In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by columnist Bob Robb and scholar Henry Tomson to unpack a high-stakes question: Can an independent candidate win the Arizona governor’s race? With Trump’s influence looming over the Republican primary and growing dissatisfaction among voters, the conversation explores whether Karen Taylor Robson—or someone like her—can carve a viable path outside the traditional party lines.

Topics Discussed in This Video:

The Viability of an Independent Governor in Arizona: Paul, Bob, and Henry explore whether the independent political path is realistic, particularly in Arizona where independent registration is at an all-time high. They weigh the historical context, structural barriers, and unique opportunities this might present for candidates like Karen Taylor Robson.

Karen Taylor Robson's Political Dilemma: The panel analyzes Robson’s current position—caught between appeasing the MAGA base and maintaining her traditional Republican identity. They discuss her potential strengths as a pragmatic problem-solver and whether she should consider switching lanes to an independent run.

The Republican Primary Landscape: Insights are offered into the Republican race featuring Andy Biggs and Robson, including Trump’s influential endorsements and how MAGA loyalty has shaped electoral outcomes in Arizona. Robb provides polling data and political analysis, shedding light on the dynamics shaping the GOP field.

Challenges Facing Independent Candidates: The discussion outlines the steep logistical hurdles for independent runs in Arizona, including signature thresholds, campaign funding, and the need to build public recognition without party infrastructure. Despite this, they argue Robson may be uniquely positioned to overcome these due to her resources and track record.

Economic and Political Reflections on Trump’s Presidency: In the second half of the episode, the panel evaluates the Trump administration’s first 100 days, focusing on tariffs, economic indicators, market volatility, and foreign policy stances. They critically examine how Trump's policy shifts are being received domestically and abroad, and what this means for future elections.

The Role of Optimism and Pragmatism in Leadership: Through all these themes, the conversation returns to the need for authentic, growth-focused leadership—something the panel believes an independent governor could uniquely provide in today’s fractured political climate.

In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson brings together top-tier minds – Elliot Pollack, Bob Robb, and Henry Thompson – for an in-depth conversation on America’s most pressing economic questions. As inflation continues to bite, interest rates remain high, and uncertainty grows, the panel explores how Donald Trump’s political maneuvers – from pressuring the Federal Reserve to imposing erratic tariffs – are impacting the global and domestic economy. Together, they offer insight into the fragile state of the U.S. dollar, rising national debt, the housing and labor crisis, federal funding for universities, and the overreach of executive power.

In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson is joined by Bob Robb and Elliott Pollack for a gripping conversation on one of today’s most pressing policy debates: tariffs and their growing impact on the American economy. As Trump’s new tariff proposals ripple through the markets, Paul and the panel explore whether this is a bold strategy to restore economic fairness – or a perilous leap into protectionist chaos.

Together, they confront the conflicting ideologies driving U.S. policy, discuss the broader implications for debt, inflation, and manufacturing, and examine what this means for America’s future role in the global economy.