TPPF's Derek Cohen talks with Chance Weldon, Director of Litigation at the Center for American Future, to break down a new lawsuit challenging the federal machine gun ban.

Second Amendment aside, does Congress even have the constitutional authority under the Commerce Clause to ban machine gun possession? Find out how a win could reshape federal regulation far beyond firearms.

1:09 – Overview of the Fifth Circuit case & Judge Willett's unique concurrence
1:52 – National Firearms Act (NFA) structure: bans, taxes, registration
2:22 – Why this challenge is Article I / Commerce Clause (not Second Amendment)
4:41 – What the Commerce Clause actually allows (channels, instrumentalities, substantial effects)
5:58 – Post-New Deal expansion & pushback: Lopez (1995), Morrison, Raich
7:42 – Substantial effects test & aggregation (Wickard wheat example)
10:05 – Would Texas residents suddenly buy machine guns? State vs. federal power
12:16 – Government's strongest counterarguments & old Fifth Circuit precedent
14:23 – Why this Supreme Court might limit Commerce Clause overreach (Thomas, Gorsuch, Alito, Roberts)
17:19 – Broader implications: eviction moratorium, OSHA vaccine mandate, corporate reporting
18:51 – Why non-gun owners should care: unlimited federal power threatens liberty & federalism

In this episode of The Right Idea, Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with Sarah Steeby, Executive Director of the Napolitan Institute, to unpack the massive Democratic primary turnout surge in Texas, the hype around Rep. James Talarico's U.S. Senate bid, Republican challenges uniting the base, and whether Texas is really "turning blue" in 2026.

Sarah shares unbiased polling insights on the economy, immigration, Hispanic voters, transgender issues in sports/bathrooms, the "10-10-80" voter split, and why fundamentals — not vibes — win elections. We also cover open statewide seats, school choice, border security, moms as a key demographic, and national trends like Iran and the economy heading into November.

01:13 – Hot Take: March Madness VERY Early Previews
05:27 – Sarah Steeby joins: Napolitan Institute polling trends & is Texas turning blue?
06:05 – Fundamentals that matter: Economy, immigration, cultural issues
07:40 – Democrat exuberance vs. Republican apathy — independent factors?
09:01 – Trump base energy, traditional GOP voters, and party unity challenge
10:24 – James Talarico effect: Charm vs. policy reality
12:32 – Early polling traps & why November changes everything
14:54 – California transplants, misunderstood Hispanic voters & strong borders
18:02 – Empowering parents: "Who decides?" messaging for Hispanics & beyond
20:45 – Top issues for open seats: Economy, personal finances, national security
23:30 – Moms of young families as a rising force in Texas politics
25:51 – Reaching the 80% in the middle: Common-sense, respectful solutions
30:22 – True moderates in politics — can anyone crack the code?
34:10 – Why common sense doesn't raise money + media/data misalignment
36:04 – Open statewide races, Democrat legislative records exposed
44:46 – Prospects for substantive policy debates in 2026
46:22 – National outlook: Economy, Iran, and midterm risks for Republicans

Just in time for National Marriage Week and Valentine's Day, TPPF's Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen dive into the evolving landscape of marriage and family in America. Family policy experts Hannah Bruck and Noah Torres join to discuss declining marriage rates, fertility trends, cultural shifts like dating apps and "hetero fatalism," and pro-family policies to encourage family formation. This episode explores why fewer Americans are tying the knot and what policymakers can do about it.

01:10 - Hot Take: Worst Valentine's Day Gifts
04:20 - Guests Introduction: Hannah Bruck and Noah Torres
04:48 - Causes of Delayed Marriages: Technology, Dating Apps, and Economic Pressures
06:35 - What Young People Are Waiting For: Unrealistic Standards and Soulmate Myths
08:41 - Pro-Family Policy Philosophy: Family as the Core Unit of Society
14:10 - Cultural Communication: Convincing Young People Marriage Leads to Happiness
15:22 - Combating Social Media Echo Chambers and Influencer Lifestyles
17:07 - Who Are the Best Messengers? Celebrities, Pop Culture, and Community Leaders
18:56 - Role of Communities, Churches, and Friend Groups in Promoting Marriage
20:41 - The Success Sequence: Education, Job, Marriage – Path to Flourishing
21:44 - Pushback on Teaching Success Sequence in Schools
23:52 - Hetero Fatalism Explained: Why Boyfriends Are "Out" and Relationships Seen as Doomed
33:04 - Pushing Back: Policy and Culture to Restore Commitment
37:19 - Concern: Not Enough "Marriageable" People Due to Changing Expectations
39:10 - High-Connection Couples: Key to Satisfaction and Happiness
40:44 - Dating Apps: Still Destroying Relationships?
42:03 - Hurdles to Having Kids: Costs, Housing, and Cultural Parenting Pressures
44:50 - Politics and Marriage: Polarization, Tribalism, and Government Incentives
47:44 - Dating Across Political Lines: Focus on Love Over Ideology
49:45 - Conservatives and Pro-Family Government Policies: Tax Credits and More
52:10 - Marriage Tips and Communication Advice
53:57 - Future of Family Success Project: Parental Rights, TANF Reform, AI in Families