Behind the Bastards

It Could Happen Here Weekly 221

February 28, 2026

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  • The Minneapolis Anti-ICE Rent Strike organizing effort rapidly unified various tenant groups and secured unprecedented alignment with local organized labor due to the acute, ongoing economic devastation caused by the federal occupation. 
  • The perceived or actual presence of a firearm, even when legally possessed, is consistently used by U.S. law enforcement agencies (including Border Patrol and ICE) as justification for lethal force, often without subsequent accountability, eroding the practical meaning of Second Amendment rights. 
  • The crisis in Minneapolis, characterized by massive lost wages ($47 million conservatively estimated) and reliance on mutual aid, highlights the failure of state and city leadership to provide adequate intervention, necessitating tenant-led action like the potential rent strike. 
  • James Fishback's campaign for Florida Governor is characterized by overtly Groyper-style, attention-seeking behavior, including the use of niche far-right internet slang and controversial stunts, signaling an attempt to mainstream far-right nationalist politics within the Republican Party. 
  • Fishback is strategically leveraging support from the Groyper base and online young male influencers to boost his profile, despite his controversial rhetoric, leading to significant support among voters aged 18-34 in early polling. 
  • Donald Trump's State of the Union address heavily emphasized pageantry, military valor, and economic claims (like reduced fentanyl and food stamp recipients), while notably omitting any mention of ICE, suggesting a calculated effort to minimize politically damaging attributes. 
  • The speakers heavily criticized Donald Trump's State of the Union address for using infomercial-style segments to promote personal ventures like "Trump RX" and "Trump savings accounts," and for offensively leveraging a woman's IVF struggle for propaganda. 
  • The Supreme Court narrowly struck down tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), but the ruling does not restrict Trump's ability to impose tariffs using other legal authorities. 
  • Whistleblower documents revealed significant cuts to the training curriculum for new ICE ERO officers, removing crucial practical exams related to use of force, criminal encounters, and determining removability, leading to concerns about the competence and constitutional awareness of new agents. 
  • The Supreme Court struck down tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), but former President Trump immediately imposed new tariffs using Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which is narrower and requires potential Congressional approval. 
  • The justification for the new Section 122 tariffs, citing "fundamental international payment problems," is legally dubious because the U.S., not being on the gold standard, definitionally cannot have a balance of payments crisis. 
  • The segment highlights a significant internal migration crisis, noting that statistics suggest 10% of all transgender people (approximately 400,000) fled their states between mid-2024 and mid-2025 due to intensifying violence and hostility. 

Segments

Podcast Compilation Introduction
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(00:02:09)
  • Key Takeaway: The episode is a compilation of the week’s content with fewer ads.
  • Summary: Robert Evans introduces the episode as a compilation, noting that daily listeners will hear no new material.
Minneapolis Rent Strike Organizing
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(00:02:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Mia Wong interviews Tara Ragavir about organizing a potential rent strike in response to a federal occupation.
  • Summary: Mia Wong introduces Tara Ragavir of the Tenant Union Federation to discuss the organization of a large rent strike in Minneapolis due to the federal occupation and poor tenant conditions.
Tenant Crisis and Organization Speed
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(00:03:55)
  • Key Takeaway: Rents are too high for the quality of housing, leading to intense organizing efforts.
  • Summary: Ragavir explains that tenants are paying record high rents for the worst conditions. The crisis accelerated the formation of a citywide Tenant Union Federation in just four and a half days.
Labor Union Alignment
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(00:09:00)
  • Key Takeaway: There is unprecedented alignment and partnership between organized labor and community groups in the Twin Cities.
  • Summary: The discussion shifts to the deep, long-standing relationship between labor unions (like SEIU Local 26) and community organizers, which facilitated quick mobilization for the strike drive.
Strike Demands Outlined
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(00:13:04)
  • Key Takeaway: The three core demands are ICE out, a statewide eviction moratorium, and real rent relief.
  • Summary: Ragavir details the three main demands for the potential rent strike, emphasizing the need to counter the federal government’s narrative that ICE is an economic intervention.
