681: 'The reasonable right needs to stay involved and keep their foot on the gas'
Release Date: 02/25/2026
Plain Talk
In the world of journalism, it's a truth that we can tend to focus on the negative. "Safe airplane landings aren't news," the adage goes. There's a reason for that. The proverbial airplanes are supposed to land safely. When they don't, and when people and property are hurt, we want to know what happened, and why it happened, and who is responsible. Sometimes, though, it behooves us to talk about the planes that land safely. When we report about economic development programs, we tend to focus on the fails. The marginal companies that gobbled up lots of public dollars and then went out of...
info_outlinePlain Talk
In the world of journalism, it's a truth that we can tend to focus on the negative. "Safe airplane landings aren't news," the adage goes. There's a reason for that. The proverbial airplanes are supposed to land safely. When they don't, and when people and property are hurt, we want to know what happened, and why it happened, and who is responsible. Sometimes, though, it behooves us to talk about the planes that land safely. When we report about economic development programs, we tend to focus on the fails. The marginal companies that gobbled up lots of public dollars and then went out of...
info_outlinePlain Talk
Today marks the first official day of the Major League Baseball -- opening day! It's become a tradition on the Plain Talk podcast that Kelly Armstrong, first as a member of Congress, and now as governor of the great state of North Dakota, comes on the show to talk about baseball -- and just baseball -- on opening day. Armstrong is a fan of the Mets, and says that started when he was 10 years old, watching the famous (some might say infamous) 1986 Mets win the World Series. "If you couldn't fall in love with the New York Mets in 1986, you were doing it wrong," he said, "and I didn't even...
info_outlinePlain Talk
Today marks the first official day of the Major League Baseball -- opening day! It's become a tradition on the Plain Talk podcast that Kelly Armstrong, first as a member of Congress, and now as governor of the great state of North Dakota, comes on the show to talk about baseball -- and just baseball -- on opening day. Armstrong is a fan of the Mets, and says that started when he was 10 years old, watching the famous (some might say infamous) 1986 Mets win the World Series. "If you couldn't fall in love with the New York Mets in 1986, you were doing it wrong," he said, "and I didn't even know...
info_outlinePlain Talk
There is a furious national debate about the SAVE Act -- federal legislation backed by Republicans aimed at creating tough new national standards for election security -- and North Dakota occupies a unique role in it. Our state is the only state without voter registration. The SAVE Act, as it is presently amended, contains exemptions to maintain that status, and Sec. of State Michael Howe says that's appropriate, because current North Dakota laws already make our elections very secure. "I like to tell people North Dakota's been dealing with election integrity well before it was cool," he said...
info_outlinePlain Talk
There is a furious national debate about the SAVE Act -- federal legislation backed by Republicans aimed at creating tough new national standards for election security -- and North Dakota occupies a unique role in it. Our state is the only state without voter registration. The SAVE Act, as it is presently amended, contains exemptions to maintain that status, and Sec. of State Michael Howe says that's appropriate, because current North Dakota laws already make our elections very secure. "I like to tell people North Dakota's been dealing with election integrity well before it was cool," he said...
info_outlinePlain Talk
Angela Lipps is a Tennesee grandmother who, through no fault of her own, is making headlines in North Dakota, and the region, and the nation, for something you don't want to make headlines for. She was subjected to arrest at gun point, months of detainment during the extradition process, all because the Fargo Police Department used an artificial intelligence facial recognition tool to match her to security camera footage of a suspect who allegedly defrauded banks in North Dakota. Lipps was quickly released when her Fargo-based defense attorney, Jay Greenwood, submitted finaicial records and...
info_outlinePlain Talk
Angela Lipps is a Tennesee grandmother who, through no fault of her own, is making headlines in North Dakota, and the region, and the nation, for something you don't want to make headlines for. She was subjected to arrest at gun point, months of detainment during the extradition process, all because the Fargo Police Department used an artificial intelligence facial recognition tool to match her to security camera footage of a suspect who allegedly defrauded banks in North Dakota. Lipps was quickly released when her Fargo-based defense attorney, Jay Greenwood, submitted finaicial records and...
info_outlinePlain Talk
According to an AI analysis touted by thrice-failed statewide candidate Rick Becker, who is currently seeking a seat in the state Legislature in District 7, because I write too many articles about him. Is that an accurate diagnosis, or is this a case of yet another whiny politician trying to throw dirt on apt criticisms? We discussed it on this episode of Plain Talk, and whille me and co-host Chad Oban didn't agree with the criticism, we did find Becker's method to be a creative one, if perhaps more reflective of his mental state than mine. Also, Sen. Kevin Cramer recently criticizing...
info_outlinePlain Talk
According to an AI analysis touted by thrice-failed statewide candidate Rick Becker, who is currently seeking a seat in the state Legislature in District 7, because I write too many articles about him. Is that an accurate diagnosis, or is this a case of yet another whiny politician trying to throw dirt on apt criticisms? We discussed it on this episode of Plain Talk, and whille me and co-host Chad Oban didn't agree with the criticism, we did find Becker's method to be a creative one, if perhaps more reflective of his mental state than mine. Also, Sen. Kevin Cramer recently criticizing...
info_outlineReed Johson is a West Point graduate, tank commander, and law student who wants to serve in the North Dakota legislature. On this episode of Plain Talk, he told us he's not interested in getting elected to pursue trending topics from social media.
"I do not want to get dragged into the water on some of these more hot button social issues, and I want to focus more on how do we ensure the state of North Dakota is postured for long-term success and growth," he said.
In particular, he wants to serve as a check on far-right populists who promote an unreasoned, uncompromising approach to politics.
"I do really think the reasonable right needs to stay involved, and keep their foot on the gas in the state of North Dakota," he said. "We're very blessed here, and that's because of generations of competent political leadership."
"It takes a couple generations to build it, but it can also take a couple generations for it to go away," he continued. "I want to stay involved and keep up the good work that we're doing in the state of North Dakota"
Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss the takeover of an NDGOP District 28 delegate convention meeting, which saw a self-proclaimed parliamentarian simply wrest control of the microphone from a district chair.
Also, Sen. Jeff Magrum's bogus views on vaccines and colonoscopies, and listener feedback.
If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It’s super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you’re from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below.
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive