After 374 Sunday’s, this was our final show on WRKO. It has been a great experience. I had many people to thank, starting with Gregg Jackson who pushed me into this crazy idea in the summer of 2004. There are lots of folks at WRKO to thank, from Todd Feinburg to Howie Carr to the great roster of producers, Sandy, Bernie, Producer Rob, Dan the Man, Ed, Horseshack. I don’t have a bad thing to say about WRKO. They gave me a great platform to do what I wanted for 374 weekends, so you won’t hear me complaining or saying they owe me week 375. In fact, I owe them. I very much appreciated what Cooksie did for me, giving me a final show to say goodbye to a loyal group of listeners. That doesn’t always happen in radio, as I’ve seen firsthand, so I very much apprecated that. Thank you to everyone who listened to, supported and contributed to the show. Producer Rob is just one of many people I’ve met from doing the show who will remain friends long into the future. Boston Maggie, Stephanie Davis, Garret Quinn and so many more. Same goes for my last in-studio guest, Chris Selland. I really appreciate his coming in for what was, honestly, a strange show. I want to thank Senator Brown for calling in. He’s been a great friend of the show, calling since his days as a State Rep. It was really touching that he would take time out of his busy schedule to do that. Finally, how can one thank Bruce McQuain for all he has done for Pundit Review Radio? If I’m proud of anything about this experience, it is bringing the Someone You Should Know segment to the radio every Sunday night. Bruce did such an amazing job telling us these inspirational stories because he knows of what he speaks, 28 years in the Army, Vietnam vet. He’s been there and done that. Listening tio these stories every week has been a real education, and an honor. Bruce and I will always remain friends…and who knows….. The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here and you can find us on iTunes at Pundit Review Radio. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Pundit Review Radio

Saying goodbye to WRKO

Walter Olson is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute’s Center for Constitutional Studies. He is also the man behind a great blog, Overlawyered, that turns 13 today! Congratulations! Finally, Walter is the author of a great book, Schools for Misrule: Legal Academia and an Overlawyered America. Tonight he returned to Pundit Review Radio to discuss the Obamacare ruling, Roberts rationale and whether he should be considered a statesmen or a sucker. Finally, I would have been remiss in my hosting duties if I did not ask Walter about our Legal Academia star running for United States Senate, Professor Tall Tale, aka Fauxcahauntis. The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here and you can find us on iTunes at Pundit Review Radio. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Cato's Walter Olson on Obamacare

Bruce McQuain from Blackfive joined us once again for Someone You Should Know, our weekly tribute to the troops. Bruce spent 28 years in the U.S. Army and he is a veteran of the Vietnam war. He brings a perspective and understanding to these stories that we could never match. This week Bruce told us about Sergeant First Class Michael A. Duchesne. According to his Silver Star citation, "Sergeant First Class Michael A. Duchesne’s technical and tactical proficiency, calmness under fire and decisiveness were critical to the platoon’s accomplishment of the mission and the safety of its Rangers. His superior performance, competence and stamina contributed significantly to mission completion and success throughout the operation. Sergeant First Class Michael A. Duchesne distinctive accomplishments reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the United States Army and the Department Of Defense." The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here and you can find us on iTunes at Pundit Review Radio. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Someone You Should Know: SFC Michael A. Duchesne

I welcomed my friend Jonathan Lewis back to the show this weekend. Jonathan is a liberal and someone I really enjoy talking politics with. Last time he was on, the conversation was mostly about the fine art of political discourse, agreeing to disagree without becoming disagreeable. That said, we never did get around to disagreeing much, so this weekend, we kept it simple, Does President Obama deserve a second term? Jonathan said yes and had every opportunity to make his case. That in and of itself was too much for some longtime listeners and e-mailers to the show. Some conservatives, unfortunately, don’t want to hear from the other side. They seem offended by even hearing a differing point of view. They want an echo chamber. Very disappointing IMHO. That can only mean one thing in the coming weeks on Pundit Review Radio…more liberal guests! The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here and you can find us on iTunes at Pundit Review Radio. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Why is hearing from the other side so offensive to some people?

