Katie Porter's meltdown, Operation Arctic Frost, and

Key Takeaways

The government shutdown is in its eighth day, with partisan deadlock over proposed Democratic spending increases.
An alleged FBI scandal, "Operation Arctic Frost," involved surveillance of at least 8 senators and 2 attorneys general.
Concerns are high that a prolonged government shutdown could halt paychecks for junior enlisted military personnel.
New York's status as a financial hub is debated, with companies relocating to Texas and a new Texas Stock Exchange.
Author Jack Carr's novel, "Cry Havoc," explores historical espionage during the 1968 Vietnam War, including the USS Pueblo incident.

The government shutdown entered its eighth day, with Democrats criticized for proposing legislation with significant spending increases.
Proposed spending includes Obamacare subsidies, rural hospital funds, and healthcare for undocumented immigrants.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise criticized House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Chuck Schumer's bill for its alleged $1.5 trillion in new spending.
The appropriations process is reported to be working, with all 12 appropriations bills having passed committee.
Senator John Cornyn attributed the shutdown to "Democratic dysfunction" and a desire to oppose former President Trump.

Host Hugh Hewitt highlighted that junior military members earning approximately $2,319 monthly could miss a significant portion of their income due to the shutdown.
Senator Dave McCormick confirmed the Senate Democrats' shutdown could halt pay for junior enlisted military personnel (E1s and E2s).
McCormick criticized this as "playing politics with the military and American citizens," emphasizing the financial vulnerability of service members.
Democrats are reportedly holding up a clean continuing resolution to attach spending priorities like Medicaid reform and healthcare for illegal immigrants.

The scandal reportedly involved the FBI surveillance of at least 8 senators and 2 attorneys general under the Biden administration.
Senator John Cornyn described the actions as "lawless" and a "sad day for the rule of law."
He called for a select committee investigation, suggesting involvement from former Supreme Court justices and senators like Ted Cruz, Tom Cotton, and Mike Lee.
The host drew parallels between this operation and indicting a presidential opponent, criticizing the administration's perceived targeting of political adversaries.

Former Congressman John Campbell commented on Representative Katie Porter's "meltdown" during a CBS interview.
Campbell suggested Porter appeared unprepared for direct challenges, contrasting it with her usual experience of favorable press coverage.
The guest speculated Porter might frame the incident as a politically motivated attack by Trump and Republicans.

The New York gubernatorial election discussion included predictions of significant drops in property values and a national recession under certain outcomes.
The host and guest debated whether New York City's status as a financial hub is shifting to cities like Miami or Dallas.
Companies are relocating to Texas, and a new Texas Stock Exchange in Dallas is presented as an alternative to 'woke' corporate policies in New York.
This trend is compared to corporations leaving Delaware for states like Nevada and South Dakota.

Author Jack Carr's novel, "Cry Havoc," is historical fiction set during the 1968 Vietnam War era.
The book aims to honor soldiers who served during 1968, a year marked by the USS Pueblo incident and the Tet Offensive.
The host commended Carr for his meticulous historical accuracy, including specific details like Browning High Power gunsmithing in 1968.
The conversation also touched on the media's perceived power to shape events during the Vietnam War, impacting public perception.

Carr's novel explores historical espionage events, including the USS Pueblo incident in 1968.
The narrative covers the capture of sensitive encryption materials by North Korea and potential Soviet involvement.
The host praised "Cry Havoc" for blending military action, espionage thriller elements, and accurate tradecraft.
Carr's research included incorporating authentic details and a Soviet perspective to recreate Cold War thriller genres.

The author discussed the extensive time and research required for "Cry Havoc," leading to its delayed release from June to October.
He emphasized the challenge of avoiding anachronisms and accurately portraying the 1968 Vietnam War era without hindsight.
The novel delves into historical espionage tactics, such as the exploitation of an IT individual by Soviet agents through manipulation.
Carr's work aims to represent historical warriors and their experiences accurately, drawing from OSS and WWII/Korea backgrounds.

The discussion addressed the evolution of military and intelligence leadership following World War II.
A trend of "failing upward" was noted, impacting conflicts from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan.
The conversation drew parallels between Vietnam and current conflicts, particularly concerning the issue of enemy sanctuaries.
Examples like Cambodia, Laos, Afghanistan, and Syria were referenced regarding the consequences of not eliminating safe zones for hostile forces.