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Allen Jackson NOW | Allen Jackson: December 19, 2024 | Allen Jackson Now | December 19, 2024
- Good evening.
- 00:00:03.595 --> 00:00:04.596
- I'm alan jackson, and welcome to nashville.
- 00:00:04.596 --> 00:00:06.731
- There's a currency in the nation's capital
- 00:00:06.731 --> 00:00:08.700
- That's worth more than any amount of gold.
- 00:00:08.700 --> 00:00:11.236
- And that currency is power.
- 00:00:11.236 --> 00:00:13.305
- Well, donald trump's power account continues to grow.
- 00:00:13.305 --> 00:00:16.274
- Walk the halls of the us capitol,
- 00:00:16.274 --> 00:00:17.909
- And you can see it in full bloom.
- 00:00:17.909 --> 00:00:20.145
- The president elect has some big plans
- 00:00:20.145 --> 00:00:22.147
- For his return to washington.
- 00:00:22.147 --> 00:00:23.682
- More than draining the swamp this time.
- 00:00:23.682 --> 00:00:25.784
- It's full steam ahead to fix our nation.
- 00:00:25.784 --> 00:00:28.820
- Now, even a few democrats
- 00:00:28.820 --> 00:00:30.255
- Are agreeing with some of his choices.
- 00:00:30.255 --> 00:00:32.257
- Bernie sanders says he likes what he's heard from mr.
- 00:00:32.257 --> 00:00:35.260
- Trump's pick to run the department of health
- 00:00:35.260 --> 00:00:37.362
- And human services.
- 00:00:37.362 --> 00:00:38.597
- Robert f kennedy jr.
- 00:00:38.597 --> 00:00:40.232
- So does john fetterman.
- 00:00:40.232 --> 00:00:41.967
- And then there's the department of government efficiency dodge.
- 00:00:41.967 --> 00:00:45.604
- It's emerging headed up by elon and vivek.
- 00:00:45.604 --> 00:00:48.607
- Doge feels a little paradoxical to me.
- 00:00:48.607 --> 00:00:51.176
- It's kind of like the department of dry water.
- 00:00:51.176 --> 00:00:54.279
- But what's good
- 00:00:54.279 --> 00:00:55.046
- Is that many congressmen agree
- 00:00:55.046 --> 00:00:56.548
- We need to cut enormous government spending.
- 00:00:56.548 --> 00:00:59.351
- Listen to democrat ro khanna.
- 00:00:59.351 --> 00:01:02.420
- It should be
- 00:01:02.754 --> 00:01:03.722
- Bipartisan to be against wasteful spending.
- 00:01:03.722 --> 00:01:06.625
- Now, when you look at elon musk,
- 00:01:06.625 --> 00:01:08.360
- He brilliantly disrupted lockheed
- 00:01:08.360 --> 00:01:11.229
- Martin and boeing to help americans launch rockets
- 00:01:11.229 --> 00:01:14.966
- Into space far cheaper and put satellites up there
- 00:01:14.966 --> 00:01:18.303
- So he knows how to have more competition for the five primes.
- 00:01:18.303 --> 00:01:22.541
- And i'd like to work with him and others
- 00:01:22.541 --> 00:01:25.577
- To see how we can introduce that competition to lower the costs
- 00:01:25.577 --> 00:01:30.182
- For the american public and the defense budget.
- 00:01:30.182 --> 00:01:33.451
- Well, the question is, have things gotten so bad
- 00:01:33.451 --> 00:01:35.987
- That enough members from both
- 00:01:35.987 --> 00:01:37.355
- Parties are willing to set aside politics and follow truth?
- 00:01:37.355 --> 00:01:41.226
- And some common sense?
- 00:01:41.226 --> 00:01:43.195
- Well, in the meantime, other democrats
- 00:01:43.195 --> 00:01:44.696
- Are already planning for the next election,
- 00:01:44.696 --> 00:01:47.065
- And they're trying to figure out
- 00:01:47.065 --> 00:01:48.166
- If they can change the way elections work
- 00:01:48.166 --> 00:01:50.335
- So they have a better chance of winning.
- 00:01:50.335 --> 00:01:52.304
- They want to eliminate the electoral college,
- 00:01:52.304 --> 00:01:54.706
- Which was created by our founders,
- 00:01:54.706 --> 00:01:56.474
- To make sure each state, including people in less
- 00:01:56.474 --> 00:01:59.477
- Populated areas like farmers, ate a voice in the election.
- 00:01:59.477 --> 00:02:03.715
- So between now and the inauguration,
- 00:02:03.715 --> 00:02:05.584
- We're going to see a washington realignment like no other.
- 00:02:05.584 --> 00:02:09.287
- Tracking it all is the trusted editor in chief for the hill,
- 00:02:09.287 --> 00:02:12.624
- Bob cusack. welcome back, bob.
- 00:02:12.624 --> 00:02:16.528
- Hey, alan.
- 00:02:16.828 --> 00:02:17.362
- Great to be with you.
- 00:02:17.362 --> 00:02:19.998
- Well, there's a lot to discuss,
- 00:02:19.998 --> 00:02:21.933
- But let's start by telling us
- 00:02:21.933 --> 00:02:23.301
- What you've already seen about the reception mr.
- 00:02:23.301 --> 00:02:25.437
- Trump is getting from congress, and about this budget mess
- 00:02:25.437 --> 00:02:28.673
- And the threats to close down the government.
