Check The Balance

Check The Balance
Podcast Description
For over 250 years the United States of America has pursued the notion of a ”more perfect union” and a government ”of the People, by the People and for the People.” Ideals which countless Americans have defended since our first day of existence. Unlike anything else, the belief in our Constitution defines us as Americans.
Yet - unlike any time in our history - the principles laid out by our Founding Fathers seem under attack and the staggering implications of a Constitutional Crisis seem uncomfortably real. Check the Balance is a podcast committed to understanding the threats to our Constitution. But perhaps more importantly Check the Balance is a podcast committed to providing a pragmatic and productive voice during a time of unreason. A touchstone intended to offer the guidance and resources that every American can use to preserve our constitution and democracy.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast addresses themes of constitutional integrity, political power dynamics, and the implications of current policies. Episodes feature discussions on topics like tariffs' impacts on the economy and the evolution of presidential power, exemplified in episodes such as Messy Matters and Terrifying Tariffs.

For over 250 years the United States of America has pursued the notion of a ”more perfect union” and a government ”of the People, by the People and for the People.” Ideals which countless Americans have defended since our first day of existence. Unlike anything else, the belief in our Constitution defines us as Americans.
Yet – unlike any time in our history – the principles laid out by our Founding Fathers seem under attack and the staggering implications of a Constitutional Crisis seem uncomfortably real. Check the Balance is a podcast committed to understanding the threats to our Constitution. But perhaps more importantly Check the Balance is a podcast committed to providing a pragmatic and productive voice during a time of unreason. A touchstone intended to offer the guidance and resources that every American can use to preserve our constitution and democracy.
Join hosts Jeff Hoffmann and Elliott Baretz in this episode of The Balance Political Podcast, where they delve into the complexities of tariffs and the decision-making process under the Trump administration. The discussion transitions to a broad, heartfelt dialogue with guest Jake Schenkein, covering key political and social issues from racial tensions to financial security. They explore the importance of the Constitution, shared values, and the power of common sense in today’s polarized climate. Tune in for a deep, authentic conversation aimed at elevating the middle voice of America.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
01:02 Tariff Tirade: Trump’s Economic Policies
04:11 Implications of Tariff Decisions 05:42 Concerns About Leadership and Decision Making
09:45 Introducing the Next Guest: Jake Shakin 11:24 Jake Shakin on Middle America and Common Ground
15:19 The Importance of Shared Values and Winning Together
21:32 Concerns for Future Generations 23:47 Racial Tensions and Personal Safety
25:35 Economic Worries and Retirement
27:42 Social Interactions and Rising Tensions 30:16 Optimism and Technological Advances
32:45 Reflections on Racism and Political Climate
35:17 The Importance of Checks and Balances
41:00 Closing Remarks and Podcast Promotion

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