Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers with a Microphone

by R. Stanton Scott and Scott Konopasek

Season 2

Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers with a Microphone Talk America's 250th Birthday

In this episode of Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers with a Microphone, Scott and I discuss America's 250th birthday, some of the celebrations planned, and how this year compares to the 200th in 1976 (yes, we're old enough to remember the Bicentennial as adults). Why the heck does Trump want a UFC fight on the White House lawn? Why are music artists pulling out of the National State Fair? We poke a bit of fun, but make no mistake: America is a special nation with all its warts. We've both fought to defend it and don't plan to stop. Follow us on Socials: https://linktr.ee/FoggyBottomLine Politics VLog #Politics #Economics #america250 #ufc #AmericanBirthday #declarationofindependence #trump

S2 · E13

Jun 8, 2026

21:56

Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers Sit Down with Jason Knapp, Virginia CD01 Congressional Candidate

Now that the redistricting question is settled (for now at least), Congressional candidates are ramping up for the last two months before the Democratic primary in August. In this special episode of Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers with a Microphone, Scott and I sit down with retired Navy Commander Jason Knapp, candidate for Congress in Virginia's First Congressional District. Jason grew up in a single-parent home and knew he wanted to fly for the Navy very early in life. He was commissioned after completing an aeronautics degree, flew FA-18's, and served on the staff at NATO Headquarters before retiring. Join us for another in a our series of discussions with Virginia candidates during this primary and midterm season here in the Commonwealth. Jason Knapp for Congress Website: https://jasonknappforcongress.com Jason Knapp for Congress Act Blue page: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jkforcongress_web #Congress #JasonKnapp #Midterms #Democrats #Wittman #elections #NATO #Politics #Virginia

S2 · E12

Jun 8, 2026

38:46

Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers: Loyalty Tests, Closed Primaries, and Structural One-Party Rule

Donald Trump has had a good week. He wanted Massie gone from Congress for pushing the Epstein Files release. He wanted Cassidy gone from the Senate for voting to impeach him after the J6 insurrection. He wanted Indiana legislators gone for refusing to gerrymander Congressional districts when he demanded it. His candidates beat them all. Then his lickspittles in the Department of Justice agreed to a settlement in his frivolous IRS leak lawsuit that would create a $1.8B slush fund he can distribute to the insurrectionists from J6 as well as any other Trump crony who committed a crime and got prosecuted for it. Trump the felon wants to make committing felonies great again. In this episode of Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers with a Microphone, Scott Konopasek and I break down some of the political infrastructure - closed primaries, presidential immunity, and gerrymandering, for example, and how the MAGA movement under Trump is working to transform American politics into a system increasingly driven by activist bases instead of persuadable voters. The conversation explores how loyalty tests are reshaping both major parties, why moderates are disappearing from public life, and how closed-primary systems may be accelerating political polarization at every level of government. We examine the strategic incentives behind party gatekeeping, the role of media ecosystems, and what these trends could mean for future elections, governance, and political stability in the United States. Topics discussed include: Closed primaries vs. open primaries Political loyalty tests inside both parties Why moderate candidates struggle to survive Activist influence on nominations Media incentives and ideological sorting Polarization in Congress and state politics Voter disengagement and independent voters The long-term consequences for American democracy If you follow American politics, election reform, party strategy, constitutional debates, or the future of U.S. governance, this episode provides a direct and often blunt analysis of where the system may be heading next. Subscribe for more episodes from Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers with a Microphone and more political analysis from Foggy Bottom Line Media. #ClosedPrimaries #ElectionReform #AmericanPolitics #PoliticalPolarization #FoggyBottomLine #Podcast #USPolitics #PrimaryElections #PoliticalAnalysis #Democracy #IndependentVoters #Congress #Elections #TwoCrustyOldCombatSoldiers #VirginiaPolitics

S2 · E11

Jun 8, 2026

21:49

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.

S2 · E10

May 14, 2026

16:21

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.

S2 · E9

May 8, 2026

33:59

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.

S2 · E8

May 1, 2026

32:16

Can Iran with the War?