- 00:02:28.673 --> 00:02:30.976
- Feels like a broken record to me.
- 00:02:30.976 --> 00:02:34.045
- It is.
- 00:02:34.045 --> 00:02:34.946
- And, the spending in washington is like,
- 00:02:34.946 --> 00:02:38.783
- Basically groundhog day.
- 00:02:38.783 --> 00:02:40.252
- It's been since 1996, since they've actually done
- 00:02:40.252 --> 00:02:42.887
- The appropriations process, the same way, one at a time.
- 00:02:42.887 --> 00:02:47.292
- So they keep saying they're going to keep going
- 00:02:47.292 --> 00:02:49.728
- Back to those good old days and they can't get there.
- 00:02:49.728 --> 00:02:52.230
- And honestly, this bill, is not popular.
- 00:02:52.230 --> 00:02:54.899
- It's not popular with, the trump orbit.
- 00:02:54.899 --> 00:02:57.802
- Speaker johnson is scrambling to see what he can do next.
- 00:02:57.802 --> 00:03:01.806
- But this is a bit of chaos in washington, right now.
- 00:03:01.806 --> 00:03:06.144
- Well, let's talk a little more about the budget and the debt.
- 00:03:07.279 --> 00:03:10.215
- $36 trillion in counting today.
- 00:03:10.215 --> 00:03:13.451
- Musk and vivek, the doge twins, as they're referred to now,
- 00:03:13.451 --> 00:03:16.621
- Are determined to cut $2 trillion in the first two years.
- 00:03:16.621 --> 00:03:20.425
- What are they saying on the hill about their efforts?
- 00:03:20.425 --> 00:03:23.662
- It's going to be very difficult.
- 00:03:24.296 --> 00:03:25.563
- There's no doubt about it. at the same time.
- 00:03:25.563 --> 00:03:28.133
- You mentioned the pentagon and audits and how it's failed
- 00:03:28.133 --> 00:03:32.037
- Seven in a row.
- 00:03:32.037 --> 00:03:33.204
- There's a real frustration with government efficiency.
- 00:03:33.204 --> 00:03:35.573
- So some democrats actually like the idea, some democrats don't.
- 00:03:35.573 --> 00:03:38.977
- Cutting $2 trillion is going to be extremely difficult.
- 00:03:38.977 --> 00:03:42.647
- But at the same time,
- 00:03:42.647 --> 00:03:44.115
- Trump does have a mandate,
- 00:03:44.115 --> 00:03:45.350
- Especially after winning the popular vote.
- 00:03:45.350 --> 00:03:47.919
- So we'll see where it goes.
- 00:03:47.919 --> 00:03:49.154
- But listen,
- 00:03:49.154 --> 00:03:50.021
- Any time
- 00:03:50.021 --> 00:03:50.922
- You try to change anything in washington,
- 00:03:50.922 --> 00:03:52.724
- It's going to be an uphill battle.
- 00:03:52.724 --> 00:03:54.526
- But, ellen and baker are ready to take it on.
- 00:03:54.526 --> 00:04:00.131
- Well, some democrats seem to feel
- 00:04:00.899 --> 00:04:02.534
- They may never get back to the white house
- 00:04:02.534 --> 00:04:04.202
- Unless they can change the electoral college.
- 00:04:04.202 --> 00:04:06.705
- Is that even possible?
- 00:04:06.705 --> 00:04:07.972
- Do they have a chance?
- 00:04:07.972 --> 00:04:10.475
- They don't.
- 00:04:10.475 --> 00:04:11.743
- It was interesting, alan.
- 00:04:11.109 --> 00:04:12.644
- You know, down the stretch of the election,
- 00:04:12.644 --> 00:04:14.879
- Maybe some democrats thought they were going to lose
- 00:04:14.879 --> 00:04:17.949
- Because they were complaining, including
- 00:04:17.949 --> 00:04:19.384
- Tim walz, the vp nominee of the electoral college.
- 00:04:19.384 --> 00:04:23.254
- Both parties have complained about this over
- 00:04:23.254 --> 00:04:26.091
- The years at different times.
- 00:04:26.091 --> 00:04:27.559
- But, the electoral college is is here to stay.
- 00:04:27.559 --> 00:04:31.062
- There have been some efforts in various states, but is it
- 00:04:31.062 --> 00:04:34.766
- Anywhere close to happening?
- 00:04:34.766 --> 00:04:36.067
- Absolutely not.
- 00:04:36.067 --> 00:04:39.371
- What about speaker johnson?
- 00:04:39.971 --> 00:04:41.239
- Do you think his job is in question
- 00:04:41.239 --> 00:04:43.608
- With this debate over the budget and the continuing resolution?
- 00:04:43.608 --> 00:04:46.611
- Well, well, alan, it's like it's like a bad sports team.
- 00:04:46.611 --> 00:04:50.315
- Like a football team that's struggling.
- 00:04:50.315 --> 00:04:51.649
- Everybody says, let's get rid of the coach.
- 00:04:51.649 --> 00:04:53.685
- Okay.
- 00:04:53.685 --> 00:04:54.819
- Well, first of all, it's a very tough job, for speaker.
- 00:04:54.819 --> 00:04:57.589
- But then you also have to decide,
- 00:04:57.589 --> 00:04:58.890
- Well, who's going to replace him.
- 00:04:58.890 --> 00:05:00.225
- And we went through three weeks.