This was indeed an honor to speak with Gen. Dave Palmer, former Superintendent of West Point and author of a fantastic book, George Washington: Military Genius "Palmer, historian and former superintendent of West Point, makes a convincing case that America is free, united, and governed by civilians because of Washington’s strategic foresight and tactical brilliance. No subsequent revolution in a dozen other nations ended so happily. Palmer pooh-poohs historians who describe Washington as a commander of limited ability who won by not losing, i.e., avoiding battles until the British grew tired of the struggle. Reviewing his generalship, Palmer maintains that Washington was aggressive and imaginative, willing to take risks but always aware of his ultimate goal. Palmer reminds readers that the Continental Congress launched the revolution beautifully but managed it dreadfully, growing increasingly faction ridden and ineffectual as the economy slid toward ruin. Washington remained loyal—perhaps his most impressive accomplishment—by keeping a restive army under control and quashing a rebellion among officers. This is a relentlessly admiring portrait, but Palmer has a critical historian’s eye for 18th-century war and politics, avoids uncritical worship of our founding fathers, and enjoys the advantage of a subject who was genuinely admirable. Maps." The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here and you can find us on iTunes at Pundit Review Radio. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

George Washington: Military Genius

Bruce McQuain from Blackfive joined us once again for Someone You Should Know, our weekly tribute to the troops. Bruce spent 28 years in the U.S. Army and he is a veteran of the Vietnam war. He brings a perspective and understanding to these stories that we could never match. This week Bruce told us about Army Sgt. Julia Bringloe A nearby Apache gunship pilot radioed Bringloe’s crew, “Medevac, you guys are crazy.” Helping her strap the dead translator to the line while she stayed behind, soldiers on the ground had to remind Bringloe to duck. “Somehow I think I’m impervious to bullets or something,” she said. With the translator’s body safely aboard the Black Hawk above, Bringloe latched herself to the now vacant cable. The insurgents on the ridgeline promptly concentrated their fire on her dangling form. The high velocity rounds streamed past her as she rose, and sounded like “a kind of whistling” she later explained. Troops below radioed to Sabiston above, “They’re shooting at your medic! Get out of here!” Unable to alter his position or risk dragging Bringloe into another tree, Sabiston had to remain hovering for a full 15 seconds while half-a-dozen insurgents pounded round after round at Bringloe on the rising cable. Breaking out the only weapon available, co-pilot CWO Ken Brodhead chambered a round in a nearby M4 and began firing from his window. Though she doesn’t know how much it helped, Bringloe said “I thought it was pretty funny though. I love that guy.” Sgt. Julia Bringloe joins only six other women to have received the Distinguished Flying Cross, including Amelia Earhart. The Flying Cross recognizes “extraordinary achievement for an aerial flight.” The Someone You Should Know radio collaboration began as an extension of Matt Burden’s series at Blackfive. Bruce does an incredible job with the series every week. The SYSK segment started on WRKO in April 2006 and the archive can be found here and The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here and you can find us on iTunes at Pundit Review Radio. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Someone You Should Know: Sgt. Julia Bringloe

Bruce McQuain from Blackfive joined us once again for Someone You Should Know, our weekly tribute to the troops. Bruce spent 28 years in the U.S. Army and he is a veteran of the Vietnam war. He brings a perspective and understanding to these stories that we could never match. This week Bruce told us about Medal of Honor recipient Leslie H. Sabo Jr. "SP4 Leslie H. Sabo Jr. distinguished himself, May 10, 1970, in Se San, Cambodia, while serving as a rifleman in Company B, 3d Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Members of B. Co. were ambushed by a large enemy force. While conducting a reconnaissance patrol, 22-year-old Sabo, charged an enemy position, killing several enemy soldiers. Immediately thereafter, he assaulted an enemy flanking force, successfully drawing their fire away from friendly soldiers and ultimately forcing the enemy to retreat. When a grenade landed nearby a wounded comrade, Sabo picked up the grenade threw it away while shielding his buddy with his own body, thus absorbing the brunt of the blast and saving the man’s life. Seriously wounded by the blast, Sabo, nonetheless, retained the initiative and single- handedly charged an enemy bunker that had inflicted severe damage on the platoon. He received several serious wounds from withering automatic weapons fire in the process. Despite being mortally injured, he crawled towards the enemy emplacement and, when in position, threw a grenade into the bunker. The resulting explosion silenced the enemy fire, but also ended Spc. 4 Sabo’s life." The Someone You Should Know radio collaboration began as an extension of Matt Burden’s series at Blackfive. Bruce does an incredible job with the series every week. The SYSK segment started on WRKO in April 2006 and the archive can be found here and The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here and you can find us on iTunes at Pundit Review Radio. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Someone You Should Know: Leslie H. Sabo Jr

