Pundit Review Radio

Matt Lewis of Politics Daily is one of my favorite journalists covering politics in Washington. I invited him back on the show because he was among the first, on the day of the shooting, to call out those on the left who were using the tragedy to score, or attempt to score, cheap political points. Here is our discussion on the shooting and the attempts of the "professional left", to steal a phrase from press secretary Gibbs, to make this about politics. The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Bruce McQuain from Blackfive joined us once again for Someone You Should Know, our weekly tribute to the troops. Bruce spent 28 years in the U.S. Army and he is a veteran of the Vietnam war. He brings a perspective and understanding to these stories that we could never match. This week Bruce told us about Army 1st Lt. David R. Bernstein. From his Silver Star citation, "…while on patrol in Qutash, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. First Lieutenant Bernstein, under extreme enemy fire, risked his life in an effort to rescue one of his soldiers. Although suffering from a mortar wound, First Lieutenant Bernstein extracted the driver to safety, directed the security of his objective, and repulsed the enemy forces before succumbing to his wounds. First Lieutenant Bernstein’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the 4th Infantry Division, Combined Joint Task Force SEVEN, and the United States Army." The Someone You Should Know radio col

A Secret Gift: How One Man's Kindness--and a Trove of Letters--Revealed the Hidden History of the Great Depression. This was one of the best best books I have ever read. Written by Ted Gup, currently the chair of the journalism department at Emerson College, and before that, an award winning investigative journalist who learned the ropes from none other than Bob Woodward. So what is this Secret Gift? From the LA Times review, "On Dec. 18, 1933, an ad appeared in the Canton, Ohio, paper offering financial aid for 50 to 75 families to help them have "a merry and joyous Christmas." The benefactor asked simply that the applicants write of their "true circumstances" — and, when the letters arrived, felt compelled to help twice as many. Before Santa arrived, $5 checks from B. Virdot — as the paper noted, a pseudonym — reached 150 people. Virdot's identity remained a secret for 75 years, until his grandson, Ted Gup, opened a suitcase to discover a bankbook and the cache of letters. They could hardly have landed

We've had the honor of speaking with Michael Yon dozens of times from the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan these past five years. Last night, we caught up with Michael while he is in Thailand, recharging his batteries before returning to the front lines of the war in Afghanistan early next year. I checked the archives because I recalled a rather grim assessment of Afghanistan Michael gave us. That was back in August 2006. I wondered if after all these years, and lives, how he felt about the situation today. Michael was exceedingly cautious, but he did say that under the command of U.S. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus things are starting to improve. What's not improving is the Afghan's ability to govern themselves, starting at the top with President Karzai. Michael is a truly independent journalist, supported by his readers. Please support his work by checking out his amazing website, www.michaelyon-online.com What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio

Well, Producer Rob hit another home run with his suggestion that we do a light fun topic, a segment on Favorite War Movies. When it comes to movies, Producer Rob has a Rain man quality about him. The guy knows movies, what can I say. This was a ton of fun, had full lines for the full hour. I have quiet a nice list of movies to watch in the coming weeks! What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Bruce McQuain from Blackfive joined us once again for Someone You Should Know, our weekly tribute to the troops. Bruce spent 28 years in the U.S. Army and he is a veteran of the Vietnam war. He brings a perspective and understanding to these stories that we could never match. This week Bruce told us about Marine SGT Timothy Connors of Braintree Massachusetts, "There is nothing more intense or difficult than house to house fighting. And in our military it is up to the junior officers and NCOs to lead their troops in such fighting. When your read SGT Connors citation it is obvious that he is indeed one of those leaders who make our military the best the world has ever seen. And the grenade incident points to the sort of valor that is common and most of the times goes unrecognized." The Someone You Should Know radio collaboration began as an extension of Matt Burden’s series at Blackfive. Bruce does an incredible job with the series every week. The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here. What