- 00:05:00.225 --> 00:05:02.093
- You know, last year, without a speaker.
- 00:05:02.093 --> 00:05:06.264
- So when kevin mccarthy was ousted
- 00:05:06.264 --> 00:05:08.133
- And then a lot of other people tried to become a speaker
- 00:05:08.133 --> 00:05:10.435
- Until johnson finally became speaker.
- 00:05:10.435 --> 00:05:12.270
- So johnson is in a bit of trouble,
- 00:05:12.270 --> 00:05:14.539
- There is no doubt about it, because he has such a narrow
- 00:05:14.539 --> 00:05:16.741
- Majority in the new congress.
- 00:05:16.741 --> 00:05:18.543
- 1 or 2 people, who won't vote for him
- 00:05:18.543 --> 00:05:21.146
- And the democrats are certainly not going to vote for him.
- 00:05:21.146 --> 00:05:23.448
- This could be even more chaos
- 00:05:24.082 --> 00:05:25.784
- In the beginning of january on that topic about.
- 00:05:25.784 --> 00:05:28.820
- You know, i live a long way outside the beltway,
- 00:05:29.821 --> 00:05:32.123
- So i don't pretend to understand.
- 00:05:32.123 --> 00:05:33.892
- But when i start to look at
- 00:05:33.892 --> 00:05:35.393
- What's in that cr, it's amazing to me.
- 00:05:35.393 --> 00:05:39.130
- I mean, there's real money that's needed for the victims
- 00:05:39.130 --> 00:05:41.132
- Of the hurricanes in the carolinas,
- 00:05:41.132 --> 00:05:43.268
- But then there's also money in there
- 00:05:43.268 --> 00:05:44.569
- For a new stadium for the commanders.
- 00:05:44.569 --> 00:05:47.105
- You know, i'd like to expand the church.
- 00:05:47.105 --> 00:05:48.640
- You think we could fund that in this cr as well?
- 00:05:48.640 --> 00:05:50.809
- It just seems like a bizarre process to me.
- 00:05:50.809 --> 00:05:54.245
- It's a it's a complete, bizarre process,
- 00:05:54.245 --> 00:05:56.214
- And it honestly doesn't make
- 00:05:56.214 --> 00:05:57.682
- For the greatest country in the world.
- 00:05:57.682 --> 00:05:59.584
- How we make laws in this country is absurd.
- 00:05:59.584 --> 00:06:02.754
- We and both sides do it.
- 00:06:02.754 --> 00:06:04.689
- Republicans and democrats,
- 00:06:04.689 --> 00:06:05.824
- When they're in the majority,
- 00:06:05.824 --> 00:06:07.358
- They want to move bills so quickly that you can't
- 00:06:07.358 --> 00:06:09.894
- Physically read them before you vote on them.
- 00:06:09.894 --> 00:06:12.864
- And it's just a it's a terrible process.
- 00:06:12.864 --> 00:06:15.300
- Both parties have also tried to revamp the process.
- 00:06:15.300 --> 00:06:18.136
- Speaker johnson committed to a 72 hour
- 00:06:18.136 --> 00:06:20.905
- Waiting period to review bills, but on some bills,
- 00:06:20.905 --> 00:06:23.641
- Including this one that looks like it's already dead.
- 00:06:23.641 --> 00:06:26.010
- That was going to be thrown out the window.
- 00:06:26.010 --> 00:06:28.513
- So, this is something that need that we need some budget
- 00:06:28.513 --> 00:06:33.151
- Reform and spending reform and reading the bill reform.
- 00:06:33.151 --> 00:06:38.490
- Common sense.
- 00:06:38.857 --> 00:06:40.358
- Well, let's take a short break and we come back.
- 00:06:40.358 --> 00:06:42.360
- We'll talk about mr.
- 00:06:42.360 --> 00:06:43.328
- Trump's nominees for his cabinet and beyond.
- 00:06:43.328 --> 00:06:46.064
- More with bob cusack in just a moment.
- 00:06:46.064 --> 00:06:53.005
- More with bob cusack in just a moment.
- 00:06:53.005 --> 00:06:54.640
- Two one.
- 00:06:54.907 --> 00:06:57.243
- We're back now with the hill's editor in chief, bob cusack.
- 00:06:57.243 --> 00:07:01.213
- In record time, the president elect has put up several
- 00:07:01.213 --> 00:07:04.216
- Dozen nominees for his top administration positions.
- 00:07:04.216 --> 00:07:07.419
- One was withdrawn before it ever got to committee.
- 00:07:07.419 --> 00:07:10.322
- And a few others have been targeted for deeper questioning.
- 00:07:10.322 --> 00:07:13.425
- Robert f kennedy jr,
- 00:07:13.425 --> 00:07:14.827
- Tulsi gabbard and pete hegseth among them.
- 00:07:14.827 --> 00:07:17.863
- But we've also heard that the trump team
- 00:07:17.863 --> 00:07:19.832
- Is keeping a close
- 00:07:19.832 --> 00:07:20.699
- Watch on any republicans
- 00:07:20.699 --> 00:07:22.601
- Who don't go along with the president elect's choices.
- 00:07:22.601 --> 00:07:25.638
- What's at risk for those republicans?
- 00:07:25.638 --> 00:07:29.041
- Well, a lot, their jobs.
- 00:07:29.575 --> 00:07:31.710
- When trump, wades into congressional leadership
- 00:07:31.710 --> 00:07:36.649
- Races, whether, john thune should replace mitch
- 00:07:36.649 --> 00:07:40.119
- Mcconnell as majority leader or who the speaker should be,
- 00:07:40.119 --> 00:07:43.155
- He has some sway, but not a ton of sway,
- 00:07:43.155 --> 00:07:45.591
- Because those are popularity contest.
- 00:07:45.591 --> 00:07:47.359
- Those are also allen secret ballots.
- 00:07:47.359 --> 00:07:49.995
- But voting on bills is not a secret ballot.
- 00:07:49.995 --> 00:07:52.932
- So, if you're not voting with trump, and he's
- 00:07:52.932 --> 00:07:56.702
- Threatening you with a primary, you've got to be very concerned
- 00:07:56.702 --> 00:08:00.506
- Because trump has followed through with that promise.
- 00:08:00.506 --> 00:08:02.708
- And trump maga world
- 00:08:02.708 --> 00:08:04.043
- Has gone after people who've crossed trump,
- 00:08:04.043 --> 00:08:06.512
- Especially the people, who voted to impeach him.
- 00:08:06.512 --> 00:08:09.782
- The first and second times.
- 00:08:09.782 --> 00:08:12.084
- And they've largely been successful.
- 00:08:12.084 --> 00:08:14.286
- So if you're not with trump, you could lose your job.
- 00:08:14.286 --> 00:08:17.923
- And that gets republicans on the hill very nervous.
- 00:08:17.923 --> 00:08:21.293
- We've had some technical difficulties
- 00:08:21.293 --> 00:08:23.195
- Maintaining our signal,
- 00:08:23.195 --> 00:08:24.263
- But we're going to continue this interview.
- 00:08:24.263 --> 00:08:26.131
- We've just moved bob over to his telephone.
- 00:08:26.131 --> 00:08:28.601
- Bob, your answers were so good. you broke the internet.
- 00:08:28.601 --> 00:08:32.871
- Thank you.
- 00:08:33.172 --> 00:08:33.672
- Alan. i appreciate
- 00:08:33.672 --> 00:08:35.741
- I want to follow up the first time mr.
- 00:08:35.741 --> 00:08:37.876
- Trump came to the white house.
- 00:08:37.876 --> 00:08:39.211
- It felt like to me
- 00:08:39.211 --> 00:08:40.879
- He had a lot of headwind from traditional republicans.
- 00:08:40.879 --> 00:08:43.782
- This time, he's coming to the white house,
- 00:08:43.782 --> 00:08:45.451
- And it seems to me he's really leading the party.
- 00:08:45.451 --> 00:08:48.020
- Is that perspective correct?
- 00:08:48.020 --> 00:08:49.989
- No, i absolutely i think it is.
- 00:08:49.989 --> 00:08:51.590
- You know,
- 00:08:51.590 --> 00:08:52.758
- When trump won the first time, he had a lot of resistance
- 00:08:52.758 --> 00:08:55.361
- Within the republican party.
- 00:08:55.361 --> 00:08:57.162
- Now he's driving the bus, especially on, on, on the border
- 00:08:57.162 --> 00:09:01.433
- And the wall, which was not a top priority
- 00:09:01.433 --> 00:09:03.469
- For congressional republicans, in trump's first term.
- 00:09:03.469 --> 00:09:06.672
- And it frustrated trump.
- 00:09:06.672 --> 00:09:08.040
- Now trump is is going to be doing border
- 00:09:08.040 --> 00:09:10.776
- And immigration stuff right out of the gate. why?
- 00:09:10.776 --> 00:09:13.178
- Because everyone is following him this time,
- 00:09:13.178 --> 00:09:16.181
- Not fighting him.
- 00:09:16.181 --> 00:09:17.483
- Not everyone was fighting him the first time around,
- 00:09:17.483 --> 00:09:19.652
- But a lot of republicans were. there are very few of them now.
- 00:09:19.652 --> 00:09:23.355
- Wow. well, let's move to tick tock.
- 00:09:24.123 --> 00:09:26.525
- There's a bill in place that would ban tick tock.
- 00:09:26.525 --> 00:09:29.161
- If it's not sold and turned over to management.
- 00:09:29.161 --> 00:09:31.830
- That is arm's length from the chinese government.
- 00:09:31.830 --> 00:09:34.667
- Republicans and some democrats, including
- 00:09:34.667 --> 00:09:36.902
- Josh gottheimer from new jersey.
- 00:09:36.902 --> 00:09:40.606
- Were very concerned that you have china
- 00:09:40.606 --> 00:09:42.808
- Are our number one adversary or the government of china
- 00:09:42.808 --> 00:09:45.811
- Along or others like iran or russia or north korea,
- 00:09:45.811 --> 00:09:48.747
- Controlling information
- 00:09:48.747 --> 00:09:50.382
- Into the united states of america
- 00:09:50.382 --> 00:09:51.850
- And pushing false information out, especially to young people,
- 00:09:51.850 --> 00:09:55.621
- When if you're under 30, this is the number one place
- 00:09:55.621 --> 00:09:58.057
- You get your news from.
- 00:09:58.057 --> 00:09:59.892
- What's the feeling on the hill about
- 00:09:59.892 --> 00:10:01.460
- Whether this ban should happen?
- 00:10:01.460 --> 00:10:04.496
- Well, it's interesting, it's split because you have
- 00:10:04.496 --> 00:10:07.099
- The national security concerns.
