Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers with a Microphone

Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers Connect the Iran War and China Trip Dots

Right in the middle of the Iran war Trump started but can't figure out how to finish, he heads off to China with an entourage of family members and billionaire CEOs, including Elon Musk and Jensen Huang, NVIDIA CEO. Why? Does he need China to save his ass in Iran? Will he sell out the US by agreeing to sell AI computer chip technology? Will he find a way to line his own pockets even more in the process? Right before he boarded Air Force One, Trump said he doesn't think about Americans' financial situation "...even a little bit. I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. I don’t think about anybody." Scott and I discuss the purposes of Trump's trip and whether he can find a way out of the mess he stepped off in. Check it out, and don't forget to subscribe.

Washington Post Reports Extensive Damage to US Persian Gulf Bases - Why No Casualty Reports?

Earlier this week we reported an interesting lack of Iran War news coverage and discussed the structural reasons for these media choices and some reasons the Trump Administration might want to suppress news about the war. Now the Washington Post has published an extensive article outlining the extensive damage Iranian missiles have done to US military installations in the region and the depletion of munitions needed to continue the war: https://wapo.st/4w8pfDL [https://wapo.st/4w8pfDL]. This only raises new questions, including the extent to which the Administration is covering up US casualties and whether Trump had to pause hostilities to preserve resources. Tune in to this update for more on the war and media coverage. Don't forget to subscribe.

Two Crusty Old Soldiers Ask: Why the Corporate Media Radio Silence on Iran? Trump got your Tongue?

Scott Konopasek and I get together for a discussion of the US media, and why we don't see more reporting on the most important thing happening in the world right now: the Iran War, which just turned hot again. Yes, SCOTUS decisions on voting and reproductive rights matter. But the central issue of the day is the Iran War and its costs, in both lives and national treasure. People are dying. Oil supplies are destroyed or constricted. Global inflation is rising as a direct result. So why don't we hear more detail about this? Is the Trump Administration withholding information? Maybe corporate media outlets worry more about profits than informing the public? Should we all move away from information sources that send us articles with an algorithm? We take a look and try to find answers while suggesting ways to dig more deeply. Don't forget to subscribe and send us a comment. We want to know what you think.

Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers Connect the Political Dots

In this Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers with a Microphone episode, Scott and I break down a chaotic week in American politics—from a major Supreme Court of the United States ruling impacting the Voting Rights Act, to escalating tensions in the Iran conflict, to the growing controversy around partisan redistricting in Virginia, trying to connect multiple political dots: The Supreme Court’s latest decision and what it means for voting rights and partisan gerrymandering. Virginia redistricting fallout and how it impacts candidates like Mel Tull. The state of the Iran conflict, oil prices, and global instability. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth under fire for controversial congressional testimony. Political violence, media narratives, and rising polarization in the U.S. Economic pressure points—from agriculture to energy—linked to immigration and global conflict. We also touch on a deeper debate: Is America operating from a zero-sum worldview—or a win-win system? We don't just recap the headlines—we explain how these issues are interconnected and what they mean for the future of U.S. democracy, foreign policy, and economic stability. If you’re trying to make sense of: Gerrymandering vs. democracy The real costs of the Iran conflict Political polarization and media narratives Immigration’s role in the U.S. economy .…this episode gives you the strategic lens you need. Don’t Forget to subscribe, hit the bell, and join the conversation in the comments—we read and respond.

Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers Interview Mel Tull, Candidate for Congress in Virginia's 5th District

In this special Foggy Bottom Line Media bonus episode, hosts Stan Scott and Scott K. sit down with Virginia 5th Congressional District candidate Mel Tull—Army veteran, small business attorney, and first-time candidate—to break down the issues shaping the 2026 election. Tull outlines his vision as a “business-friendly Democrat” focused on economic stability, bipartisan problem-solving, and restoring trust in government. The conversation dives into everything from mid-decade redistricting and rural voter outreach to war powers, NATO, immigration enforcement, and the rising cost of living.