Water Cooler Politics w/ Chris Arps

Chuck Schumer’s Bad Week, Democratic Infighting, and Black Voter Outreach with Dr. Cornel West

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (chris arps) — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 11:02:30 +0000

Chuck Schumer’s Rough Week:

Infighting among Senate Democrats.
Key congressional colleagues publicly criticizing Schumer’s leadership.
The growing divide between progressive and moderate Democrats.

Democratic Black Voter Outreach:

The party’s new initiatives to engage Black voters.
Whether the efforts are authentic or performative.
The potential electoral impact heading into 2026.

Interview with Dr. Cornel West:

His views on the current political climate.
The state of progressive politics.
Thoughts on the Democratic Party’s Black voter strategy.
Broader reflections on race, justice, and the future of activism.

A Deep Dive Into American and Israeli Politics with Dr. Guy Golan

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (Red Tail Strategies, LLC) — Fri, 9 Aug 2024 00:26:00 +0000

Dr. Golan has over two decades of experience in political communications and international relations. He is the coauthor of 'My Brother's Keeper: The Complicated Relationship Between American Jews and Israel' and currently serves as a professor at Texas Christian University.

We discussed how might American Jews vote in the 2024 elections, and what could this mean for U.S.-Israel relations?

Why is antisemitism rising on college campuses and how can it be addressed?

Why does Israel attract so much global attention, and why do people have such strong opinions about it?

How do Evangelical Christians support Israel, and why do American Jews and Israeli Jews view them differently?

Can American Jews be both liberal and pro-Israel, and what challenges do they face in balancing these views?

Democrats Outwardly Panicking; Trump Stumps in Brooklyn

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (Red Tail Strategies, LLC) — Thu, 30 May 2024 01:26:31 +0000

In this episode, I delve into the heated speculation surrounding Joe's potential nomination as the Democratic Party's candidate for President in the upcoming November election. What was once private conjecture among influential Democrats is now surfacing in public discourse, adding layers of intrigue and anticipation to the political landscape.

Meanwhile, we explore Trump's bold entrance and hero's welcome into Brooklyn where many Republicans would consider enemy territory, receiving a hero's welcome. This unexpected reception highlights Trump's appeal to non traditional Republican voters. But a contrasting tone for Trump at the libertarian convention where enthusiasm was definitely lacking.

Interview with Attorney Ken W Good about Zero Bail

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (Ken W Good, Becky Arps, Christopher Arps) — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 21:14:01 +0000

Ken W. Good graduated from Hardin Simmons University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He received a Master of Education Degree in 1986 from Tarleton State University, a part of the Texas A&M System. In 1989, he received his law degree from Texas Tech School of Law, where he was a member of the Texas Tech Law Review. Mr. Good has argued cases before the Supreme Court of Texas and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, along with numerous courts of appeals, including the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Mr. Good is married and has two daughters.

Website - www.pbtx.com

Podcast - https://www.thebailpost.com/

Blog - https://pbtx.blogspot.com/

Ken discusses with Chris and Becky how zero bail came about, some studies that have shown and where to go from here.

Trump Indictment, US Budget, VP Harris in Africa

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (Becky Arps, Christopher Arps) — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Is District Attorney Bragg going to pull the trigger on Former President Trump's indictment? Chris thinks he has to at this point.

House Republicans still haven't released a budget...is this a problem for them?

Chris explains why Vice President Harris needs to go to Africa and what we hope she can accomplish.

Debt ceiling, Trump Investigation, Silicon Valley Bank Failure

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (Red Tail Strategies, LLC) — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

President Biden and Speaker McCarthy are sparring about the budget and debt ceiling. Who are the winners and losers?

Is President Trump going to be arrested? What does it mean?

Silicon Valley Bank failure...who is at fault and why?

Circuit Attorney Removal, Selma, Does DeSantis have it

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (Becky Arps, Chris Arps) — Tue, 7 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Chris and Becky discuss parallels between Georgia and Missouri regarding removal of Democrat Circuit/District Attorneys.

Chris provides some history behind the Selma march and they discuss what it does and does not mean.

Becky asks whether Florida Governor Ron Desantis has what it takes to be the Republican Presidential Nominee in 2024.

Chinese Spy Balloon, DNC Primary Schedule, Gov DeSantis on DEI

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (Christopher Arps, Becky Arps) — Tue, 7 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Chris and Becky break down the Chinese 'weather' balloon that traveled across the country. Did the administration handle it well? What are the risks?

Why is the DNC changing the primary process and what does it mean for elections?

What is DEI all about and is what Gov DeSantis doing a good thing?

House Committee Assignments, War in China and Memphis Shooting

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (Christopher Arps, Becky Arps) — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Chris starts the new year with some changes in the format of Water Cooler Politics.

