Pundit Review Radio

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 Roger Hugh C. Donlon, the first man to receive the Medal Of Honor in Vietnam, as well as the first member of the Special Forces so honored. From his Medal of Honor citation, "Capt. Donlon was serving as the commanding officer of the U.S. Army Special Forces Detachment A-726 at Camp Nam Dong when a reinforced Viet Cong battalion suddenly launched a full-scale, predawn attack on the camp. During the violent battle that ensued, lasting 5 hours and resulting in heavy casualties on both sides, Capt. Donlon directed the defense operations in the midst of an enemy barrage of mortar shells, falling grenades, and extremely heavy gunfire. …Without hesitation, he left this sheltered position, and moved from posit

After hundreds of blog posts and thousands of tweets worth of enjoyment, I finally had the pleasure of welcoming Dan Riehl to Pundit Review Radio. You won't spend long on the right side of the blogosphere before you come across Dan's work being discussed. We stuck with the theme of the evening, a president completely out of touch with average Americans, on NASA, immigration, American exceptionalism and so much 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.

American Honor is a new, non-profit organization with a mission to help wounded warriors, and their caregivers, to get back into the workforce. What a great idea, and unfortunately, they are filling a real need. Stepahnie Davis, a Director at American Honor, joined me in studio to tell me about the organization, its mission and goals for the future. 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 Sergeant Jarrett Kraft. From his Navy Cross citation, "As numerically superior insurgent forces attacked Sergeant Kraft and the Marines in Al Fallujah, Iraq, he quickly organized and fearlessly led three assault forces on three separate attacks to repel the insurgents and ensure the successful advance of the battalion. With complete disregard for his own life, he placed himself between intense enemy fire and the men during each attack providing suppressive fire and leadership to sustain the fight and eliminate the enemy. Although grenades thrown by the insurgents rendered him momentarily unconscious during one assault, this did not dampen his spirit or determination. Undeterred, Sergeant Kraft continued to

In recent weeks we've used our little Sunday evening platform on WRKO to introduce you to the very strong crop of Republican candidates we have running for seats from the State House (Brad Marston) to Capitol Hill (Sean Beilat, Jon Golnik and Jeff Perry) This week, we met Keith Lepor, another string candidate running in the 9th congressional district against Steve Lynch. Like so many of the candidates above, Keith brings a fascinating and valuable personal and professional background to the race. "With nearly thirty years of professional, academic and research experience in international relations, international business and international studies, Keith Lepor lends a unique perspective on how to solve our nation’s most critical problems today -- abroad and most importantly right here on American soil. Mr. Lepor, author, foreign and business development analyst, consultant, speaker and recently combat photojournalist, combines his skills to communicate to and with people directly about the importance of

Last night we met Brad Marston, GOP candidate for state representative in the 8th Suffolk district, running against Rep. Marty Walz. We first noticed Brad because of his use of social media as a cornerstone of his campaign, so we talked about that, what's he's learned, some of the dangers of social media. We then turned to the issues he cares about most, jobs and the economy. We need balance on Beacon Hill. We need guys like Brad Marston up there fighting for us, and our wallets. 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 a story from 66 years ago to the day, June 6, 1944, D-Day, "Lt. Col. Cole was personally leading his battalion in forcing the last 4 bridges on the road to Carentan when his entire unit was suddenly pinned to the ground by intense and withering enemy rifle, machinegun, mortar, and artillery fire placed upon them from well-prepared and heavily fortified positions within 150 yards of the foremost elements. After the devastating and unceasing enemy fire had for over 1 hour prevented any move and inflicted numerous casualties, Lt. Col. Cole, observing this almost hopeless situation, courageously issued orders to assault the enemy positions with fixed bayonets. With utter disregard for his own safety and comple

