The Politics Lab

Nov 06 2024 201 ep. 59 mins 1k
The Politics Lab Podcast artwork

Politics isn’t always black and white. Dr. Bill Muck and Dr. Phil Barker, professors of political science and longtime friends, talk through the week’s news and discuss how political science might help make sense of things. In The Politics Lab, we put politics under the microscope.

  News  Government
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Trump, Take 2

Nov 06 2024 38 mins  
This week, Bill and Phil react to Trump’s resounding victory in the 2024 election.

Closing Arguments

Oct 30 2024 40 mins  
This week, Bill and Phil break down Trump and Harris’s closing arguments and predict what may happen in next Tuesday’s election.

How Are We Here (Again)?

Oct 23 2024 47 mins  
On this weeks episode, Bill and Phil discuss recent accusations that Trump is a fascist, explore Trump‘s bizarre pre-election behavior, and highlight possible post-election dangers.

Three Weeks Away

Oct 16 2024 42 mins  
On this week’s episode, Bill and Phil break down the state of the presidential race just three weeks until Election Day and explore the question of whether we are living through the most dangerous international moment since the Cold War.

Why Are Politics So Stupid?

Oct 09 2024 49 mins  
On this week’s episode, Bill and Phil open with a spirited game of “What’s More Stupid,” then reflect on why our politics have become so stupid, and close by looking at how Jack Smith may have outsmarted the Supreme Court.

A Regional War?

Oct 02 2024 45 mins  
Bill and Phil wrestle with the expanding war in the Middle East, break down the Vice Presidential debate, and look at Jimmy Carter’s legacy in light of his 100th birthday.

Trump’s Frightening World

Sep 25 2024 45 mins  
Bill and Phil the examine the dark and frightening world Trump is creating on his social media, explore what Reagan’s role in the end of the Cold War can teach us about how to approach China, and close with a look at the Mark Robinson super-scandal.

Bonus Episode: Bill on WCPT Radio

Sep 23 2024 165 mins  
Bill guest hosts “The Big Picture" on WCPT radio in Chicago. Guests include Jake Lahut (21:50), Dr. Suzanne Chod (48:00), and Dr. Phil Barker (1:52:00). Enjoy the show in its entirety.

Another Assassination Attempt

Sep 18 2024 42 mins  
Bill and Phil assess the latest assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump, grapple with the question of whether the United States and NATO should allow Ukraine to fire their missiles into Russia, and consider the tactical and moral implications of Israel’s pager attack on Hezbollah.

The Debate

Sep 11 2024 52 mins  
On this week’s episode, Bill and Phil break down the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.