2011 Show Archive
January 7th and 10th – Colorado Education Reform
Tune in to Devil’s Advocate this Friday night as host Jon Caldara is joined by former Colorado Commissioner of Education William Moloney and the Independence Institute’s Education Policy Center Director Pam Benigno to discuss how Colorado’s public schools can change how they do business and spend money more productively in tighter budget times. Watch this episode here.
January 14th and 17th – Conceal Carry Database, RTD as a Bully
Tune in for a double dose of Devil’s Advocate this Friday night, it’s the same half-hour of public policy, but with two different segments. First, host Jon Caldara is joined by Weld County Sheriff John Cooke and Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle for a discussion about the efficacy of Colorado’s Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) database. Then stay tuned for a discussion of RTD as a property rights bully with local property rights attorney Jessica Corry and Kim Gillan from Citizens for Responsible Development. Watch conceal carry here. Watch the second episode, RTD as a bully here.
January 21st and 24th – The State of Investigative Journalism in Colorado
What’s the state of investigative journalism in Colorado? Tune in to Devil’s Advocate this Friday to find out as host Jon Caldara is joined by Denver Post staff writer Chuck Plunkett and Independence Institute investigative reporter Todd Shepherd to discuss the Denver Post’s new political investigative project, the place of new media in investigative reporting, and the benefits and challenges of utilizing the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). Watch this episode here.
January 28th and 31st – 2011 Legislative Session According to Mark Waller, Amy Oliver on Transparency in 2011
Get ready for a double dose of Devil’s Advocate this week. It’s the same half-hour of public affairs excellence, just in two different segments. First, host Jon Caldara is joined by Colorado’s assistant house majority leader, Representative Mark Waller, for the new leadership’s perspective on the 2011 legislative session, then Jon goes one-on-one with the Independence Institute’s Amy Oliver-Cooke for a look at what’s on tap for transparency legislation in Colorado this year. Watch Mark Waller here. Watch Amy Oliver here.
January 21st and 24th – The State of Investigative Journalism in Colorado
What’s the state of investigative journalism in Colorado? Tune in to Devil’s Advocate this Friday to find out as host Jon Caldara is joined by Denver Post staff writer Chuck Plunkett and Independence Institute investigative reporter Todd Shepherd to discuss the Denver Post’s new political investigative project, the place of new media in investigative reporting, and the benefits and challenges of utilizing the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). Watch this episode here.
February 4th and 7th – ObamaCare Ruled Unconstitutional Again
On tonight’s Devils Advocate, Jon Caldara hosts two living legends of constitutional law to discuss the most recent ruling on ObamaCare coming out of a lower federal court in Florida. Professor Rob Natelson and Independence Institute Research Director Dave Kopel will be joining Jon to examine this decision in light of the past three decisions. Having been the second of four courts to rule ObamaCare unconstitutional, does this mean that the Supreme Court will have to take up this case to render a final judgment? Watch the program here.
February 11th and 14th – David Harsanyi and Susan Greene
It’s the usual half-hour of public affairs excellence, just divided up in two segments. First, nationally syndicated Denver Post columnist David Harsanyi sits down with host Jon Caldara for a conversation about the state of “civility” in political discourse today. Then former Denver Post columnist Susan Greene swings by to talk about her new gig with the Huffington Post, and her recent departure from Colorado’s newspaper of record. Watch David Harsanyi here and Susan Greene here.
February 18th and 21st – Colorado’s Petition Process is in Jeopardy
Tune in to the Independence Institute’s public affairs television show Devil’s Advocate tonight as host Jon Caldara is joined by Elena Nunez from Colorado Common Cause and Danny Katz from Colorado Public Interest Research Group (CoPIRG) for a conversation about SCR-001, the ongoing effort in the legislature to refer a measure to the ballot to make it much more difficult for regular Coloradans to petition their government through the citizens initiative process. Watch this episode here.