Why did Speaker McCarthy remove Congressmen Schiff and Swalwell and what is in play in a potential removal of Congresswoman Omar.

Are we at risk of war with China in 2025? What are the risks?

Last week the arrest video of Tyre Nichols was released. What should happen next and what shouldn't?

Interview W/ VA GOP Lt. Gov Candidate Winsome Sears

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (chris arps) — Thu, 27 May 2021 15:24:08 +0000

Winsome was elected to a majority Black legislative district! No other Republican has done that in Virginia since 1865: She consequently also became the first (and still only) Black Republican woman elected to the House, the first female veteran, and the first legal immigrant woman. Winsome is a mother, wife and is proud to have served in the United States Marines. She was also a hard-charging Vice President of the Virginia State Board of Education and received presidential appointments to the US Census Bureau (where she co-chaired the African American Committee) and the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. In addition to her Masters degree, Winsome also built a successful business as a trained electrician and understands the importance of helping small businesses thrive. However, Winsome is most proud of her community work leading a men’s prison ministry and as director of a women’s homeless shelter for The Salvation Army. Winsome is running to preserve the Republican Party principles of maintaining our values of human life and dignity, equal opportunity, protecting our Second Amendment rights, less taxes, encouraging entrepreneurship, and educational choice. Winsome understands the importance of expanding the Republican Party of Virginia to include new voters, such as building relationships with the Hispanic community and bringing conservative African Americans into the Republican Party. Source: https://winsomesears.com

Follow up with VA GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Glenn Youngkin

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (chris arps) — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 18:44:58 +0000

Chris has a follow up interview with Glenn Youngkin regarding the Virginia GOP Governor's race.

Chauvin Found Guilty; D.C. To Become 51st State?

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (chris arps) — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 23:49:11 +0000

Chauvin Trial Concludes; 'Mad Max' Waters Almost Causes Mistrial With Comments

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (Chris Arps) — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 10:48:20 +0000

The prosecution and defense rests their cases in the Derrick Chauvin trial." Mad Max Waters lives up to her nickname. How not to get shot by the police.

Interview w/ Virginia Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Genn Youngkin

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (chris arps) — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 11:00:00 +0000

After earning an engineering degree at Rice University and his MBA, Glenn and his wife Suzanne moved to northern Virginia. Glenn landed a job at The Carlyle Group, where he spent the next 25 years. Working his way to the top of the company, Glenn played a key role in building Carlyle into one of the leading investment firms in the world. His efforts have helped fund the retirements of teachers, police officers, firefighters and other front line public servants and supported hundreds of thousands of American jobs. Married for 26 years to his amazing wife Suzanne, Glenn is a dedicated father of four wonderful children. Their family journey has been and continues to be guided by their faith.

My thoughts on riots at the US Capitol

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (Chris Arps) — Fri, 8 Jan 2021 00:12:10 +0000

Chris gives an indepth analysis on the events that happened at the US Capitol. He gives some advice to the incoming Democrat majority and thoughts on how to bring this country together.

2020 Election Post Mortem

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (Chris Arps) — Mon, 9 Nov 2020 23:12:49 +0000

Chris provides analysis on whether the election was stolen from President Trump. He breaks down who showed up and who did't and provides thoughts on the future of the Republican party and African American outreach.

Are Democrats really United After Their Virtual convention? The Pitfalls of Universal Mail in Balloting.

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (christopher arps) — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 20:41:21 +0000

In this episode, we discuss if the Democrats are really united after their virtual convention? And we discuss the pitfalls of Universal Mail in Balloting.

Interview W/ Dr. Shelby Steele Pt 2

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (Chris Arps) — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 13:00:12 +0000

Part two of a two part interview with Shelby Steele, conservative author, columnist, documentary film maker, and Senior Fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution . Dr Steele specializes in the study of race relations, multiculturalism, and affirmative action. In this episode, Dr Steele discusses citizen unity vs black unity, the future of black lives matter, his views on Marxism and why it appeals to some blacks, and did he see the rise of Al Sharpton back in the early 90's.

Interview W/ Dr. Shelby Steele Pt 1

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (christopher arps) — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 17:00:07 +0000

Part one of a two part interview with Shelby Steele, conservative author, columnist, documentary film maker, and Senior Fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution . Dr Steele specializes in the study of race relations, multiculturalism, and affirmative action. In part one of this interview with Shelby Steele, we discuss his transition to conservatism, advice he would give to President Trump on race, and the current state of the civil rights movement.

Statues, Bubba Wallace, NASCAR, Confederate Flags & Nooses

chris@watercoolerpolitics.com (Red Tail Strategies, LLC) — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 22:46:49 +0000

Chris discusses the dual controversies of historical statues being toppled by the mob and the alleged noose found in the NASCAR's only full-time black driver's garage stall.