Duration: 1:05:46 | Recorded on July 2, 2026
S3E24 – An analysis of the shifting goalposts within the Democratic Party following socialist upsets in Colorado and the rise of Zohran Mamdani in New York. We debate the merits of city-owned grocery stores and free transit against the backdrop of national “tip fatigue” and the 250th anniversary of the American experiment. The episode concludes with a reflection on the mortal-enemy-to-fond-friend legacy of Jefferson and Adams as a blueprint for modern coexistence.
Featured Spirits
E.H. Taylor Small Batch and E.H. Taylor Straight Rye
Clark’s Court White Unaged Rum (ultimaterumguide.com)
Show Notes
/ The Democratic Socialist Upset: Reacting to a recent primary upset in Colorado, Kent and Kyle analyze why Democratic voters are flocking to self-labeled socialist candidates. Kent argues that Donald Trump correctly identified a “left-behind” population that the Democratic establishment continues to ignore, making socialism a compelling alternative.
/ The Circular Spectrum: Kent proposes that the political spectrum is a circle rather than a line, where the far-left and far-right margins meet in a shared desire to “burn it all down”. They debate the level of kinship between extremist elements and whether a cogent middle-ground policy is still achievable.
/ Urban Affordability & Food Deserts: The hosts deconstruct Zohran Mamdani’s proposals for free city buses and city-owned grocery stores in New York. While Kyle questions the long-term downstream impacts, Kent highlights the reality of food deserts in both big cities and rural Iowa, arguing that these policies address visceral needs like childcare and basic sustenance.
/ Tip Fatigue & Token Wages: A heated “volley of bitches” erupts over the proliferation of tip jars at self-help airport kiosks and coffee shops. Kent argues that economically changing the minimum wage is a “nothing burger” for most businesses, while Kyle questions if the current tipping culture is a stable or sustainable social contract.
/ Seeing America First: The conversation pivots to standard of living differences between the US and Europe, with Kyle questioning why Kent refuses to visit the Continent. Kent defends his “See America First” philosophy, citing a visceral “gag reflex” to the trappings of monarchy and a preference for the crown jewels of the US National Park system.
/ Jefferson and Adams: To close the pour in honor of the 250th anniversary, the brothers reflect on the decades-long relationship between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, political rivals who found their way back to friendship before dying on the same day. They draw the parallel as a model for how Bourbon & Rum holds two opposing views at one table.
References
Welcome to the Mayor’s Office (www.nyc.gov/mayors-office)
Joe: Politics is a game of addition and Trump is still in the business of subtracting (YouTube MS Now)
Blue Highways by William Least Heat Moon (Amazon)
Historians on John Adams and Thomas Jefferson (www.pbs.org)