The John Batchelor Show

SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-2-2026.
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(1) Liz Peek discusses the K-shaped economy, where wealthy retirees flourish while lower-income citizens struggle with inflation and high gasoline costs. The Iran war significantly impacts oil prices, threatening real wage growth.
(2) Liz Peek examines how voters in California's primary face economic decline, high taxes, and out-of-control crime. Republican Steve Hilton campaigns on common-sense changes to address quality-of-life issues as residents reject "woke" policies in major cities.
(3) Thaddeus McCotter discusses a Gallup poll revealing historically low economic confidence among independent voters. The Trump administration's foreign policy challenges, particularly regarding Iran, further complicate the domestic political landscape for Republicans before the midterms.
(4) Thaddeus McCotter reviews how political parties adjust after primary elections, highlighting internal conflicts between establishment figures and MAGA or socialist factions. President Trump remains focused on his policy priorities regardless of midterm election outcomes.
(5) Michael Toth examines Exxon Mobil's relocation to Texas, which was opposed by proxy firms ISS and Glass Lewis. Toth argues these advisory firms prioritize ideological ESG agendas over actual shareholder value and lack transparency regarding their motives.
(6) Michael Toth explains how Texas created specialized business courts and maintained a light regulatory touch to attract major corporations. The state is successfully challenging Delaware's dominance as the primary legal domicile for prominent American companies.
(7) Judy Dempsey reports that leaked accounts suggest the U.S. may expand nuclear-capable deployments in Europe to deter Russia. This strategy evaluates reactions to potential shifts in NATO's security umbrella as Europe takes more responsibility for self-defense.
(8) Judy Dempsey discusses the AfD party's rise in Germany, which exploits voter fear regarding globalization and deindustrialization. However, the populists lack pragmatic solutions for demographic challenges and the necessary economic reforms missed by previous leaders.
(9) Gregory Copley notes that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed as the IRGC maintains its "whip hand" over Iranian policy. Copley asserts that the IRGC prioritizes survival over settlements, using regional proxies to maintain strategic leverage.
(10) Gregory Copley analyzes reports of expanded nuclear deployments in Europe, describing them as psychological posturing. He views these signals as political maneuvering that does not substantially alter the military balance of power in Eurasia.
(11) Gregory Copley examines the political turmoil besetting the British Parliament as Keir Starmer faces internal challenges and the rising Reform Party. Concerns over illegal immigration and nationalism are replacing traditional class-based voting patterns in the UK.
(12) Gregory Copley notes that King Charles III maintains an active diplomatic schedule despite his cancer diagnosis. The King is focused on preparing Prince William for the throne while strengthening vital connections throughout the global Commonwealth.
(13) Mary Kissel discusses Secretary Marco Rubio's budget focused on Iran, Ukraine, and China. Rubio emphasizes hemispheric security and the need for strategic planning to address malign influences in Cuba and Venezuela.
(14) Mary Kissel critiques U.S.-China relations, arguing that Beijing is a totalitarian enemy. She advocates for strategic decoupling and realistic planning, rather than hoping for fair trade or stability from the current Chinese regime.
(15) Malcolm Hoenlein explains that Iran continues its "forever war" by funding Hezbollah despite ongoing truce negotiations. Prime Minister Netanyahu faces internal pressure while assessing potential ceasefires and the ongoing threat of Hamas rebuilding in Gaza.
(16) Malcolm Hoenlein notes that Hezbollah's tunnels and missile capacity remain a critical danger to northern Israel. He notes rising global anti-Semitism and the influence of regional actors like Qatar and Turkey in supporting extremist ideologies.
Two name fixes: Thaddius → Thaddeus McCotter in (3) and (4), and Elizabeth Peek → Liz Peek in (1) and (2) to match your established style. Say the word if Elizabeth was intentional for these slots.

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FEATURING THADDEUS MCCOTTER, 6-2-2026
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This dialogue explores the significant political and economic challenges facing the Republican party during an election cycle. The speakers highlight record-low economic confidence among independent voters, noting that current dissatisfaction levels rival those seen during the Great Recession and the 1980s. This domestic frustration is further complicated by a conflicting and confusing foreign policy, specifically regarding the administration's handling of Middle Eastern conflicts and the Iranian regime. The participants argue that the interconnected nature of global instability and domestic inflation poses a severe threat to incumbent candidates. Ultimately, the discussion suggests that unless the administration can demonstrate concrete economic progress and clear diplomatic leadership, they risk losing the support of critical swing voters.

(16) Malcolm Hoenlein notes that Hezbollah's tunnels and missile capacity remain a critical danger to northern Israel. He notes rising global anti-Semitism and the influence of regional actors like Qatar and Turkey in supporting extremist ideologies.
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(15) Malcolm Hoenlein explains that Iran continues its "forever war" by funding Hezbollah despite ongoing truce negotiations. Prime Minister Netanyahu faces internal pressure while assessing potential ceasefires and the ongoing threat of Hamas rebuilding in Gaza.
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(14) Mary Kissel critiques U.S.-China relations, arguing that Beijing is a totalitarian enemy. She advocates for strategic decoupling and realistic planning, rather than hoping for fair trade or stability from the current Chinese regime.
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