February 25th and 28th – Legislative Session Midterm Update
Tune in to Devil’s Advocate this Friday night as host Jon Caldara is joined by Denver Post reporter Lynn Bartels and Colorado News Agency reporter Debi Brazzale for an update on the 2011 Colorado General Assembly from the reporters who cover the state legislature. Watch this episode here.
March 4th and 7th – Colorado Considers "Parent Trigger" Legislation
Check out Devil’s Advocate tonight at 8:30 PM on Colorado Public Television 12 as host Jon Caldara is joined by State Representative Don Beezley and the Independence Institute’s Ben DeGrow to discuss Don’s "parent trigger" legislation, which would empower parents to transform a low performing schools into a charter or innovation school. Watch this episode here.
March 11th and 14th – 2011 Legislative Midterm Update
Host Jon Caldara is joined by Kelly Maher from whosaidyousaid.com and Fox 31 political reporter Eli Stokols for an update on the political goings on around the state and at the capitol. Watch this episode here.
March 18th and 21st – Dan Haley and Wayne Laugesen
Host Jon Caldara is joined by the editorial page editors of Colorado’s two largest newspapers, Dan Haley from the Denver Post and Wayne Laugesen from the Colorado Springs Gazette, for a conversation about Colorado’s budget woes, current political events, and a check-in on the performance of Governor Hickenlooper, who both papers endorsed during the campaign. Watch this episode here.
March 25th and 28th – Dick Wadhams and Wick Rowland
joined by outgoing Colorado State Republican Party Chairman Dick Wadhams for a discussion about the role of the state party chairman, and a look back at the last election cycle. Watch this episode here. Then Colorado Public Television 12 president and CEO Wick Rowland joins me for a debate over taxpayer funding for pubic broadcasting. Watch this episode here.
April 1st and 4th – Civil Unions and Beer Wars
First, host Jon Caldara is joined by Troy Ard of the Colorado Federation of College Republicans and Jimmy Sengenberger of the Seng Center radio show for a debate over civil unions versus full marriage equality for gays and lesbians in Colorado. Watch the civil union debate here. Then, Jon jumps into the battle over where beer can be sold in Colorado with Eric Wallace of Left Hand Brewing Co. and Dennis Dinsmore of Wilbur’s Total Beverage liquor store. Watch Beer Wars here.
April 8th and 11th – A Farewell to David Harsanyi
David Harsanyi is a true contrarian. While recently made up census data shows a mass migration of sensible people from New York to Colorado and the rest of the Rocky Mountain West, David is leaving the Denver Post, packing up his syndicated columnist kit (bottle of booze and a laptop) and heading to New York City. But before he hits I-70 Eastbound, David and host Jon Caldara sat down at the Devil’s Advocate studio for a look back at his nearly seven years at the Denver Post, and a look forward at his new gig in New York. Watch this episode here.
April 15th and 18th – A Journalistic Look at State House Reporting
Tune into the Independence Institute’s pubic affairs television show Devil’s Advocate tonight as host Jon Caldara is joined by Durango Herald statehouse reporter Joe Hanel and Complete Colorado’s Todd Shepherd for a check up on the Colorado legislative session. Watch this episode here.
April 22nd and 25th – Prairie Dogs and GOP Chairs
Host Jon Caldara is joined by Rob O’Dea, editor of BoCo360.com and Lindsey Sterling Krank of the Prairie Dog Coalition for a debate over what to do with Boulder’s burgeoning prairie dog population. Watch prairie dogs here. Then Jon is joined by new State Republican Party Chairman Ryan Call for a discussion about the role of the state party and the Colorado GOP’s chances in 2012. Watch Ryan Call here.
April 29th and May 2nd – 2011 Energy Policy, Xcel, and the PUC
Tune into Devil’s Advocate this Friday as guest host Todd Shepherd is joined by the Independence Institute’s Amy Oliver Cooke and Polly Page from the Colorado Consumer Coalition to discuss the relationship between the Public Utilities Commission and Excel energy, the numerous energy-related bills in the Colorado legislature, and what these bills might mean for the future energy costs of Colorado’s residential and commercial rate payers. Watch this episode here.
