Baranowski appears to be far more concerned with “civility” than he is with the material harm that’s caused by the policies and candidates supported by his right-wing buddies.

I would have enjoyed this pod but the incessant umms and aaahs were too annoying.

I listened to this show for several years, but in 2024, with the addition of the new host May, the show has gone down in quality. May was brought on as a new voice to represent conservative arguments (I have no issue with that), but she constantly omits facts, lies, and doges questions, and the creator of the show, Mike, completely lets her get away with it. The show used to have some spirited and respectful debates, but those debates are gone now, and it’s sad that this show is a husk of what it used to be.

Don’t seem to understand what’s happening (or history).

Im a listener since you began this podcast. May. I’m trying to like her but her combative tone towards the other side and vocal fry is so off putting that I cannot listen to those episodes. I want the female perspective but when a host is a female Trump, you lost me. Rational and Civil debate please.

it’s not often you hear a civil discussion about border issues so thanks to the Politics Guys for inviting Sarah Towle to talk about it.

Hi. Long time listener - love the show, in part because it lives up to its billing: thoughtful and civil debate. Not today. Your guest host came off as a Fox News political hack. President is either stupid or delusional?! He may be (or not be) a lot of things, but stupid is not one of them. DC district and circuit court judges don’t have a brain?! You can disagree with their judgement, but just because you do doesn’t make their rationale without merit (or at least not worthy of respectful analysis). I am not disputing her core arguments - they were not off base - but her delivery was a turn off. If I wanted that type of dialogue/rhetoric, options abound. I come to the Politic Guys for something better. Justin Dunne Colorado Springs

Though I lean left on most things, I don’t like living in an echo chamber, and I appreciate how this show puts different political takes in dialogue with each other

I am neither a Democrat or a Republican but I listen to a lot politics podcasts. The Politics Guys is one of my “must listen” podcasts. Most of the rotating set of hosts, the episodes typically pair a liberal and a conservative, genuinely want to understand the other persons view of political issues. I enjoy the way they discuss issues and are open but civil about their disagreements.

This guy doesn’t know what is happening.

I am a young college student and this is my favourite podcast. I love Mike and Jay's sage wisdom and Trey and Ken's green enthusiasm. I am not a social or political science major, but as a self-proclaimed political aficionado this podcast gives me the opportunity to not only question my own beliefs and eternally present bias, but to learn to form my own opinions as a well informed civic societal member. Often I will find myself thinking of a response to someone's argument, on the edge of my seat, yearning for my voice to be heard, and mike or jay will voice it for me. That's my "EXACTLY!" moment, which is always satisfying. Overall, I believe that bipartisan news and media is not only necessary and vital, but a tenet of our great American democracy. As our world becomes filled with programs that are more entertainment than news, I am grateful to the politics guys for keeping the scales balanced. Best, Silas

I really enjoy the pod because of the diversity of opinion. I’m left of center and often disagree with Jay, but I value his perspective and I think we can all get value from hearing perspectives different from our own.

I used to like the show and have been a subscriber for awhile but it has veered into a weird direction lately. Too much “I think-isms” without any real substance to back them up. I had to stop listening to the most recent episode. They might want to check out Smith’s prosecution history. There is a good profile in Reuters, which is a highly-rated non-partisan source.

This is a show that proclaims to debate both sides of political issues but the “conservative” host is not really conservative, but more like a center left moderate on most issues. In addition, their recent analysis of the release of the January 6th videos to Tucker Carlson centered around their shared hatred of the messenger rather than the new content that was revealed. And for good reason too, as they reveal during the episode, neither host actually watched the footage they were supposedly commenting on. Hacks.

Great podcast

The most recent episode, especially the last part featuring Biden’s “gaffe” about the late congresswoman from Indiana, was unbelievable. The other three guys do a fantastic job of trying to see the other’s point of view, which I very much appreciate and why I listen to the show. However, Ken is truly hard to listen to. He’s condescending, apparently never wrong, and he makes the other side feel and sound like morons. It’s a free country, he can do and say what he wants, but my goodness it wouldn’t hurt him to at least try to be less biased and more respectful of the other side.

I have been listening for a couple years now, I got frustrated when they let a conservative female host get “canceled” off the show. They let the Supreme Court be called corrupt and political without any pushback. I feel the show has gradually gone down hill over the time I have listened. It seems now to be more “I’m going to state my side and you state yours, then we move on”. I will say they are polite to each other.

