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The Right Idea

The Right Idea

By: Texas Public Policy Foundation
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The Right Idea: The Texas Public Policy Foundation's weekly look at the people, policy, and politics that drive Texas.©2024 Texas Public Policy Foundation Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Trump’s Iran Strike, Special Session Drama, & Texas Job Boom with Chuck DeVore
    Jun 26 2025

    In this explosive episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by Chuck DeVore to dive into the biggest issues shaping Texas and beyond. From President Trump’s bold strike on Iran’s nuclear program to the unexpected Texas special session, we unpack the politics, policy, and people driving the headlines. Plus, we explore Texas’ unmatched job growth and what it means for the state’s future. Don’t miss our hot takes on iconic presidential quotes and the latest on Israel-Iran tensions!

    0:00 Intro to Guest Chuck DeVore
    4:15 Hot Take: Trump’s F-Bomb heard round the world. What is your favorite war related quote from a president?
    9:20 Iran vs. Israel - Where are we as of today?
    14:08 Operation Midnight Hammer - How’d we pull it off?
    25:23 Is there a MAGA divide?
    32:34 Appetite for regime change?
    38:03 Does all this expose any weak spots in the US?
    48:21 Survey Says: Majority of voters approve of Trump’s maneuvers
    53:42 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Tariff hysteria just ain’t there

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • LA Riots, Mexican Cartels & Border Security Crisis with Joshua Treviño
    Jun 11 2025

    In this explosive episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with Latin America expert Joshua Treviño to unpack the shocking Los Angeles riots, the role of Mexican cartels, and the escalating border security crisis. From ICE raids targeting cartel fronts to Mexican flags waving in U.S. streets, we dive into the hidden connections between the Mexican government, cartels, and U.S. protests. Treviño reveals stunning insights about Mexico’s political operatives in the U.S., the failure of U.S.-Mexico relations, and what Texas can do to protect its borders.

    0:00 Intro & Guest Joshua Treviño
    4:00 What’s going on in LA, Austin and across the country?
    7:35 Today’s civil unrest - Who started it?
    9:25. What’s a protest anymore?
    13:50 What’s being protested & rioted against?
    23:20 What is Mexico’s role in it all?
    29:24 Does Mexico think they still own parts of the U.S.?
    38:58 Latest polls show Americans prefer order over chaos
    45:26 What tools do the U.S. & Texas have?

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    54 mins
  • Texas Legislative Session Wrap-Up: Kumbaya, Conservative Wins & Under-the-Radar Bills with Brad Johnson
    Jun 9 2025

    Join Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen on The Right Idea as they dive into the 89th Texas Legislative Session with Brad Johnson, senior reporter at The Texan. From the unexpected "Kumbaya" harmony among Texas leaders to major conservative victories like bail reform, water funding, and education transparency, this episode breaks down the session’s biggest wins, under-the-radar bills, and what’s next for Texas politics. Will there be a special session? What interim issues are on the horizon? Plus, a fun take on celebrity divorces!

    0:00 - Intro & Guest Brad Johnson
    1:15 - Hot Take: Craziest Celebrity Divorces
    4:12 - Overall narratives of the 89th Texas Legislative Session
    15:40 - Most Consequential Bills (Water Deal, Bail Reform, SB 12)
    24:50 - Under-the-Radar Legislation (Higher Ed Reform, Semiconductor Protection)
    40:03 - What Didn’t Pass? Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Ban & More
    48:15 - The “S” Word Rumors & Interim Priorities


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    1 hr and 1 min
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