- 00:10:07.099 --> 00:10:08.867
- Alan, you've also got
- 00:10:08.867 --> 00:10:10.002
- First amendment concerns, which are clashing.
- 00:10:10.002 --> 00:10:13.172
- And, and, obviously the courts have been involved
- 00:10:13.172 --> 00:10:16.642
- In this supreme court, tackling it as well.
- 00:10:16.642 --> 00:10:20.079
- So, this is something that did pass congress.
- 00:10:20.079 --> 00:10:23.015
- That was i wasn't sure it was going to pass congress. it did.
- 00:10:23.015 --> 00:10:25.951
- But whether it actually happens remains to be seen.
- 00:10:25.951 --> 00:10:29.922
- All right, well, tell us
- 00:10:30.456 --> 00:10:31.423
- What's being planned to address immigration.
- 00:10:31.423 --> 00:10:33.892
- The stories of crime, sex trafficking and gang
- 00:10:33.892 --> 00:10:36.228
- Takeovers are multiplying.
- 00:10:36.228 --> 00:10:38.097
- Is there anything in the works that offers hope?
- 00:10:38.097 --> 00:10:41.433
- Well, yeah, as far as that,
- 00:10:41.433 --> 00:10:43.202
- You're going to see, donald trump when he's inaugurated
- 00:10:43.202 --> 00:10:47.306
- Soon thereafter on day one, he's
- 00:10:47.306 --> 00:10:49.174
- Going to have a slew of immigration executive actions.
- 00:10:49.174 --> 00:10:52.478
- He wants to
- 00:10:52.478 --> 00:10:53.879
- Speaking of the courts go after birthright citizenship, but,
- 00:10:53.879 --> 00:10:57.583
- He and his border czar,
- 00:10:57.583 --> 00:10:59.451
- Tom homan,
- 00:10:59.451 --> 00:11:00.486
- Want to be very aggressive, certainly deporting
- 00:11:00.486 --> 00:11:03.655
- Criminals who are in the country illegally.
- 00:11:03.655 --> 00:11:06.725
- So that's going to be the first priority.
- 00:11:06.725 --> 00:11:08.994
- There's but but while, immigration and border
- 00:11:08.994 --> 00:11:12.865
- Legislation is tough to pass in, in congress,
- 00:11:12.865 --> 00:11:16.335
- Trump could do a lot,
- 00:11:16.835 --> 00:11:18.036
- Administratively through executive actions
- 00:11:18.036 --> 00:11:20.873
- And through regulations or regulations,
- 00:11:20.873 --> 00:11:23.976
- To deal with immigration.
- 00:11:23.976 --> 00:11:25.244
- But that's going to be his top issue.
- 00:11:25.244 --> 00:11:27.246
- I think taxes is going to be right behind it
- 00:11:27.246 --> 00:11:29.248
- With the economy.
- 00:11:29.248 --> 00:11:30.449
- But immigration, is very, very important to donald trump.
- 00:11:30.449 --> 00:11:35.754
- I've got a further question about priorities.
- 00:11:36.688 --> 00:11:39.224
- Mr. trump wants to strengthen our military,
- 00:11:39.224 --> 00:11:41.493
- Given the multiple threats in the middle east and china,
- 00:11:41.493 --> 00:11:44.229
- Do you think he's going to get what he wants?
- 00:11:44.229 --> 00:11:46.665
- I think he's going to get some of what he wants.
- 00:11:46.665 --> 00:11:48.801
- But one of the tough issues
- 00:11:48.801 --> 00:11:51.103
- When you win a campaign is you got to govern.
- 00:11:51.103 --> 00:11:53.305
- And one of the issues that really neither party
- 00:11:53.305 --> 00:11:56.341
- Has, has dealt with in recent years is the debt.
- 00:11:56.341 --> 00:11:59.645
- So a lot of republicans want to pass
- 00:11:59.645 --> 00:12:01.780
- An extension of the trump tax cuts.
- 00:12:01.780 --> 00:12:03.582
- They want to increase defense spending.
- 00:12:03.582 --> 00:12:05.784
- Makes sense, especially with the threats around the globe,
- 00:12:05.784 --> 00:12:09.922
- Especially china and russia and north korea and iran.
- 00:12:09.922 --> 00:12:13.292
- I mean, there's a long list.
- 00:12:13.292 --> 00:12:14.927
- So i do think there will be a boost in defense
- 00:12:14.927 --> 00:12:17.729
- Spending will be as big as some of the defense hawks want.
- 00:12:17.729 --> 00:12:20.999
- Probably not.
- 00:12:20.999 --> 00:12:22.067
- And i do think the republicans
- 00:12:22.067 --> 00:12:23.402
- Are going to have to get some handle on the debt and deficit.
- 00:12:23.402 --> 00:12:27.206
- At some point, some party or both parties probably,
- 00:12:27.206 --> 00:12:30.876
- You know, that's the only way is probably going to get done,
- 00:12:30.876 --> 00:12:32.644
- Are going to have to come together
- 00:12:32.644 --> 00:12:34.012
- And deal with the insolvency of medicare,
- 00:12:34.012 --> 00:12:36.515
- The insolvency of social security.
- 00:12:36.515 --> 00:12:38.150
- The both headed for bankruptcy, but, $36 trillion of debt that
- 00:12:38.150 --> 00:12:42.454
- That's a lot of debt.