May 6th and 9th – How Online Education is Disrupting Class
Tune in to The Devil’s Advocate as host Pam Benigno, is joined by The Innosight Institute’s Michael Horn, co-author of the groundbreaking book Disrupting Class, and Jefferson County Public Schools director of student online learning Judy Bauernschmidt to discuss the fast-growing trend of K-12 blended learning. More and more students are enrolled in educational programs that combine brick-and-mortar schools and teacher face time with distance learning and computer-directed instruction. What do these programs look like, and how effective are they? Watch this episode here.
May 13th and 16th – Campaign Laws and the Denver Mayoral Race
This week’s Devil’s Advocate is the regular half-hour of public affairs television excellence, but in two segments. First, host Jon Caldara is joined by Jenny Flanagan from Colorado Common Cause and Ari Armstong from FreeColorado.com to talk about whether Colorado’s numerous campaign laws are actually a form of censorship. Watch campaign laws here. Then Susan Greene from the Huffington Post and Denver Post reporter Jeremy Meyer look at the Denver mayoral race. Watch the Denver Mayor’s race here.
May 20th and 23rd – The FASTER Way to Ignore TABOR
Tune in to Devil’s Advocate this Friday night as host Jon Caldara is joined by Rich Sokol of Legacy Capital Group and Tom Ryan of Analyst Strategy Group for an examination of how the 2009 FASTER legislation has allowed Colorado to issue $300 million of new debt without bothering to ask permission from Colorado voters as required by the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR). Watch this episode here.
May 27th and 30th – A Look Back at the 2011 Legislative Session
Check out Devil’s advocate this Friday night as host Jon Caldara is joined by Denver Post Reporter Lynn Bartels and Fox 31 political reporter Eli Stokols for a look back at all the action under the Gold Dome during the recently adjourned 2011 Colorado legislative session. Watch this episode here.
June 3rd and 6th – Shawn Mitchell on Energy Policy, Rob Natelson on TABOR Lawsuit
This week’s Devil’s Advocate is the regular half-hour of public affairs television excellence in two different segments. First, Colorado State Senator Shawn Mitchell sits down with host Jon Caldara for an insider’s perspective on the 2011 Colorado legislative session. Watch Shawn Mitchell here. Then Independence Institute constitutional scholar Rob Natelson joins me for a discussion about the definition of a “republican” form of government, and how that relates to the lawsuit recently filed concerning the constitutionality of the Colorado Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR). Watch Rob Natelson here.
June 10th and 13th – The WSJ’s John Fund
This week’s Devils Advocate finds the Wall Street Journal’s John Fund joining host Jon Caldara for an in-depth discussion about the upcoming presidential election in 2012. Find out who John Fund thinks will run, not run, and have a shot at beating Obama next year. Watch this episode here.
June 17th and 20th – Todd Shepherd, Peter Boyles on Media Coverage of the Hancock Story
On this week’s episode of the Devils Advocate, host Jon Caldara sits down with investigative reporter Todd Shepherd and AM talk radio host Peter Boyles to discuss the media coverage of the Michael Hancock story. How have the mainstream media treated this scandal touching the newly minted Denver mayor? Watch this episode here.
June 24th and 27th – K-12 Education Funding and Mothers Against Debt
In the first part, Geoff Blue from the Attorney General’s office joins host Jon Caldara to discuss the Lobato v. Colorado lawsuit. This case concerns state K-12 education financing and will have a large impact on our Taxpayers Bill of Rights (TABOR). Episode here. In the second part, Amy Oliver Cooke, the Director of Mothers Against Debt, explains what her organization does to raise awareness among Moms about our crushing national debt. MAD episode here.