With Fauxcahontas-gate entering month number two, we welcomed back to WRKO William Jacobson, an Ivy League law professor, to talk about Elizabeth Warren and her, ahem, authenticity problem. In the new media, this scandal has been advanced in two places, Breitbart, and Legal Insurrection, Professor Jacobson’s outstanding blog. The fact that Elizabeth Warren is still today claiming Indian heritage, despite all we’ve learned about the lack of evidence, is astounding. She’s not doubling down, she’s googling down. Six short months ago, Massachusetts democrats cleared the deck for Elizabeth Warren because her candidacy was so strong. This weekend at the state convention, they cleared the deck again, but this time, because she is so weak. Smug progressives can point to any poll they want showing this isn’t hurting Warren. They only show that they are as deeply in denial as their candidate. The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here and you can find us on iTunes at Pundit Review Radio. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Legal Insurrection's William Jacobson on Fauxchauntis

This was a double treat for our eight anniversary show on WRKO. One of my favorite guests has been Eric Maddox, author of Mission: Black List #1: The Inside Story of the Search for Saddam Hussein—As Told by the Soldier Who Masterminded His Capture. This book was fantastic and the story of how Staff Sergeant Maddox used Saddam’s social network to squeeze his close in support was fascinating. It’s about to get the Hollywood treatment with Twilight’s Robert Pattison in the starring role. Eric has been a friend of the program ever since and returned tonight for his fourth appearance. In the middle of the interview we heard from Senator Scott Brown. It is always great to hear from Senator Brown. He reminded me tonight that he has been calling into the show since his days as a state rep. I guess I can say I knew him when! It was neat to introduce Sen. Brown to the man who masterminded the capture of Saddam, you don’t get to do that everyday! Personally, I thank Sen. Brown for calling in during our eighth anniversary show. The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here and you can find us on iTunes at Pundit Review Radio. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Sen. Scott Brown meets Eric Maddox, author of Mission: Blacklist

Bruce McQuain from Blackfive joined us once again for Someone You Should Know, our weekly tribute to the troops. Bruce spent 28 years in the U.S. Army and he is a veteran of the Vietnam war. He brings a perspective and understanding to these stories that we could never match. This week Bruce told us about Sgt. Clifford Wooldridge, Wooldridge, 22, of Port Angeles, Wash., was a vehicle commander when his convoy came under enemy fire on June 18, 2010. He led four Marines in outflanking 15 Taliban fighters — killing eight of them and scattering the rest. Out of ammunition, Wooldridge wrestled a machine gun away from a Taliban and engaged in hand-to-hand combat with his enemy, killing him. Wooldridge was cited for “his bold actions and his courage under fire which disrupted the enemy attack on his platoon.” The Someone You Should Know radio collaboration began as an extension of Matt Burden’s series at Blackfive. Bruce does an incredible job with the series every week. The SYSK segment started on WRKO in April 2006 and the archive can be found here and The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here and you can find us on iTunes at Pundit Review Radio. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Someone You Should Know: Sgt. Clifford Wooldridge

What a rude host I am sometimes. I invite my friend Sam Bowlby to the WRKO studios for a couple of hours of radio fun and we lasted thirty minutes, bumped by the Red Sox game that would not end. The Celtics playoff pre-game show was starting on WEEI so baseball was headed to WRKO at 6:30pm. Sam, you may recall, is a veteran of two tours in Iraq. He graduated in 2004 from Hamilton College, one of the nation’s finest, and instead of law or business school, he entered the Marines. Two tours in Iraq, then an MBA at Babson and some project work at Google, that’s what Sam had done when we last spoke. He’s now working on a part-time basis with The Program, "The Program was founded in 2008 with the mission of providing high schools, professional and collegiate teams, and corporate organizations, with the best leadership and team building development in the country. Under the leadership of CEO and Founder Eric Kapitulik, The Program creates personalized leadership development training that challenges every member of YOUR team to get “that much better.” So many times Bruce McQuain and I have spoken about the leadership qualities in the men and women featured in the Someone You Should Know segment.This is a great example of applying those skills in a unique and interesting way, challenging the big men on campus to step out of their comfort zone and truly learn about teamwork. Sam recently participated in training session a some major college football programs. My hat is off to those coaches who think outside the box. True leadership skills go far beyond the confines of the football field. Did I mention Sam was a football star at Hamilton College before entering the Marines? After catching up a bit about his latest work, I had to ask Sam about President Obama’s trip to Afghanistan this week. I told Sam that I wasn’t bothered by Obama’s trip, or his interview with Brian Williams. Seeing as though George W. Bush landed a fighter jet on an aircraft carrier, I find it hard to complain about presidential triumphalism over Osama, right up until the Bill Clinton video this week, which was just awful. Sam’s perspective was different, for obvious reasons. It was an interesting discussion that we had to unfortunately cut short after thirty minutes. I owe Sam a mulligan. The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here and you can find us on iTunes at Pundit Review Radio. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Is Obama spiking the football?