- 00:12:42.454 --> 00:12:44.289
- You know, that would be a courageous leadership
- 00:12:45.190 --> 00:12:46.925
- We haven't seen in washington, dc in a long time.
- 00:12:46.925 --> 00:12:49.661
- Can you give us an idea
- 00:12:49.661 --> 00:12:50.696
- Just of what a first step or two might look like?
- 00:12:50.696 --> 00:12:53.165
- So we will recognize it when we see it?
- 00:12:53.165 --> 00:12:55.834
- Well, certainly cutting government
- 00:12:55.834 --> 00:12:57.769
- And cutting government jobs is going to be a first step.
- 00:12:57.769 --> 00:13:00.572
- Now, budget wise, it's not going to add up to a lot
- 00:13:00.572 --> 00:13:03.008
- When you're talking about $36 trillion, of the nation's debt.
- 00:13:03.008 --> 00:13:07.446
- That said, i do think that you can make cuts,
- 00:13:07.446 --> 00:13:11.283
- To the executive branch.
- 00:13:11.283 --> 00:13:14.086
- That can be meaningful.
- 00:13:14.086 --> 00:13:15.888
- But when you're talking long term, alan,
- 00:13:15.888 --> 00:13:18.123
- You've got to deal with the big spenders.
- 00:13:18.123 --> 00:13:20.292
- And what are the big spenders?
- 00:13:20.292 --> 00:13:21.927
- Medicare, which is very popular.
- 00:13:21.927 --> 00:13:23.662
- Social security, very popular defense spending.
- 00:13:23.662 --> 00:13:25.731
- Very popular.
- 00:13:25.731 --> 00:13:26.798
- But you're going to have to reform those programs
- 00:13:26.798 --> 00:13:29.067
- And make them more efficient.
- 00:13:29.067 --> 00:13:30.702
- Now, a lot of a lot of times
- 00:13:30.702 --> 00:13:32.905
- You can get out of debt
- 00:13:32.905 --> 00:13:33.839
- By growing, but i think it's going to have
- 00:13:33.839 --> 00:13:35.574
- To be a combination of growth and reforms passed by congress,
- 00:13:35.574 --> 00:13:39.344
- A courageous congress that we have not seen in many years.
- 00:13:39.344 --> 00:13:43.548
- Well, i pray they find the courage
- 00:13:44.316 --> 00:13:45.751
- To do the right thing for all of us.
- 00:13:45.751 --> 00:13:48.287
- Bob cusack,
- 00:13:48.287 --> 00:13:49.388
- I hope you get to have some family time over christmas
- 00:13:49.388 --> 00:13:51.356
- Week. and i want to thank you
- 00:13:51.356 --> 00:13:52.724
- For carving out the time with us today.
- 00:13:52.724 --> 00:13:55.193
- Thanks, alan. happy holidays.
- 00:13:55.193 --> 00:13:56.595
- Have a great christmas.
- 00:13:56.595 --> 00:13:58.664
- Merry christmas to you.
- 00:13:58.664 --> 00:14:00.165
- And in a moment, i'll have a few thoughts
- 00:14:00.165 --> 00:14:01.867
- From a biblical perspective to help us process all this change.
- 00:14:01.867 --> 00:14:05.704
- And later, your emails reacting to the show.
- 00:14:05.704 --> 00:14:08.874
- Stay with us.
- 00:14:08.874 --> 00:14:15.005
- Stay with us.
- 00:14:15.005 --> 00:14:17.785
- We never.
- 00:14:18.085 --> 00:14:19.153
- Whenever we have a conversation with those people
- 00:14:19.153 --> 00:14:20.654
- Who live and work in washington, d.c.,
- 00:14:20.654 --> 00:14:22.990
- We get a very consistent message that d.c.
- 00:14:22.990 --> 00:14:25.759
- Is very difficult environment in which to introduce change.
- 00:14:25.759 --> 00:14:29.830
- They resist it, they fight it.
- 00:14:29.830 --> 00:14:31.398
- They they'll do anything in their power
- 00:14:31.398 --> 00:14:33.033
- To maintain the status quo.
- 00:14:33.033 --> 00:14:34.902
- But as much as i
- 00:14:34.902 --> 00:14:36.070
- Want to get agitated about those political politicians
- 00:14:36.070 --> 00:14:39.340
- That have been there
- 00:14:39.340 --> 00:14:40.374
- For decades, the reality i live in church world.
- 00:14:40.374 --> 00:14:42.977
- We don't like change.
- 00:14:42.977 --> 00:14:44.778
- We want to sit in the same seat, park in the same spot, read
- 00:14:44.778 --> 00:14:48.282
- The same translation,
- 00:14:48.282 --> 00:14:49.750
- Maintain the same routine in our worship calendar.
- 00:14:49.750 --> 00:14:52.853
- We don't want anything to change.
- 00:14:52.853 --> 00:14:55.089
- So i think
- 00:14:55.089 --> 00:14:56.323
- Before we can imagine, there's going to be significant sweeping
- 00:14:56.323 --> 00:14:58.892
- Change and reform in those that are providing leadership
- 00:14:58.892 --> 00:15:01.929
- To our nation.
- 00:15:01.929 --> 00:15:03.163
- We're going to have to have
- 00:15:03.163 --> 00:15:04.098
- The imagination that we can be individuals
- 00:15:04.098 --> 00:15:06.567
- Who can process change. we've got to be different.
