In The Tank (ep192) – “Debanking” Conservatives, Socialism, Sanders “Berns” Charter Schools

Heartland’s Donald Kendal, and Justin Haskins are joined by Jim Lakely in episode #192 of the In The Tank Podcast. This weekly podcast features (as always) interviews, debates, and roundtable discussions that explore the work of think tanks across the country. The show is available for download as part of the Heartland Daily Podcast every Friday. Today’s episode features work from Gallup, the National Center for Public Policy Research, and the National Review Institute.

In the first segment, Donald and Jim talk about HBO’s Chernobyl and how it takes jabs at the Soviet Union. However, Jim laments the fact that some younger viewers fail to recognize the difference between how the Soviet government handles the problem and how America would deal with the problem.

Branching off of that conversation, Donald brings up a new Gallup poll and its associated article titled “Four in 10 Americans Embrace Some Form of Socialism.” The trio talk about these findings and what is going on in the country that would lead to these numbers.

Next, Donald invites to the show David Almasi, vice president of the National Center for Public Policy Research. David joins the show to talk about the concept of “debanking.” Banks are allegedly closing bank accounts of some higher-profile conservatives based on their rhetoric. David talks about this and his experience with confronting JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon about this practice. After the interview, Jim and Justin give their take on this alarming and growing trend.

In the last segment, Justin responds to Presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders’ plan to restrict charter schools. The trio uses a National Review Institute article titled “Bernie Sanders Launches a Deeply Misguided Attack on Charter Schools,” as a leaping off point. Justin thrashes Bernie Sanders in a great rant on the matter.