Hard for me to put into a few words how thrilled I was to welcome Frank Warren to Pundit Review Radio. Frank Warren is the man behind PostSecret.com. So what is Post Secret? PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard. PostSecret 13345 Copper Ridge Road Germantown, MD 20874, USA A very simple idea that has led to some pretty amazing, moving and inspirational things. It has launched a massive community, the kind most social media companies can only dream about. In fact, Post Secret is the most trafficked advertising free website in the world. There are public events, books and now, even a play. I’m happy to report that Frank was as cool, gracious and charming as he comes across in the video. It really was an honor for me to have nearly thirty minutes to talk with Frank about this amazing project. I read the site every Sunday, and five minutes on it can stay with me an entire week. I highly recommend you check out Post Secret. The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here and you can find us on iTunes at Pundit Review Radio. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Frank Warren, founder of Post Secret

We classed up the show last night by welcoming Professor Maurice Cunningham to the WRKO studio. While he may be the chair of UMASS Boston political science department, more important to us, he’s a terrific blogger, and yes, tweeter! In addition to some great columns for Commonwealth Magazine, Professor Cunningham writes at a great group blog, Mass Politics Profs. We discussed the impact of blogging and social media and we also talked a lot about Massachusetts politics. The Senate race is setting up to be among the best in the nation. We also discussed Gov Patrick and his, in my opinion, pathetic response to the EBT scandal. Professor Cunningham has written a column on the EBT issue I highly recommend reading. Finally, we got around to former governor Romney’s and his quest for the White House. It was a great to meet Professor Cunningham in person after reading him for so long in Commonwealth Magazine and on the terrific Mass Politics Profs blog. The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here and you can find us on iTunes at Pundit Review Radio. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

UMASS Boston political science chair Prof Maurice Cunningham

Bruce McQuain from Blackfive joined us once again for Someone You Should Know, our weekly tribute to the troops. Bruce spent 28 years in the U.S. Army and he is a veteran of the Vietnam war. He brings a perspective and understanding to these stories that we could never match. This week Bruce told us about Staff Sgt. Trevor D. Tow. From the Army Times account, With rounds from both enemy weapons flying by his head, body and feet and hitting the ground around him, Tow continued to fight in the open by himself. Another Ranger then moved into the open to fight alongside Tow, who shortly afterward killed one enemy fighter. The two Rangers then focused their fire on the second enemy fighter, killing him. As the rest of the squad provided aid to Wright, Tow remained in the open. As he was providing security for his men, he saw a third enemy fighter moving toward them. That enemy fighter threw three grenades that landed as close as 10 feet away from Tow. Tow continued to stand his ground, firing back at the insurgent. The two exchanged fire until Tow managed to kill the enemy. The Someone You Should Know radio collaboration began as an extension of Matt Burden’s series at Blackfive. Bruce does an incredible job with the series every week. The SYSK archive can be found here and The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here and you can find us on iTunes at Pundit Review Radio. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Someone You Should Know: Staff Sgt. Trevor D. Tow

Bruce McQuain from Blackfive joined us once again for Someone You Should Know, our weekly tribute to the troops. Bruce spent 28 years in the U.S. Army and he is a veteran of the Vietnam war. He brings a perspective and understanding to these stories that we could never match. This week Bruce told us about Captain Barry F. Crawford Jr., recipient of the Air Force Cross. The Someone You Should Know radio collaboration began as an extension of Matt Burden’s series at Blackfive. Bruce does an incredible job with the series every week. The SYSK archive can be found here and The Pundit Review Radio Podcast RSS feed can be found here and you can find us on iTunes at Pundit Review Radio. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston’s Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 6-8pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Someone You Should Know: Captain Barry F. Crawford Jr.

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