Iran Crisis: What happens next? In this episode of Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers with a Microphone, military veterans and political analysts Stan Scott and Scott Konopasek break down the rapidly escalating Iran crisis and its global consequences. The conflict is no longer just about military power. Iran is targeting the global energy system, threatening oil infrastructure across the Gulf and potentially closing the Strait of Hormuz, the most important energy chokepoint in the world. If that happens, oil prices could spike above $120 per barrel, triggering inflation, supply chain disruptions, and economic shockwaves around the globe. Drawing on decades of military experience and political science research, the hosts analyze the three possible scenarios for the coming weeks: • Continued military escalation between the U.S. and Iran • A prolonged stalemate that cripples the global economy • A diplomatic solution brokered by Europe They also examine the growing role of Russia and China, the political dynamics inside Washington, and why the only realistic solution may ultimately be diplomatic. This conversation explains why the Iran conflict could reshape global politics, energy markets, and U.S. foreign policy. If you want clear analysis from experienced military professionals—not cable news talking points—this episode is for you. Key Topics Covered: • Iran’s regime survival strategy • Escalation across the Middle East • The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz • Global oil market disruption • Russia and China’s growing influence in the conflict • U.S. military strategy and political leadership • Why diplomacy may be the only path forward Chapters 00:00 The Iran Crisis Explained 03:05 Iran’s Military Strategy 05:49 Why Diplomacy Matters 09:00 Economic Consequences of War 12:06 U.S. Military Response 14:49 The Future of U.S.–Iran Relations 29:15 Trump’s Diplomatic Strategy 31:39 Congress and War Powers 35:39 Domestic Politics and the Midterms 42:17 Escalation vs Diplomacy 54:11 Why Diplomacy May Be the Only Solution Sources & Further Reading JCPOA (Iran Nuclear Deal) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Comprehensive_Plan_of_Action Iran Missile Capabilities https://missilethreat.csis.org/country/iran/ U.S. Naval Forces in the Gulf https://www.cusnc.navy.mil/ European Diplomatic Efforts on Iran https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20231010IPR04523/eu-urges-dialogue-to-resolve-iran-crisis Russia’s Middle East Strategy https://russiafile.com/russia-middle-east-strategic-interests/ China–Iran Oil Trade https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/china-iran-oil-trade-2023-10-01/ Subscribe for more geopolitical analysis from Foggy Bottom Line Media.

S2 · E7

Apr 20, 2026

58:44

US Attacks Iran: What Happens Next? Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers Break it Down

In this conversation, Stan Scott and Scott Konopasek discuss the recent military actions against Iran, exploring the motivations behind these decisions, the implications for U.S. foreign policy, and the historical context of U.S.-Iran relations. They delve into the role of leadership in military operations, the financial implications of war, and the consequences of regime change. The discussion also touches on the legal and constitutional considerations surrounding military actions, the public perception of these events, and the need for future reforms to strengthen democratic institutions. Takeaways Trump's motivations may stem from personal interests and conspiracies. Military leadership has been compromised, affecting decision-making. The purpose of military actions lacks clear objectives and transparency. War is expensive and has significant economic implications. Historical context is crucial in understanding U.S.-Iran relations. Leadership in military operations is essential for effective strategy. Public perception of military actions can lead to political fallout. Regime change is complex and often counterproductive. Legal authority for military actions is often overlooked. Future implications of current actions must be considered for democracy. Sound bites: "This is a huge, huge, huge undertaking." "This is classic American intervention." "There's a human cost to all of this." Chapters 00:00 Conspiracy Theories and Political Motivations 05:46 Military Leadership and Decision-Making 11:17 The Nature of Military Operations 17:33 The Cost of War and Its Implications 23:34 The Response to Military Actions 29:25 Trust and Leadership in the Military 38:43 Leadership and Trust in Military Operations 50:21 The Role of Law and Governance 01:00:22 Future of Democracy and Political Accountability Keywords Trump, Iran, military action, conspiracy theories, leadership, U.S.-Iran relations, war economics, regime change, public perception, legal considerations

S2 · E6

Mar 3, 2026

1:05:00

Two Old Combat Soldiers with a Microphone: Are US Elections Secure?

Trump and his team complained so loudly about a stolen 2020 election, hundreds of his followers stormed the Capitol to stop the Electoral Vote count, causing a riot that led to deaths on both sides and demonstrated that MAGA supporters quite happily refuse to comply with law enforcement instructions. They demonstrated a willingness to use violence against law enforcement officers if necessary to protect their understanding of their rights. The Harris campaign conceded peacefully, and no one on the left has violently protested the election result that made Trump President again, but that doesn't mean some on the left don't question the result. Many liberals might rather believe Trump stole the election than believe that so many Americans wanted him back. Scott and I briefly discuss some of the claims made by both sides, and then discuss why the possibility of changing the result of a US election by interfering with voting machines or mailed ballots is close enough to zero that it might as well be zero. He shares his decades of experience and training to let viewers know more about how election systems work, why they're not vulnerable to the hacking (a word we both hate in this context), and why we can trust the results, even when we lose. This doesn't mean a faction can't influence the results on other ways. Next week, we'll dig into what that might look like, including an analysis of the SAVE Act.

S2 · E5

Feb 24, 2026

1:00:59

Two Crusty Old Combat Soldiers with a Microphone: Can Trump Steal the Midterms?

After he left the Army, Scott K served as an election official in 4 states, including Virginia. In this episode, the first in a series on how American elections work, we lay out the basics of election law and some thoughts on the current state of faith in election integrity. In future shows, we'll talk about whether bad actors could really hack elections and what that would look like.

S2 · E4

Feb 24, 2026

59:13

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