Last night I spoke with political journalist and investigative reporter Allen McDuffee about his outstanding new venture, Think Tanked Blog. "Launched in the Spring of 2010 by independent journalist Allen McDuffee, Think Tanked is a blog specializing in original reporting and analysis on the influence of think tanks in the politics of Washington and beyond." What a great idea for a blog. Original reporting of an under covered, unappreciated power center in Washington. Kind of reminds me of what Tim Carney is doing at the Washington Examiner with his beat, covering the world of lobbying. The only problem I have with Think Tanked is that I didn't think of it myself. 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 r

The goal of Pundit Review Radio is because to bring the best thought leaders in the new media to the radio. In the world of legal pundits and law blogs, there is no better guest than Mr. Walter Olsen of the Cato Institute and Overlawyered.com. "Walter Olson has written a series of widely acclaimed books on our legal system, beginning with The Litigation Explosion and most recently Schools for Misrule: Legal Academia and an Overlawyered America (Encounter, 2011). On the web, he founded and continues to run Overlawyered.com, widely cited as the oldest blog on law as well as one of the most popular. The Washington Post has described him an "intellectual guru of tort reform". His writing appears regularly in such publications as the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, and he has been a columnist for Great Britain's Times Online as well as Reason. He has advised public officials at all levels, appeared on hundreds of broadcast shows including "Oprah", and testified before Congress" Tonight we talked abou

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 Spc. Erik Oropeza, "With Oropeza in the driver’s hatch, six U.S. soldiers headed north on a routine Stryker patrol down Main Supply Route Tampa along with another Company B Stryker. The bullets started flying less than 500 yards later. It was to be no ordinary day for the Manchus of Fort Lewis, Wash. By the time Oropeza returned to his unit’s outpost hours later, two of his fellow soldiers would be dead and three more severely wounded. For his courage in a fearsome firefight, Oropeza would be declared a hero. In February, the 22-year-old became the 21st soldier to receive the Distinguished Service Cross — the country’s second highest award for valor in combat — since the wars began in Afghanistan and I

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 a Marine legend, in honor of Marine Week Boston. Here is the incredible story of Gunnery Sergeant “Manila John” Basilone was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Purple Heart, the Navy Cross and the Medal of Honor. "John Basilone was born in 1916 in Buffalo, New York, one of 10 children of Salvatore and Dora Basilone. Reared and educated in Raritan, New Jersey, he gained local attention as a light-heavyweight boxer. He enlisted in the Army when he was 18 and served in the Philippines, where he picked up the nickname “Manila John.” He was honorably discharged in 1937, but, anticipating World War II, he enlisted in the Marines in July 1940. On October 24-25, 1942, Sergeant Basilone was in

In the past few weeks, we have interviewed the rising stars in the Massachusetts Republican party. In the wake of Scott Brown’s stunning victory, we are finally starting to see some legitimate competition in this state. There are some really, really good candidates running for Congress this fall, including Jeff Perry in the 10th district, running to replace retiring Bill Delahunt. Jeff is currently a state representative and is one of only two people on Beacon Hill smart and brave enough to vote against Romneycare. How would you like to replace Barney Frank with a Marine officer with a masters in public policy from Harvard and business experience running a $100 million division of iRobot? You can Retire Barney by supporting this man, Sean Bielat Tonight, we met Jon Golnik, a husband, father and small business owner who is running in the 5th district against Nicki Tsongas. Like all the other candidates, he’s upset with the direction of the country and is ready to do something about it. For Massachusetts Re

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 Sgt. Gregory Williams, "Sgt. Gregory Williams received the Army’s second-highest award for valor from Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. for what he did in a gun battle that ensued after an improved explosives device stopped his Stryker last year in Baghdad. Although injured himself, Sgt. Williams pulled his lieutenant from a smoldering Stryker, provided suppressive fire with a 50-caliber weapon and enabled first aid to be given to Soldiers burned by the IED blast. He was a squad leader in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1/5th Infantry, 1st SBCT, 25th Infantry Division. “When I want to talk about the quality of the force, I talk about Sgt. Williams,” said Gen. Casey. “(Soldiers like Sgt.