The entire premise of Pundit Review Radio when we launched in 2004 was to bring the best of the blogosphere to the radio. We did that tonight by welcoming Edy Elfenbein of Crossing Wall Street, one of my favorite, must read financially focused blogs. It was long overdue, but it was great to finally have Eddy on after reading his excellent work for so many years. We touched on the Deficit Commission, Taxes, European Austerity and a whole lot more. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Retired Lt. Col. Ralph Peters has always been one of our very favorite guests on Pundit Review Radio. Last night he joined us to talk about the WikiLeaks mess, from what should should be done about the leaker, Private Bradley Manning to Julian Assange and our governments failure to protect its secrets. The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Chasing Classic Cars is the only TV show I DVR. There is much to like about the show, from the celebration of American car culture, the design, to the history of the cars and the stories behind the chase. Wayne’s passion for what he does is also a big part of the show’s appeal. It’s fun to watch someone having so much fun! His projects are fascinating and his clients range from Jay Leno to Wall Street titans to local car king Herb Chambers. The guys in his shop have seeming worked there forever, and the show places a real emphasis on family. Wayne’s daughter has autism and I admire all the work he does to raise money for Autism Speaks. Wayne could not have been more kind or gracious with his time tonight. I hope to get to meet him next weekend at the New England International Auto Show at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in the Seaport District. The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Rad

Obesity is an interesting topic all the way around, from its impact on the individual to the impact on healthcare costs and even the spirit of the country. Thanks to Adam Gaffin’s Universal Hub I came across an interesting blog by a local journalist and blogger named Michael Prager. Michael was chronicling his battle with obesity and his unique approach to dealing with it. He recently published a book called Fat Boy, Thin Man. I really appreciate his coming in to the studio and talking to us about his experience. The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Bruce McQuain from Blackfive joined us once again for Someone You Should Know, our weekly tribute to the troops. Bruce spent 28 years in the U.S. Army and he is a veteran of the Vietnam war. He brings a perspective and understanding to these stories that we could never match. This week Bruce told us about Master Sergeant Eric R. Gagne of Francestown New Hampshire. From his Silver Star citation, "Master Sergeant Gagne’s superb execution of reconnaissance and sniper operations ensured he was always at the forefront of the battle against a very elusive and determined enemy. While leading the battalion’s initial reconnaissance effort around the YTPP by personally locating and marking numerous IEDs, his gallant actions prevented significant U.S. casualties. His numerous exploits of marked distinction and courage in support of various Task Force missions greatly contributed to the permanent presence of U.S. forces in the former Al Qaeda safe-haven and to the Task Force’s success throughout AO Dragon." The Someon

Bruce McQuain from Blackfive joined us once again for Someone You Should Know, our weekly tribute to the troops. Bruce spent 28 years in the U.S. Army and he is a veteran of the Vietnam war. He brings a perspective and understanding to these stories that we could never match. This week Bruce told us about Staff Sgt. Christopher B. Waiters. From an excellent post at North Shore Journal, "His former XO said he was awed by Wait ers actions that day, but not surprised. “This wasn’t the first time Doc Wait ers put him self in harm’s way to help his boys out,” Price said. “He and Doc Miller went on hun dreds of patrols. The guys were always glad to have Doc Wait ers and Doc Miller along because they knew they’d do what ever it took to get our guys back.” Though he has only a sin gle Pur ple Heart, Wait ers sur vived a num ber of near misses. “He got hit in the head once in Buhriz in the hel met, got nicked in the shoul der on patrol with us one night north of Baqubah, had a water bot tle shot out from his face

One of the most amazing people that we have been fortunate enough to get to know thanks to Pundit Review Radio is Patti Patton Bader. Patti founded Soldiers Angels, an amazing group of volunteers who support service members and their families in countless ways. The amazing work of Soldiers Angels has been honored by everyone from Microsoft to the President of the United States. It was great to welcome Patti back to WRKO and Boston last night. We talked about a great annual fundraiser of Soldiers Angels, its called Project Valor IT. They purchase voice activated laptops for wounded veterans. It is an amazing gift to give someone that kind of tool to communicate with their fellow soldiers, their friends, families, others who are going through similar recoveries, etc. To date, Soldiers Angels has distributed more than 5,000 laptops. I cannot think of a better gift, or an easier way to directly support the troops than by supporting Soldiers Angels. The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here.

