AZ Political Podcast: Rep. Greg Stanton wants nuclear-free Iran, ICE reforms, Trump to relax

Congressman Greg Stanton says this is an “incredibly serious moment” in history. It’s so serious that in the 20+ years I’ve known him, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him as solemn, somber and stern as he is this week on the AZ Political Podcast.

Even those who agree with the president’s actions in Iran (which Stanton calls an unauthorized war) can’t disagree with Stanton’s statement on the seriousness of a moment where a commander-in-chief says “a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again.”

Stanton says that the threat, which President Donald Trump laid out as a consequence if Iran refuses to negotiate on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, is “insane” and “unacceptable.”

“The American people, both Republican, Democrat — independent — should be outraged that the president is using rhetoric of that style,” Stanton said.

He doesn’t accept that threat as part of Trump’s “Art of the Deal”-style of negotiating. Instead, he says it’s a “madman strategy.”

What else does U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton talk about on AZ Political Podcast?

The other topics we cover in the podcast include:

• How he believes the Colorado River water use agreement will shake out (and how it’ll impact Arizona’s economy)
• How well he thinks Arizona Democrats will do in this year’s election (and why he’s not waiting for the DNC’s help)
• What it’s like being on a plane watching two Republican congressmen sit in the same row — at the same time both are running for governor (humorously uncomfortable)

And, speaking of uncomfortable, I ask Rep. Stanton with which of Arizona’s two Democratic US senators he shares a closer relationship — and which one has the best chance of mounting a serious presidential campaign.

Guess what? I got a seriously political answer to that last question. But it is the AZ Political Podcast, after all.

The AZ Political Podcast is available at KTAR.com, the KTAR News app and everywhere you get your podcasts.

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