Jeff Perry returned to WRKO's Pundit Review Radio this weekend. We discussed the state GOP convention, Scott Brown's endorsement of his campaign. the Tea Party and a whole lot more. I have enormous respect for Jeff because he is fearless. He was one of only two reps on Beacon Hill smart and brave enough to vote against Romney Care. He knows who he is and what he believes in and is willing to fight for it. You don't want to miss how he handled a hostile caller, just perfect! We, not just Massachusetts, but the country, need to send men like Jeff Perry to Washington DC to reign in the out of control spending. 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

In hour two, Boston Herald business reporter Jay Fitzgerald and I discussed the Tea party coming to town this week. We began by speculating who would, and would not show up. Jay and I agreed that it was unlikely that Charlie Baker, for example, would be there. According to the people's paper, The Herald, Scott Brown will not be there either. The discussion to a turn when the inevitable issue of race and the Tea party's came up. Jay said he believed there was an element of racism in the Tea Parties. I countered that whatever that element was, it was no more, and probably less, than it would be in any gathering of a few thousand citizens. My personal opinion is that the Democrats are deliberately trying to stoke racial tension as part of a political strategy. It is despicable and shameful. The callers, tired of being labeled racists, went after Jay pretty good. Jay noted on Hub Blog this morning, "I was called a “moonbat” last night on Kevin’s show for daring to suggest that there were some racist

Last night on WRKO I welcomed back Jay Fitzgerald, business reporter with the people's paper, the Boston Herald. Jay is also a great blogger at Hub Blog, you should definitely check his blog out. In the first hour we discussed the three way race for governor and even touched on the gambling issue, which is kind of the same thing. 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 Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Lewis and Sgt. 1st Class Joshua D. Betten, "Once rescued, their report made it obvious that a large (at least 30-man) enemy force was massing to attack the base. But the quick and determined actions of these two Soldiers gave enough advanced warning that the base was spared an attack. Both men defended not only each other, but all of the men in the base by their quick and effective actions, and each was awarded the Silver Star for their bravery and quick response in the face of an overwhelming enemy assault." 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 R

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 Maj. Daniel A. Strelkauskas, "In June 2008, Strelkauskas was on dismounted patrol in Afghanistan when his team came under heavy machine gun and sniper fire, according to his medal citation. With fire coming from more than a dozen positions, he "ran deeper into the kill zone to drag a wounded Marine across open terrain to a covered position," the citation reads. He suffered multiple fragmentation wounds to his hands from rounds ricocheting near his position. He ordered critical air support of 2000 pound bombs which provided suppression of the enemy to allow movement of casualties. After the evacuation, the citation reads, Strelkauskas coordinated follow up airstrikes that killed an estimated 40 among the en

Last night we had our first chance to welcome Jeff Perry to Pundit Review Radio. Jeff is a state representative running to replace retiring Bill Delahunt in Congress. Jeff was personable, likeable and direct. He is that rare breed of politician who's words and deeds are in synch. Jeff says he is a fiscal conservative, and he backed it up by being one of only two state legislators to vote "No" on the boy it feels good but how will we ever pay for it Mass Health bill. That took serious political courage to stand on principle and against his friend and governor Mitt Romney. We sent Scott Brown to Washington and he's a breath of fresh air. I see many of the same qualities in Jeff Perry. Can Massachusetts send two fiscal conservatives to Washington in the same year? Yes We Can! 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 journa

They say there are nnot many things the left and right can agree on these days, here's one, Yalta: The Price of Peace is a great book! "The end of the Cold War has given scholars a chance to step back and take a more dispassionate look at those eight consequential days in February 1945. It is hard to imagine anyone doing so better than S.M. Plokhy in 'Yalta: The Price of Peace' ... colorful and gripping ..." -The Wall Street Journal "Harvard historian S.M. Plokhy has produced a gripping narrative of the eight days in February 1945 when the Big Three - Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin - convened the Yalta summit as World War II raged on." -The Boston Globe It was a real pleasure to welcome Harvard professor and author S.M. Plokhy to the WRKO studios last evening. Yalta is a topic where the mythology around it is pretty well set in stone. This book shows that much of it is wrong. The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Bos