July 1st and 4th – Denver Post, Durango Herald Reporters Talk Summer Time Politics
Tune in to the Independence Institute’s public affairs television show, Devil’s Advocate, this Friday at 8:30PM on Colorado Public Television 12 as host Jon Caldara is joined by Durango Herald reporter Joe Hanel and Denver Post reporter Tim Hoover for an update on summer time political happenings around Colorado. Watch this episode here.
July 8th and 11th – Jay Ambrose on State Policy, Jake Jabs on Good Business
On this week’s Devils Advocate, widely read and widely regarded columnist Jay Ambrose joins host Jon Caldara to talk about what states have great public policy (Texas) and what states get their policies dead wrong (New York). Watch Jay Ambrose here. Then in the second half of the show, American Furniture Warehouse CEO Jake Jabs talks good business practices and not succumbing to the allure of corporate welfare and government protections. Watch Jake Jabs here.
July 15th and 18th – Criminal Justice Bills in 2011
Hey, break out the handcuffs for this Friday’s episode of Devil’s Advocate as I am joined by Colorado State Public Defender Doug Wilson and Adams/Broomfield District Attorney Don Quick for a discussion on criminal justice related bills in the 2011 General Assembly and the ongoing work of the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile justice. Watch this episode here.
July 22nd and 25th – Michael Brown on His Book, Dave Kopel on Gunrunning
Give your love life a break this weekend and watch Devil’s Advocate this Friday night. First, former FEMA director Michael Brown joins me to talk about his book, “Deadly Indifference.” Watch Michael Brown here. Then the Independence Institute’s Dave Kopel discusses the ongoing gunrunning scandals involving the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Watch Dave Kopel here.
July 29th and Aug. 1st – What’s Going on with Obamacare These Days?
What’s going on with that little health care law know as Obamacare? Tune into this week’s Devil’s Advocate to find out as host Jon Caldara is joined by Independence Institute health care policy center director Linda Gorman and Galen Institute president Grace-Marie Turner to talk about Colorado’s new health insurance exchange and Grace-Marie’s new book. “Why Obamacre is Wrong for America.” Watch this episode here.
August 5th and 8th – Colorado Springs is No Failed City
Have you heard about the city manager who ordered up a negative national media campaign about Colorado Springs as a “failed city”? Tune into Devil’s Advocate this week as host Jon Caldara is joined by Colorado Springs Gazette editorial page editor Wayne Laugesen and Sean Paige, deputy director of Americans for Prosperity Colorado for an examination of bureaucrats gone rogue in Colorado’s second-largest city. Watch this episode here.
August 12th and 15th – Lynn Bartels, John Schroyer
Check out the Independence Institute’s public affairs TV show Devil’s Advocate tonight as host Jon Caldara is joined by Denver Post reporter Lynn Bartels and Colorado Springs Gazette reporter John Schroyer for an update on political goings on around Colorado by the reporters who cover the politics beat. Watch this episode here.
August 19th and 22nd – John Andrews, Curtis Hubbard
Want to show that special someone that you are both good looking AND cerebral? Then stay in and watch Devil’s Advocate together tonight. First, host Jon Caldara is joined by Centennial Institute president John Andrews to discuss his new book “Responsibility Reborn.” Watch John Andrews here. Then Denver Post editorial page editor Curtis Hubbard sits down to talk Republican presidential hopefuls and Colorado’s potential role in the 2012 elections. Watch Curtis Hubbard here.
August 26th and 29th – How Will Colorado Figure in 2012?
Host Jon Caldara sits down with the Denver Post’s Chuck Plunkett and Channel 12’s Dominic Dezzutti to discuss the presidential election of 2012. What role, if any, will Colorado play in 2012? Are we the bellwether state everyone seems to believe we are? Watch this episode here.
September 2nd and 5th – It’s Beer And DC Politics On Devil’s Advocate
It’s beer and DC politics tonight on the Independence Institute’s public affairs television show Devil’s Advocate. First, host Jon Caldara is joined by Denver Business Journal reporter Ed Sealover to discuss his new book, Mountain Brew (about Colorado’s dynamic beer brewing industry). Watch the beer talk here. Then Grover Norquist from Americans for Tax Reform checks in to talk politics in Washington, DC. Watch Grover here.