- 00:15:06.567 --> 00:15:09.370
- I know that's not comfortable.
- 00:15:09.370 --> 00:15:10.637
- We'd rather point our fingers at somebody else
- 00:15:10.637 --> 00:15:12.573
- And say, you be different.
- 00:15:12.573 --> 00:15:14.108
- But i believe with all of my heart,
- 00:15:14.108 --> 00:15:15.576
- God is looking at his people,
- 00:15:15.576 --> 00:15:17.378
- His covenant people, the people of faith, the christ followers.
- 00:15:17.378 --> 00:15:20.748
- Right now, in this season, on the heels of this election
- 00:15:20.748 --> 00:15:24.184
- And asking us if we're willing to be different.
- 00:15:24.184 --> 00:15:26.820
- It's christmas time.
- 00:15:26.820 --> 00:15:28.155
- Christmas is about change.
- 00:15:28.155 --> 00:15:29.857
- The incarnation god sent his son,
- 00:15:29.857 --> 00:15:32.593
- He said when the time was just right, god sent his son
- 00:15:32.593 --> 00:15:36.063
- To reconcile
- 00:15:36.063 --> 00:15:37.197
- All humanity to himself, to take down the dividing wall
- 00:15:37.197 --> 00:15:40.267
- Between jew and gentile.
- 00:15:40.267 --> 00:15:42.036
- All the things that have separated us,
- 00:15:42.036 --> 00:15:43.604
- All the boundaries that we put in place,
- 00:15:43.604 --> 00:15:45.773
- All of the places
- 00:15:45.773 --> 00:15:46.540
- Where we've established pride
- 00:15:46.540 --> 00:15:47.975
- And certainty that we were better than someone else.
- 00:15:47.975 --> 00:15:50.778
- Now we stand under the lordship of jesus.
- 00:15:50.778 --> 00:15:53.781
- So as we walk towards this christmas, i want to invite you
- 00:15:53.781 --> 00:15:57.051
- To begin to quietly say to the lord,
- 00:15:57.051 --> 00:15:59.953
- I'm willing to be different.
- 00:15:59.953 --> 00:16:01.622
- What places in my life would you like to initiate change?
- 00:16:01.622 --> 00:16:05.125
- What habits can i lay aside?
- 00:16:05.125 --> 00:16:06.627
- What habits can i put in place?
- 00:16:06.627 --> 00:16:08.529
- What change will you bring to me if we'll do that?
- 00:16:08.529 --> 00:16:11.932
- I believe with all of my heart
- 00:16:11.932 --> 00:16:13.600
- We'll see changes on a national level
- 00:16:13.600 --> 00:16:15.602
- That will bring a better future
- 00:16:15.602 --> 00:16:16.904
- For our children and our grandchildren.
- 00:16:16.904 --> 00:16:18.972
- And with that, there's more reasons for hope than despair.
- 00:16:18.972 --> 00:16:22.943
- I'll be back with your emails in just a moment.
- 00:16:22.943 --> 00:16:25.279
- Stay with us.
- 00:16:25.279 --> 00:16:32.001
- Stay with us.
- 00:16:32.001 --> 00:16:34.353
- Thank you for taking the time
- 00:16:34.987 --> 00:16:36.422
- To send us your emails, your thoughts and perspectives.
- 00:16:36.422 --> 00:16:39.559
- They're important to us.
- 00:16:39.559 --> 00:16:41.194
- Diane from massachusetts.
- 00:16:41.194 --> 00:16:43.162
- I work as a school psychologist.
- 00:16:43.162 --> 00:16:44.997
- We have lgbtq plus month and afterschool groups,
- 00:16:44.997 --> 00:16:48.801
- As well as many of the offensive books
- 00:16:48.801 --> 00:16:50.736
- You've seen in libraries across the country.
- 00:16:50.736 --> 00:16:53.139
- I've tried to start an after school without school
- 00:16:53.139 --> 00:16:55.675
- Funding group for christians
- 00:16:55.675 --> 00:16:57.343
- And have been shot down in my efforts.
- 00:16:57.343 --> 00:16:59.312
- I've been told that all groups must be thoroughly inclusive
- 00:16:59.312 --> 00:17:02.048
- And cannot teach any bible readings
- 00:17:02.048 --> 00:17:03.749
- Or christian principles.
- 00:17:03.749 --> 00:17:05.351
- Please have your readers pray for me as i'm still trying,
- 00:17:05.351 --> 00:17:08.221
- As i feel their civil rights are being violated.
- 00:17:08.221 --> 00:17:10.890
- And there are many students interested in such a gathering.
- 00:17:10.890 --> 00:17:13.559
- Thank you again for all you do, pastor jackson.
- 00:17:13.559 --> 00:17:16.429
- Well, diane, i want to thank you for your efforts.
- 00:17:16.429 --> 00:17:18.865
- I believe it's an absolute necessity that we take our faith
- 00:17:18.865 --> 00:17:22.368
- Back to school.
- 00:17:22.368 --> 00:17:23.903
- We've been quiet and polite and withdrawn
- 00:17:23.903 --> 00:17:26.305
- From the public arena when one person
- 00:17:26.305 --> 00:17:28.374
- Raised their hands and said they didn't agree.