Full disclosure I’m a center left middle aged woman who’s been listening to the Politics Guys for years. I won’t discuss the lack of a female voice on the podcast because that is something I’ve accepted. I’ve always found Jay challenging to listen to but I wanted to remain open to “the other side”. But I just can’t listen anymore. Jay is so partisan and Micheal is so willing to overlook blatantly partisan arguments for the sake of consensus that I find myself gritting my teeth in total frustration. I admire the mission of the Politics Guys, wish they would live up to it.

Amongst all that I hear these days, I find it increasingly difficult to find some sort of debate that feels meaningful to me from people who I trust actually understand how government works. If you have felt exhausted by the last 6 years, give this show a listen. I’m always grateful for the facts I learn and the opinions that challenge me on this show. Rather than feeling disempowered by the news, this group of people helps me to look at things more rationally and try to better understand my fellow citizens.

I just told some friends today how much I enjoyed this podcast for being non-bias and friendly. Then I listen to today’s episode and hear how you guys are getting flack for doing exactly what I love about this podcast! I fear for the future as we become more and more divided. Please keep up the good work. You give me a well rounded and judgement free place to learn about current issues so I can form my own opinion with information from BOTH sides! Thank you!!!

I think this podcast needs another host. Another conservative would be great. Another female voice could add some nuanced perspective as well.

Is the liberal an idiot or just recklessly uninformed?

Unfortunately Mike can be terribly condescending & I’d love to hear much more of what Jay has to say.

If MSNBC isn’t Blue-Anon enough for you you’ll love this.

i’m a highschool student, and the first election i ever felt really conscious of was trump vs. clinton in 2016. ever since then i’ve wanted to educate myself further so i didn’t feel so confused and out of the loop, as well as feeling confident in my opinions. i’ve been so lucky since then to find resources like this podcast to help me learn more, keep an open mind, and gain a better understanding of politics than if i only listened to people who agree with me. one of my favorite things about the show is how smart everybody is, which sounds like a bare minimum requirement, but so often one side is clearly being demonized in a “discussion”, so there’s clearly a winner picked from the start. it’s also so helpful that they’re such good explainers, because, being in high school, a lot of things are being introduced to me for the first time. while i’m definitely on the left myself, listening to this podcast had definitely given me a more expanded world view that i’m so thankful for!!!

I love hearing both sides. I consider my self a middle of the road kinda gal. And I really hope we can move away from this division of extreme left and right. Favorite episode so far 2/20/21. Great back and forth guys. 👍🏼

Thanks for being consistent with your political views while presenting a logical not emotional argument for your beliefs.

These are young kids that I find naive af. Trump always told you who he was.... his voters are really not that bright

I find today’s politics incredibly hard to reckon with, it’s almost like two separate realities. This show makes me feel hope in a way that shows with left or right biases do not. I guess this show might be considered more left, as the host is. But he is so tolerant and really seems like he wants to have an actual discussion, which is rare. I really appreciate everyone who works on this podcast! Please keep doing what you’re doing.

Found the debate in immigration very simplistic, as if it was a bunch of high school kids.

I have been listening to your show for over a year. I like your show, but sometimes the show can be very white. First of all lack of minorities. 2nd the person called DOC, comes off as such a 🤬let’s just say I can’t stand him. I do like that you have young people on and that everyone listens and no talking over. But please, more minorities guest/ and DOC has got to go.

I’m honestly loving this podcast. However, you almost lost me at New York Times vs New Your Post re: the Hunter Biden emails. I certainly hope you can discern the difference. That said, I sincerely appreciate two people with differing views can have a civil conversation.

I was so looking forward to getting some bipartisan perspectives from this podcast. However, I was so disappointed. The Political Guys tout themselves as bipartisan. Well, I can’t seem to figure out how they can consider themselves as such. As a life long liberal, I was hoping to expand my knowledge base and actually hear some conservative viewpoints. Most of what I got was just more of the same...liberal intellectuals who drone on and on. But, worst of all, one of your partners on the show said something that I and my liberal friends found appalling. She said “any time a black person is shot by a cop it’s due to racism.” Holy smokes, talk about painting with broad strokes. I found that to be a very irresponsible statement and one that cannot be backed up by any facts. No wonder conservatives find liberals to be emotional and void of any truth. Ugh, this was embarrassing for even me, a life long liberal. Anyway, needless to say I was really disappointed in the podcast. I wish you wouldn’t advertise as a bipartisan group. You’re really not.