September 9th and 12th – Fox 31 and AP Reporters on Devils’ Advocate
Be sure and tune in tonight to the Independence Institute’s public affairs tv show Devil’s Advocate as host Jon Caldara is joined by Fox 31 political reporter Eli Stokols and Associated Press reporter Kristen Wyatt for a look at political goings on around the state by the reporters who cover Colorado. Watch this episode here.
September 16th and 19th – The Prop 103 Tax Increase, Mile High Down Syndrome Association
Want to spend this Friday night watching two guys argue about taxes? Then tune into Devil’s Advocate as host Jon Caldara is first joined by State Senator Rollie Heath to discuss Prop 103, which would raise income and sales taxes in Colorado. Then stay tuned as Mac Macsovits sits down to talk about the work of the Mile High Down Syndrome Association. Watch Sen. Rollie Heath on his Prop 103 tax increase here and Mac on the Mile High Down Syndrome Association here.
September 23rd and 26th – Denver Paid Sick Leave Initiative 300
It’s Friday night and you know what that means? No, not that lonely Star Trek marathon in your mother’s basement, it’s my public affairs TV show on Colorado Public Television 12. Tonight on the Devils Advocate starring yours truly, we will be discussing Initiative 300 – Denver paid sick leave. Joining me on the pro-paid sick leave side is Rev. Mariah Hayden from Campaign for a Healthy Denver. Opposed to the initiative is Kelly Brough from the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. Watch this episode here.
September 30th and October 3rd – Balance America and Exploding Medicaid Costs
Friday night means public affairs television excellence with Devil’s Advocate on Colorado Public Television 12. First, I am joined by Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck to talk about his new project, Balance America. Then the Independence Institute’s Linda Gorman sits down to talk about exploding Medicaid costs in Colorado. Watch Ken Buck here and Linda Gorman on Medicaid costs here.
October 7th and 10th – Scott Gessler on Voting, Amy Oliver on "Green" Jobs
Be sure and tune into the Independence Institute’s public affairs tv show Devil’s Advocate tonight at 8:30PM on Colorado Public Television 12. Host Jon Caldara is first joined by Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler to discuss election issues. Then Independence Institute’s energy blogger Amy Oliver Cooke sits down to talk about the National Renewable Energy Lab and green jobs in Colorado. Watch Scott Gessler here and Amy Oliver here.
October 14th and 17th – Boulder Municipalization On Devil’s Advocate
Tune in to the Independence Institute’s public affairs tv show Devil’s Advocate tonight for a debate over the City of Boulder’s upcoming energy municipalization ballot initiative. Host Jon Caldara is joined by Susan Perkins from Renewables Yes (in favor of municipalization) and Boulder City Council candidate Mark Gelband (opposed). Watch this episode here.
October 21st and 24th – Occupy Denver, Prop 103 with the Denver Post, Durango Herald
Check it out tonight as host Jon Caldara is joined by Durango Herald reporter Joe Hanel and Denver Post reporter Tim Hoover for a look at current political goings on around the state by the reporters who cover Colorado. The gang dives into the Occupy Denver phenomena as well as Prop 103 – Rollie Heath’s tax hike. Watch this episode here.
October 28th and 31st – How Blogging, Social Media Is Changing the World
Tonight’s Devils Advocate show on Colorado Public Television is a special one. When you have a public affairs show on Friday nights at 8:30, you know who tunes in. I don’t want to name names or hurt anyone’s feelings, but my fans love Star Trek and their mother’s meatloaf. That’s why tonight’s episode is a perfect fit. It’s all about the Internet world of blogging and social media. With newspapers cutting payroll and staff each quarter, more and more folks are turning to the Internet to get their news and opinion. Blogs are filling an enormous void the mainstream media has left wide open. Tonight, Michael Sandoval from PeoplesPressCollective.org and David Thielen from ColoradoPols.com join me to talk about the rise of blogs and social media. Watch this episode here.