I half jokingly referred to our discussion of Massachusetts politics in the first hour of the program last night as the Kubler-Ross edition of the show. The Kubler-Ross model, commonly known as the five stages of grief, include denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. That’s what it felt like for me this week. DR Tucker has long been one of my favorite writers and bloggers on local politics. He’s a very thoughtful, reasoned man who also happens to be an exceptional writer. You can read him at Red Mass Group and Deval Patrick Watch. DR has joined us many times over the years and it was a great pleasure to welcome him back to WRKO once again. I wanted to talk to DR because of his post-election writing, it was unique in its optimism for the future of the Republican Party in Massachusetts. The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give vo

Of all the races i the country, there is noone I want to see win more than Sean Bielat. It's only partly because of Barney Frank's relentless arrogance, his failures on Fannie and Freddie and his unwillingness to take ownership, for anything. It's also because Sean is exactly the kind of person we need in politics, bringing with him a great education (Harvard/Georgetown MBA), business experience running $100M division of iRobot and military experience (Major in Marine Reserves). Even better, he has no intention of becoming a career politician like his opponent. The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680

As a voter, I feel as though we have two excellent candidates running for state Treasurer. Democrat Steve Grossman and Republican Karyn Polito are both experienced, qualified, serious people worthy of the office. That said, it doesn't mean that there aren't enormous differences between the two. They bring very different approaches to the issue of taxes and reform. One fought to prevent tax cuts, even when the economy was booming. One has a long record of trying to lower taxes. One candidate is for protecting the political class on Beacon Hill, the other is a true reformer. Two good candidates, two very different philosophies about government, spending taxes and reform. That's why I'm supporting Karyn Polito for State Treasurer. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Ta

Jon Golnik, the Republican candidate for Congress in the 5th district, returned to Pundit Review Radio recently to give us a campaign update in his race to retire Niki Tsongas. Fortunately, his campaign is going better than his attempts to debate his opponent. Like so many others in this Congress, Tsongas is running from her record, especially her Obamacare vote! That's ok Niki, we remember. I was joined in studio by Rob no, owner of the state's leading conservative political blog, Red Mass Group. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Bruce McQuain from Blackfive joined us once again for Someone You Should Know, our weekly tribute to the troops. Bruce spent 28 years in the U.S. Army and he is a veteran of the Vietnam war. He brings a perspective and understanding to these stories that we could never match. This week Bruce told us about Staff Sgt. Jason Navarrette. From his Silver Star citation, "With automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades exploding around him, he left the safety of his armored vehicle to engage the enemy. Staff Sergeant Navarrette and his fellow Marines eliminated and severely wounded several insurgents, and the ferocity of their defense held the enemy at bay. Finding themselves greatly outnumbered, they fought their way to the rally point where they realized one vehicle team was pinned down and had been unable to egress from the ambush site. Once again exiting the relative safety of his armored vehicle, Staff Sergeant Navarrette attacked the enemy and was subsequently wounded in the left arm. Ignoring his bleed

What a novel idea, an auditor for state auditor? Mary Z. Connaughton earned her reputation as a champion of long suffering Massachusetts taxpayers on the Turnpike board, and now she is poised to take over as auditor of the commonwealth. Considering her relevant experience, and the fact that her opponent can't distinguish between her primary and principal residence, this is an easy choice. Credible, experienced, proven. I'm with Mary Z. Connaughton. This interview is from Sunday, October 10, 2010, sorry for the delay in posting! What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Last night republican nominee for governor Charlie Baker joined us once again to talk about the key issues and differences between he and governor Deval Patrick. While the Sunday Globe had a very encouraging poll saying that "Baker Catches Patrick", it also said that nearly 1 in 3 citizens don't feel like they know Charlie Baker. I had to ask, who is Charlie Baker, private citizen? I also asked about a topic near and dear t my heart, social media and the role it plays in his campaign. He has some real momentum, and I think he has found his voice as the campaign has wore on. The more voters focus on the differences between he and the governor, on the most important issues, like taxes, spending and immigration, the better those polls should get for the Baker campaign. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolut