, as the US withdrew similar theater weapons in 1991. (16)
1953

Peter Huessy discusses US plans to deploy nuclear-capable F-35s in Europe to counter Russian threats. He explains Russia's "escalate to win" doctrine involving low-yield battlefield nukes for "surgical" strikes. Huessy warns that Russiapossesses thousands of non-strategic weapons, far exceeding current NATO theater capabilities and its lack of transparent weaponry numbers. (15)
1953 ATOMIC CANNON

Josh Blackman examines the Atkins v. Virginia ruling, which prohibits executing individuals with low IQs. He highlights the subjectivity of IQ tests and the lack of constitutional basis for such standards. Blackman notes that defendants now have incentives to intentionally fail these tests to avoid the death penalty in federal court. (14)
1937

Josh Blackman traces the modern history of the death penalty from the 1972 Furman case to 1976's Gregg v. Georgia. He critiques the "evolving standards of decency" doctrine used by the Warren Court, arguing it reflects the views of elites rather than the constitution or the broader American general voting public. (13)
1888 SCOTUS