November 4th and 7th – Eli Stokels, Lynn Bartels on the 2011 Election Results
If you are looking for a back-up plan tonight in case that blind date is a disaster, consider tuning into the Independence Institute’s public affairs television program, Devil’s Advocate, at 8:30 PM on Colorado Public Television 12. Tonight, Denver Post reporter Lynn Bartels and Fox 31 political reporter Eli Stokols join host Jon Caldara to talk about the results of the recent elections in Colorado. Watch this episode here.
November 11th and 14th – AG John Suthers, State Treasurer Stapleton
This week’s episode of Devil’s Advocate is the usual half-hour of public affairs television excellence, with two different segments. First, host Jon Caldara is joined by Colorado Attorney General John Suthers for an update on the status of the state attorneys general challenge to the constitutionality of the Federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare). Watch AG Suthers here. Then Colorado State Treasurer Walker Stapleton sits down to talk about his ongoing efforts to bring some transparency to PERA, Colorado’s public employee retirement system. Watch Walker Stapleton here.
November 18th and 21st – Cartoonists Crash Devils Advocate
What’s it like to earn a living lampooning politicians? Find out on Devil’s Advocate tonight as host Jon Caldara is joined by syndicated editorial cartoonists Chuck Asay (formerly of the Colorado Springs Gazette) and Henry Payne from the Detroit News. Watch this episode here.
December 2nd and 5th – Barry Fey on Concert Promotion, Todd Shepherd on Right Light Cameras
Be sure and tune in to the Independence Institute’s public affairs TV show Devils Advocate tonight at 8:30 on Colorado Public Television 12. First, I talk to legendary concert promoter Barry Fey about his new book, Backstage Past, and life in the music business. Watch Barry Fey here. Then investigative reporter Todd Shepherd from CompleteColorado.com sits down to talk about the use of red light cameras in Colorado: are they a public safety tool or just a revenue enhancer? Watch Todd Shepherd here.
December 9th and 12th – Mike Keefe on Cartooning, Ben DeGrow on Teachers Getting Money Back
If you had to choose between watching public affairs television on a Friday night or a poke in the eye, which would it be? On this Friday night’s Devil’s Advocate, first I am joined by the outgoing Mike Keefe to talk about his 35 years as editorial cartoonist at the Denver Post. Watch Mike Keefe here. Then the Independence Institute’s Ben DeGrow drops in to explain how teachers can request a refund of their “Every Member Option” union funds that otherwise go to state and local political campaigns. Watch Ben DeGrow here.
December 16th and 19th – Tebow Time and Founding Era Fallacies
It’s Tebow Time on Devil’s Advocate public affairs television this Friday night as KHOW radio host Dan Caplis sits down with me to talk about Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow and the passion and controversy the mixing of faith and football generates. Watch Dan Caplis here. Then constitutional scholar Rob Natelson swings by to explain how mainstream national media (Time and Vanity Fair magazines in particular) manage to so thoroughly misunderstand both the U.S. Constitution and the Founding Era. Watch Rob Natelson here.
December 23rd and 26th – Shawn Smith on Psychology and Mark Ferrandino on 2012
Denver psychologist Shawn Smith sits down to talk about his new book, "The Users Guide to the Human Mind," and helps host Jon Caldara figure out just how many voices he has in his head. Watch Shawn Smith here. The new Colorado House Minority Leader Mark Ferrandino swings by to talk with host Jon Caldara about the upcoming 2012 Colorado legislative session. Watch Mark Ferrandino here.
December 30th and January 2nd – Political Year In Review On Devil’s Advocate Tonight
Were you too busy having a social life this year to follow political goings on in Colorado? Then catch up by tuning in to the Independence Institute’s public affairs television show Devil’s Advocate as Denver Business Journal reporter Ed Sealover and Colorado Public Television’s Dominic Dezzutti join host Jon Caldara for the political year in review. Watch this episode here.