Rational in Portland

Tully Kennedy is a bassist, writer and producer. He has been Jason Aldean's bassist for over 25 years and co-wrote numerous hits, including the Billboard #1 "Try That in a Small Town". Tully grew up in the small town of Redford in upstate New York. He received his first CMA Triple Play Award, for the Jason Aldean hits that reached #1 in a 12-month span: “Blame It On You”, “Trouble With A Heartbreak”, and “If I Didn’t Love You” (with Carrie Underwood). He was onstage with Jason Aldean and his other band members in 2017 in Las Vegas when a mass shooter opened fire on the band and about 22,000 audience members. More than 50 people died and hundreds were injured. A bullet barely missed Tully, hitting and lodging itself in his bass guitar. The day after the Vegas shooting, Tom Petty died. Five days later, Jason Aldean and the band did the cold open for "Saturday Night Live", covering and recording the Petty song "I Won't Back Down". Tully and his "Try That in a Small Town" co-writers have a podcast by the same name where they interview guests and discuss music, ideas, politics, and culture.

Max Steele is the author of the Substack "Recalibrate Portland." He discusses the etiology of the Democratic Socialists of America, how they ran successful candidates for Portland City Council, why he is a Zionist, and more.

Former Clatsop County DA Josh Marquis on prosecuting some of Oregon’s most notorious crimes, why he left the state, what brought him back, and what he believes happened to Portland.

Sgt. Aaron Schmautz, President of the Portland Police Association, updates us on the police ballot measure and the city's defunding of its police force by $21 million despite Portland ranking 47/50 for police per capita in the country.

Andy Chandler from NW Fresh co-hosts.

Elise Haas is a former television anchor. You may remember her from KOIN 6 News, Portland's local Portland CBS affiliate. Elise is now at Gallatin Public Affairs and is working on a public safety ballot measure called the Safer Portland Initiative, which will provide funds for the hiring, training and support of additional police officers at the Portland Police Bureau ("PPB").
Portland has one of the most understaffed police departments in the country.
Recently Portland Mayor Keith Wilson led the biggest round of police defunding in Portland history with a budget proposal to cut police funding by $21.7 million. Last month - in May 2026 - Portland City Council approved cuts to Portland Police Bureau ("PPB") of about $18 million. By contrast, in 2020, Portland City Council cut the police budget by $15 million.
Instructions for mailing in your signature for the Safer Portland Initiative can be found here.
Donate to Safer Portland here.