The Optimistic American

In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by economist Elliott Pollack, columnist Bob Robb, and professor Henry Thompson to explore one of America’s most urgent issues: housing affordability. Together, they dig into how city zoning laws, regulatory delays, and supply constraints have fueled a housing crisis – and why homelessness, economic stagnation, and unaffordability are all symptoms of a deeper policy failure.

Through compelling analysis, real-world examples, and expert commentary, the panel discusses Arizona’s unique housing landscape and how it reflects national trends. With bipartisan legislative efforts gaining momentum, the episode explores whether change can happen at the city level – or if it must come from the state legislature to break through entrenched local resistance.

Topics Discussed in This Video:

- The Economic Truth About Supply and Demand: The panel dissects the basic economic principle that more housing supply leads to lower costs—and why some skeptics still resist this truth despite overwhelming data.

- Zoning and Regulation: A Hidden Driver of the Crisis: Learn how local zoning restrictions, permitting delays, and aesthetic requirements are choking supply and pushing costs up—impacting everyone from essential workers to young families.

- Homelessness: A Housing Problem?: The guests discuss research suggesting that a shortage of available homes, not just mental health or substance abuse, is a major driver of homelessness—and why a broader supply strategy may be the only scalable solution.

- Who Holds the Power to Fix This?: While cities often resist reforms, the Arizona legislature has begun considering powerful, bipartisan measures to free the housing market. Will they succeed where local governments have stalled?

- The Case for Home Ownership: Beyond economics, the panel emphasizes the social and cultural value of home ownership, showing how it can create financial stability, family roots, and long-term opportunity.

Join Paul Johnson, Henry Thompson, and Bob Robb for a deep dive into today’s most pressing political and economic issues. From the controversy at Columbia University over free speech to the latest Senate budget resolution and the shifting global power dynamics, this episode explores the policies, ideologies, and leadership decisions that are shaping America’s future.

Topics Discussed in This Video:

- Columbia University Protests & The Free Speech Debate: Paul Johnson and his panel discuss the expulsion of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student who lost his green card after leading a controversial protest. Is this a violation of free speech, or a justified consequence of illegal actions? The panel weighs in on the parallels to the January 6th Capitol riots and the broader implications for freedom of expression.

- The Senate Budget Resolution & America’s Growing Deficit: With government spending at an all-time high and debates over the national deficit intensifying, Paul, Bob, and Henry break down the latest Senate budget resolution. Is there a path to fiscal responsibility, or are both parties locked in a cycle of excessive spending with no real solution in sight?

- Wall Street vs. Main Street – What’s Really Driving the Economy?: As consumer sentiment fluctuates and the stock market faces turbulence, the discussion turns to whether America’s economic policies favor Wall Street elites or everyday citizens on Main Street. Does government intervention help or hurt? How does inflation impact working-class Americans? The panel offers insight into the economic strategies of both Trump and Biden.

- Trump’s Foreign Policy & The Future of Global Alliances: Is Trump’s approach to NATO and Ukraine a calculated move to shift U.S. strategic focus to China, or a dangerous policy of appeasement? With America’s global influence in question, the panel examines the impact of Trump’s stance on military alliances, international relations, and the shifting world order.

- Is America Becoming More Isolationist?: While some argue that America is retreating from the world stage, others believe it’s a necessary shift toward self-reliance. The panel explores the potential consequences of withdrawing from global commitments, how Europe is reacting, and whether the United States can truly afford an isolationist stance.

The world is changing fast — is America still leading the way? In this powerful discussion, Paul Johnson sits down with Elliott Pollack, Henry Thompson, and Bob Robb to analyze the Ukraine war, U.S. foreign policy, and the shifting balance of power.

With tensions rising between Trump and Zelensky, NATO reassessing its defense strategy, and Putin making bold moves, this episode asks the tough questions:

• Is the U.S. stepping back from its role as leader of the free world?

• How will Europe and NATO respond to America’s shifting priorities?

• What does this mean for the future of global security and economic dominance?

Topics Discussed in the Video:

- The Decline of U.S. Global Influence – Fact or Fiction? 

Is America truly a declining power, or is this just political fear mongering? The panel examines the economic and military realities of U.S. strength.

- Trump, Zelensky & The Fight Over Ukraine

Breaking down the heated exchange between Trump and Zelensky – does this signal a major shift in America’s role in global conflicts?

- NATO, Europe & The Search for New Leadership

As the U.S. debates its commitment to global alliances, will European nations step up to defend themselves, or are they still dependent on U.S. support?

- Putin’s Strategy – Does He Want Peace or Total Control?

With massive Russian losses, what is Vladimir Putin’s long-term goal? Is Ukraine just the beginning of his larger ambitions?

- Political Pessimism vs. American Strength

Is the narrative of U.S. decline hurting its global position? How does domestic political division impact America’s international standing?

- U.S. Economy & Military Power – The Big Picture

Despite the talk of decline, the U.S. remains the world’s largest economy and military force – does it still have what it takes to lead?

America is at a turning point. From Trump’s dramatic shifts in foreign policy to Elon Musk’s radical plan to slash federal spending, the future of the United States is being reshaped before our eyes. In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson and his expert panel break down the biggest issues facing the nation.

Trump’s foreign policy continues to shake the global order—his negotiations with Russia over Ukraine, his proposal for the U.S. to take over Gaza, and his push to make European allies take more responsibility for their own security. Are these bold moves a stroke of genius, or a dangerous gamble that weakens America’s global influence?

Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative is leading the charge to cut government spending, eliminate federal agencies, and restructure the way Washington operates. But with the national deficit at record highs, can budget cuts alone fix America’s financial crisis, or is this an impossible mission?

The conversation also explores inflation, tariffs, and falling consumer confidence—major issues affecting everyday Americans. Is the economy heading for recovery, or are we on the brink of another financial crisis?

In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson welcomes Mark Meckler, co-founder of the Tea Party Movement and leader of the Convention of States initiative. Joined by Professor Henry Thompson, the discussion dives deep into the push for an Article V Convention, a process that could lead to constitutional amendments aimed at reshaping the federal government.

Meckler, a key figure in conservative grassroots activism, explains why he believes Washington is broken and how state-led initiatives could be the solution. From term limits to balancing the budget, the conversation covers the motivations, legal challenges, and opposition to the Convention of States. Paul Johnson challenges Meckler on key issues, exploring whether such a movement could be dangerous, effective, or necessary for America’s future.