I love the way they break down the news in a civil way and look for similarities instead of differences. That doesn’t happen much in the media today and it’s refreshing to see. Great job.

I have been listening to the Politics Guys for over a year now and it really has become my go to for sensible balanced political discussion. The hosts are excellent and through their debate have even shifted my political ideology more moderate as I absorb and reflect on different points of view from both liberal and conservative contributors. If you are tired of hyper polarization and want to hear bi-partisan discussion where you may not agree with the position taken but gain some perspective into an opposing viewpoint then this is the place for you.

If you’re looking for political discussion and debate without hyperventilation and extreme opinion, then these people might just appeal to you. Each episode of the podcast is filled with information and reasoned analysis. Thank you.

In a polarized political atmosphere, it is nice to have a place to turn to get balanced perspectives and reasoned debate. As the country seems to dig deeper and deeper into entrenched partisan identity, it’s becoming increasingly refreshing to get information that allows me to haul myself up to the surface and grab a fresh breath of “I changed my mind” I love that The Politics Guys has gotten me to widen my political frame and challenge my initial assessments on the political happenings of the world. Highly recommend!

It’s a sad commentary on the American education system, that a PhD political science ‘professor’ (Michael Baranowski, Northern KY-U) is producing such a biased, opinionated, unscholarly podcast. To quote his fellow Kentuckian - Senator Mitch McConnell - “shoddy work product.”

Unfortunately I couldn’t stand it much longer so I didn’t even subscribe. The woman, I think her name is Michelle just goes on and on and repeats the same words over and over again. I can handle conservatives that are fair Donald Trump isn’t a conservative so there’s no reason why you need to protect him. Couldn’t finish the show but I like the concept. I thought it would be something like the political gabfest. Yeah, no.

To say that these are a police issue and not significantly related to race is insane to me without any push back from either of the hosts. I usually enjoy this show as a center perspective but a commentators who like to ground their ideas in history I don’t know how they could this. I mean how did we not take into account the responses of the people viewing these protests? There’s a reason why the opinions of these police incidents are racially charged... people bring baseball bats to protest and now they’re riots???? What about guns to predominantly white protests?

One of my favorite podcasts to listen to due to thoughtful commentary, attention to balance the perspectives of both sides of the issue, and commentators would have a depth of understanding of both political theory and its application in our politicized and antagonist time. Nice that it doesn’t have an overall agenda to convince or turn you on issues, but inform you on important events shaping our democracy and provide context through both liberal and conservative lenses. Tend to agree with the viewpoints of Michael, due to having some conservative leanings but do not necessarily agree with how the principles are applied currently. If unsure, give it a try and it will not be a waste of your time.

Michael saying Trump was innocent over and over is insane. Mike kept just saying yep to Jay on everything about the mueller investigation. What happened to you? I think this might finally be the reason I stop listening. What happened to back bone. Now suddenly because Schiff is dishonest trump is innocent. It’s really sad

This Jay Carson guy doesn’t sound like he is too bright and comes across as petty. Typical partisan. His arguments lack nuance and complexity. He’s teaches at a university? 🤨

Nice to have thoughts from the left and the right but the lack of women’s voices and few scholars of color leads to a narrow discussion.

Thank you for mentioning atheists in your opening, glad to be here. Is anybody watching out for my minority, atheists? Love your show, annoyed my husband by making him listen to your intro. because you mentioned atheists. Okay I have said the A word 3 times. Socially distancing from everyone here at home. Stay healthy and follow safety instructions.

Very bias

Jay should not be teaching. He is so biased and blinded by his hatred of DT he can’t stop interrupting. He constantly interrupts his guests and tells them thy are wrong in their views, backing it up with his strong opinions instead of facts. His favorite response “thats just not true” “that’s just crazy” “I disagree with that entirely” great, if you disagree back it up with facts. Try a factual debate instead of an emotional smackdown.

I tried this podcast out for a few months because I read that it gave a fair portrayal of both Democrat and Republican perspectives. I found it to be very left leaning, particularly episodes that lack any input from the other side.

This podcast tries to appear centrist by using biased data. For example stating “Trump has pardoned fewer people than other Presidents.” That is misleading. Who are you comparing Trump with, a President who served two terms?

Kristen called Warren unlikable and therefore unelectable. She supports Trump. I get it, but the complete lack of actual rebuttal of such ridiculousness in the face of her Trump support? Wow. Bye.