Economic Devastation Quantification
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(00:17:51)
  • Key Takeaway: The occupation has caused over $47 million in lost wages, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian crisis.
  • Summary: The hosts discuss the $47 million in lost wages, contrasting this massive figure with the small amounts raised through mutual aid, underscoring the need for state intervention.
Eviction as State Violence
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(00:21:47)
  • Key Takeaway: Evictions during the crisis are particularly brutal, combining deadly weather with the threat of federal agents.
  • Summary: The segment compares the current situation to the early COVID-19 pandemic, noting that evictions are state-sanctioned violence, especially dangerous in winter weather and under federal occupation.
Call to Action and Discipline
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(00:25:43)
  • Key Takeaway: Organizers are running phone banks until March 1st and stress that the strike drive requires discipline, not just social media hype.
  • Summary: Ragavir asks for support via phone banks (twincitiestenants.org) and emphasizes the seriousness and discipline behind their organizing efforts, promising not to authorize a strike unless fully prepared.
Transition to Second Segment
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(00:30:28)
  • Key Takeaway: Robert Evans introduces the second segment, featuring Carl Casarda discussing law enforcement use of firearms as pretext.
  • Summary: Robert Evans transitions to the next segment, noting he is in New Orleans with Carl Casarda to discuss the use of firearms as an excuse by law enforcement for lethal force.
Fishback’s Doge Advisor Claim
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(01:00:45)
  • Key Takeaway: Fishback gained public profile by falsely claiming association with Elon Musk and the Doge dividend idea.
  • Summary: Discussion of Fishback’s Doge dividend idea, how it boosted his image, and the subsequent clarification by Katie Miller that he was not involved with Doge.
Fishback’s Needy Political Ambitions
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(01:01:44)
  • Key Takeaway: After failing to secure a Doge role, Fishback immediately lobbied for a Federal Reserve seat, showing persistent ambition.
  • Summary: Fishback attempted to become co-chair of Doge after Ramaswamy left, and then lobbied Trump for the Federal Reserve Board of Governors seat, demonstrating neediness.
Fishback’s Groiper-Style Campaign Launch
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(01:02:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Fishback shifted focus to a Florida gubernatorial run, employing ‘Groiper-style’ tactics characterized by parasocial and attention-seeking behavior.
  • Summary: Fishback launched his Florida campaign, exhibiting behavior described as ‘beta’ and ‘pick me,’ signaling to the Nick Fuentes/Groiper space.
Fishback’s Far-Right Online Language
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(01:03:36)
  • Key Takeaway: Fishback uses niche, far-right online terminology (like ‘cortisol spike’ and ‘foids’) to signal allegiance to the new right.
  • Summary: Analysis of Fishback’s tweet using looks-maxing and incel terminology, signaling his alignment with radical online culture.
Fishback’s Florida Governor Race Context
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(01:06:02)
  • Key Takeaway: Fishback represents a tension within the GOP between the establishment and the far-right America First wing.
  • Summary: Overview of the Florida Governor’s race, noting Fishback is running as a Groiper-adjacent candidate, testing the viability of this politics with Republican voters.
Fishback’s AR-15 Publicity Stunt
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(01:08:15)
  • Key Takeaway: Fishback uses provocative stunts, like holding an AR-15, to generate publicity, mirroring tactics used by Fuentes and Clavicular.
  • Summary: Description of Fishback’s stunt following a yard fire, where he threatened to shoot intruders, including analysis of the rifle shown.
Fishback’s Racist Rhetoric Against Donalds
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(01:09:45)
  • Key Takeaway: Fishback employs overtly racist language against his Black opponent, Byron Donalds, while simultaneously using Nazi dog whistles.
  • Summary: Fishback misnames Donalds, calls him a ‘slave to his donors,’ and uses the ‘Make the Trains Run on Time’ dog whistle.
Fishback’s Anti-Israel and ‘Goy Slop’ Comments
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(01:11:58)
  • Key Takeaway: Fishback mixes anti-Israel stances with antisemitic tropes about food quality (‘goy slop’) to appeal to the far-right fringe.