- 00:17:28.374 --> 00:17:30.776
- And yet, we see in almost every place we look,
- 00:17:30.776 --> 00:17:33.479
- A worldview and agenda being pushed
- 00:17:33.479 --> 00:17:35.815
- By corporate america, by government america,
- 00:17:35.815 --> 00:17:38.417
- By academic america.
- 00:17:38.417 --> 00:17:40.386
- We've got to take our faith back.
- 00:17:40.386 --> 00:17:41.954
- Well, so, diane, you keep up with your efforts.
- 00:17:41.954 --> 00:17:44.190
- I believe we will see a change coming.
- 00:17:44.190 --> 00:17:46.993
- God is moving in the earth.
- 00:17:46.993 --> 00:17:48.661
- And i believe if we
- 00:17:48.661 --> 00:17:49.462
- Have the courage to stand up
- 00:17:49.462 --> 00:17:50.663
- For our biblical worldview and share those principles,
- 00:17:50.663 --> 00:17:53.299
- We don't have to be angry or belligerent.
- 00:17:53.299 --> 00:17:54.867
- We certainly don't need to be violent.
- 00:17:54.867 --> 00:17:56.335
- But we're going to have to be determined and persevere.
- 00:17:56.335 --> 00:17:59.238
- God will meet us.
- 00:17:59.238 --> 00:18:01.274
- Jeffrey in arlington, texas, he said,
- 00:18:02.074 --> 00:18:04.310
- How do you get out of debt? i'm concerned
- 00:18:04.310 --> 00:18:06.679
- That this is causing separation in my marriage.
- 00:18:06.679 --> 00:18:09.315
- What does the bible say and what is your opinion?
- 00:18:09.315 --> 00:18:12.818
- Well,
- 00:18:13.052 --> 00:18:14.387
- Too much debt will bring separation
- 00:18:14.387 --> 00:18:16.622
- In almost any relationship.
- 00:18:16.622 --> 00:18:18.858
- Your marriage isn't unique.
- 00:18:18.858 --> 00:18:20.593
- None of us can withstand that.
- 00:18:20.593 --> 00:18:22.395
- The bible tells us that the borrower is servant
- 00:18:22.395 --> 00:18:25.398
- To the lender.
- 00:18:25.398 --> 00:18:26.666
- And it encourages us to minimize our exposure to debt.
- 00:18:26.666 --> 00:18:31.070
- That takes a commitment, a plan.
- 00:18:31.070 --> 00:18:33.306
- It's not just an accident.
- 00:18:33.306 --> 00:18:35.041
- I live in nashville.
- 00:18:35.041 --> 00:18:36.509
- That's the dave ramsey country.
- 00:18:36.509 --> 00:18:38.644
- If you don't have a better beginning point than that, ask
- 00:18:38.644 --> 00:18:40.980
- Rabbi google.
- 00:18:40.980 --> 00:18:42.148
- Dave ramsey will give you the baby
- 00:18:42.148 --> 00:18:43.549
- Steps to walk out from under debt.
- 00:18:43.549 --> 00:18:45.484
- It makes a lot of difference.
- 00:18:45.484 --> 00:18:47.887
- Then maryland and nebraska
- 00:18:48.454 --> 00:18:50.156
- Said, i want to thank you for your program
- 00:18:50.156 --> 00:18:51.691
- And the bold stands you've taken for god's truth.
- 00:18:51.691 --> 00:18:54.293
- I pray that all your ministry
- 00:18:54.293 --> 00:18:55.461
- And your team's efforts will be protected,
- 00:18:55.461 --> 00:18:57.029
- Strengthened, and multiplied in the days ahead.
- 00:18:57.029 --> 00:18:59.632
- God give you all a peaceful christmas and a 2025.
- 00:18:59.632 --> 00:19:03.135
- You're helping me know god better, and i'm grateful.
- 00:19:03.135 --> 00:19:05.104
- Merry christmas.
- 00:19:05.104 --> 00:19:06.672
- Well, maryland. thank you.
- 00:19:06.672 --> 00:19:08.374
- This wonderful time of the year,
- 00:19:08.374 --> 00:19:09.742
- We get to celebrate the entry of god into time.
- 00:19:09.742 --> 00:19:13.279
- We're reminded that god intends to write a better story for us.
- 00:19:13.279 --> 00:19:17.450
- One of my favorite promises in scripture
- 00:19:17.450 --> 00:19:19.252
- Is that he says he's the author and the completer of our story.
- 00:19:19.252 --> 00:19:22.888
- He has that license.
- 00:19:23.356 --> 00:19:24.390
- That author has to keep rewriting the ending
- 00:19:24.390 --> 00:19:26.659
- Until he gets it just right.
- 00:19:26.659 --> 00:19:28.261
- I believe you'll do it for me.
- 00:19:28.261 --> 00:19:29.595
- And i believe you'll do it for any one of you.
- 00:19:29.595 --> 00:19:31.697
- It's christmas time. we've all got something to celebrate.
- 00:19:31.697 --> 00:19:34.634
- Well, if you haven't yet, take a moment
- 00:19:35.434 --> 00:19:36.969
- To send your email to comments at alan jackson now.com.
- 00:19:36.969 --> 00:19:40.339
- Your feedback and questions.
- 00:19:40.339 --> 00:19:41.641
- They do so much to shape our show.
- 00:19:41.641 --> 00:19:43.843
- I'm alan jackson.
- 00:19:43.843 --> 00:19:45.077
- You have a wonderful evening.
- 00:19:45.077 --> 00:19:45.077