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Stubborn Things

Stubborn Things

By: AEI Podcasts
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About this listen

John Adams famously said: “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." In this era of knee-jerk partisanship and ideological posturing, Adams's warning is as important as ever. Tune in every other week as AEI's Jay Cost and Sean Trende draw on their wide-ranging base of knowledge and stubborn commitment to the evidence to understand what is happening in the world of American politics.Copyright 2026 AEI Podcasts Political Science Politics & Government World
Episodes
  • In Defense of the Filibuster
    Feb 12 2026

    On this week’s episode, Jay and Sean continue their focus on the Senate. In particular, they talk about the formation, history, and modern uses of the filibuster. Our hosts explain the rationale for the filibuster before addressing several criticisms of the procedure. In the second segment, Jay and Sean address the unexpected effectiveness Mike Johnson has shown as Speaker of the House. Take a listen!

    Remember to rate and follow Stubborn Things and stay up to date by following us on X @aei_STpodcast.

    Comments? Suggestions? Email us at StubbornThings@aei.org.

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    49 mins
  • Radicalism, Instability, and a Dysfunctional Senate
    Jan 29 2026

    This week, Jay and Sean zoom out from the ongoing immigration enforcement debate to talk about the history and politics of immigration. In the spirit of Stubborn Things, Jay and Sean try to make sense of various views – right, left, and center – on immigration and discuss the radical politics that prevents compromise and consensus. During the second half of the episode, they talk about Senate dysfunction and the upcoming Senate election in Texas. Take a listen!

    Remember to rate and follow Stubborn Things and stay up to date by following us on X @aei_STpodcast.

    Comments? Suggestions? Email us at StubbornThings@aei.org.

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    55 mins
  • From the Halls of Caracas to the Shores of Tripoli
    Jan 20 2026

    This week, Jay and Sean talk the Donroe Doctrine. They address the centuries-old historical precedent of American military intervention in the Western Hemisphere and analyze how the Trump admiration's forays into Venezuela fit into this story. On the second half of the episode, Jay interviews Sean about his experiences as an election lawyer and congressional map-drawing extraordinaire. Take a listen!

    Remember to rate and follow Stubborn Things and stay up to date by following us on X @aei_STpodcast.

    Comments? Suggestions? Email us at StubbornThings@aei.org.

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    53 mins
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