  • Summary: Fishback promises to divest from Israel and criticizes school lunches as ‘goy slop,’ signaling to the manosphere and far-right.
Fishback’s Inappropriate Relationship Allegations
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(01:44:21)
  • Key Takeaway: Fishback has a history of alleged inappropriate conduct with a minor student while running his debate organization.
  • Summary: Details emerge from a harassment case regarding Fishback cultivating a relationship with a 17-year-old debate organization member when he was 27.
Fishback’s H-1B Visa Stance
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(01:17:11)
  • Key Takeaway: Fishback promises drastic action against H-1B workers and falsely claims Trump plans to flood Florida universities with Chinese students.
  • Summary: Fishback vows to fire all H-1B workers in state agencies and proposes raising foreign student tuition to $1 million via executive order.
Fishback’s Stolen American Dream Narrative
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(01:20:51)
  • Key Takeaway: Fishback frames the loss of the traditional American dream (job, home, family) as being caused by legal immigration.
  • Summary: Fishback outlines a Gen Z version of the stolen American dream, blaming foreign workers for taking STEM jobs promised to Americans.
Fishback Embraces Groiper Support
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(01:27:55)
  • Key Takeaway: Fishback openly courts Nick Fuentes’ Groiper base, viewing them as a valuable asset for campaign work and harassment.
  • Summary: Fishback praises Fuentes and his followers as ‘informed and sensible,’ relying on them for political success despite the extreme nature of the group.
Trump SOTU: Pageantry and False Claims
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(01:38:24)
  • Key Takeaway: Trump’s State of the Union was dominated by awarding guests and making dubious claims about the economy and border security.
  • Summary: Hosts discuss the excessive applause, Trump claiming fentanyl is down 56% (which they dispute), and falsely claiming zero illegal aliens were ‘admitted’.
Trump Defies Supreme Court Order
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(01:57:04)
  • Key Takeaway: Trump openly stated he would continue implementing tariffs despite a recent Supreme Court ruling against them, signaling a constitutional crisis.
  • Summary: Trump discussed tariffs in front of the justices, calling the ruling ‘unfortunate’ and claiming he found a new, legal way to proceed without Congress.
Trump’s Tech/Energy Policy Nod
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(01:59:30)
  • Key Takeaway: Trump signaled support for Big Tech lobbying efforts by promising they would build their own power plants for data centers.
  • Summary: Discussion of the ‘Ratepayer Protection Pledge’ and how it aligns with industry lobbying for easier regulation of small nuclear reactors.
SOTU Economic Messaging Critique
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(02:01:50)
  • Key Takeaway: The administration is focusing on energy costs and promising lower power bills because affordability is a political weakness.
  • Summary: Discussion on the State of the Union address, noting the focus on energy infrastructure and the political necessity of addressing high costs, including fuel prices.
Trump Financial Infomercial Segments
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(02:02:44)
  • Key Takeaway: The SOTU featured infomercial-style plugs for ‘Trump savings accounts’ and ‘Trump RX,’ raising immediate skepticism.
  • Summary: Detailed breakdown of the ‘Trump savings accounts’ promising large returns and the promotion of ‘Trump RX,’ a drug discount website, during the address.
IVF Propaganda Condemnation
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(02:05:31)
  • Key Takeaway: Using a woman’s IVF struggle for propaganda while failing to deliver on promises to lower costs is repugnant.
  • Summary: The hosts criticize the use of an IVF patient’s story to promote Trump RX, noting Trump’s unfulfilled promises regarding making IVF affordable.
Congressional Disruptions and Insider Trading
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(02:07:11)
  • Key Takeaway: The Stop Insider Trading Act received rare bipartisan applause, while Al Green protested and AOC clashed with Trump over border security.
  • Summary: Review of reactions in Congress, including applause for the anti-insider trading bill and a shouting match initiated by Trump regarding immigration enforcement.
Trans Issues and Fascist Tropes
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(02:08:58)
  • Key Takeaway: Trump’s focus on banning gender transitions for minors and the subsequent ‘shame’ chants exemplified fascist rhetorical tactics.
  • Summary: Analysis of Trump’s comments on transgender minors, the negative reaction from Democrats, and the overall structure of the latter half of the speech resembling a military pageant.
Ring Super Bowl Ad Backlash
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(02:27:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The Ring ‘Search Party’ ad, intended to be heartwarming, exposed the creepy surveillance capabilities of neighborhood cameras.
  • Summary: Garrison Davis discusses the Ring commercial promoting AI-assisted dog finding, which sparked public backlash over its demonstration of mass surveillance technology.
IVF Cost Reality Check
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(02:37:46)
  • Key Takeaway: Despite Trump’s claims, IVF remains prohibitively expensive for most Americans, and his drug discount program does not solve the core issue.
  • Summary: A detailed look at the high actual costs of IVF, the lack of insurance coverage, and how Trump’s ‘Trump RX’ initiative falls short of his campaign promises.
ICE Training Program Deficiencies
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(02:52:28)
  • Key Takeaway: Whistleblower documents show ICE ERO basic training has been severely cut, graduating officers who may not know their constitutional limits.
  • Summary: Review of documents showing the reduction in practical exams and training days for new ICE agents, supported by testimony calling the program ‘broken.’
Deporting Children Allegations
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(02:57:38)
  • Key Takeaway: CBP is allegedly flouting court orders by coercing vulnerable, unaccompanied children into signing paperwork to be deported immediately.
  • Summary: Discussion of a lawsuit alleging DHS is using misinformation and fear to return children to dangerous situations shortly after arrival, contradicting protections for unaccompanied minors.
Clash Song and Tariffs Intro
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(03:03:31)
  • Key Takeaway: The discussion pivots from a musical tangent to the Supreme Court ruling on IEEPA tariffs.
  • Summary: The hosts briefly discuss a specific, disliked song by The Clash before introducing the main topic: the Supreme Court case regarding tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Supreme Court Tariff Ruling Analysis
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(03:03:54)
  • Key Takeaway: The Supreme Court struck down IEEPA tariffs, but the ruling was narrow, leaving other avenues for imposing tariffs open.
  • Summary: The segment details the striking down of retaliatory tariffs on Canada and Mexico under IEEPA. The speaker notes the ruling is narrow, not addressing the validity of the underlying states of emergency or the use of other legal acts for tariffs.
New Tariff Authority: Section 122
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(03:05:33)
  • Key Takeaway: The administration immediately switched to using Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which is limited but relies on the non-existent ‘balance of payment deficit’ justification.
  • Summary: Following the ruling, a 10% tariff was imposed using Section 122, which caps rates at 15% and requires Congressional approval. The speaker meticulously explains why the legal prerequisite—a balance of payments deficit—cannot exist for the U.S. economy.
Other Tariff Authorities Reviewed
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(03:11:22)
  • Key Takeaway: Section 232 (national security) and Section 301 (unfair trade practices) remain potential, though legally complex, avenues for future tariffs.
  • Summary: The hosts review Section 232 tariffs (used for goods like cabinets based on national security claims) and Section 301 tariffs (used against China for unfair practices). They also briefly mention the extreme, likely defunct Smoot-Hawley Act.
Supreme Court’s Financial Red Line
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(03:18:07)
  • Key Takeaway: The tariff ruling represents a significant check on executive power because tariffs directly impact the economy, a constitutional power reserved for Congress.
  • Summary: The speaker suggests the Court drew a line here because tariffs directly affect the economy and are explicitly a Congressional power, unlike some other executive actions previously allowed.
Trans People Fleeing States Update
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(03:19:57)
  • Key Takeaway: Statistics suggest 400,000 transgender people may have been internally displaced due to hostile state legislation, necessitating community support.
  • Summary: The segment shifts to reporting bleak statistics showing 10% of the trans population may have fled their states between mid-2024 and mid-2025, framing it as a humanitarian crisis and urging listeners to support mutual aid efforts like housing trans people.