[ Text Menu: Today's Stack of Stuff | Audio | About Ralph | Contact Ralph | Ralph Rant! ] October 7, 2008  Ralph Bristol Show Audio Most Recent Ralph Rant - Reject Obama for the Right reason Oct. 2, 2008 -- People are constantly trying to recuit my help in spreading the latest rumor about Barack Obama. This is why I rarely accomodate them. Alexander defends bailout vote Oct. 3, 2008 - Sen. Lamar Alexander defends his unpopular vote for the bank bailout bill. (9:33) DeMint assails bailout bill Oct. 3, 2008 -- This is my presentation of Sen. Jim DeMint's floor speech against the bank bailout bill. (9:04) Ralph Rant -- Hillary promises return of 1990s April 21, 2008 -- If you are pining for a return of the 1990s, there are a few things you might be forgetting. President Bush details progress in Iraq March 26, 2008 -- In a speech that was widely underreported, President Bush makes the case that there has been both political and economic progress in Iraq. Obama 'stands by his man' Mar. 23, 2008 -- If Barack Obama wins the Democratic nomination for president, and wants to put a woman on his ticket, he should forget Hillary, and recruit the late Tammy Wynette. Why? Listen. Weak dollar, high oil prices not natural March 7, 2008 -- Economist John Tamny argues that the high price America has to pay for oil today is largely a product of the weak dollar, which he says is the fault of bad policy on the part of the Bush administration. Bill would ban smoking in cars Feb. 12, 2008 -- State Sen. Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville) drew a lot of fire for sponsoring a bill that would ban smoking in cars with children present. Here's the interview that started it all. Sen. Alexander on health care, taxes Jan. 8, 2008 -- Sen. Lamar Alexander discusses his 2008 wish list, including health car and tax changes. Ronald's Reagan's biggest blunder Nov. 26, 2007 -- Ronald Reagan was a very good, if not great conservative president, but he wasn't perfect and not everything he did was conservative. Now, two of the front-runners in the 2008 presidential race are eager to repeat his biggest mistake. This premeditated Ralph rant sounds the warning bell. Al Qaeda's 20-year plan Oct. 26, 2007 -- Our sworn enemy, al Qaeda, has a specific goal and a plan to meet it. Here's your mini-course in that plan. (approx 10 minutes) Sen. Corker Defends SCHIPS vote Oct. 19, 2007 -- U.S. Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee defends his vote to expand the government healthcare program, SCHIPS. (about 9 minutes) Saving Private Fred July 16, 2007 -- Here's a premeditated Ralph rant on one of my biggest pet peeves -- the estate tax, aka "death tax." People don't have much fondness for the "rich" people the tax effects. Maybe it's because they don't know anyone like Fred. Al Gore on Iraq - then and now June 13, 2007 -- It can be very enlightening to revisit speeches that people made in the past. This is a review of a speech that Al Gore would probably prefer you forget. Heritage Foundation's Robert Rector on illegal workers May 25, 2007 -- The author of oft-cited research on the social cost of immigrant labor discusses, defends and elaborates on his report. Premeditated Ralph Rant -- Targeted Taxes May 21, 2007 -- People put way too much thought in to what makes a tax "fair." Government should be priced the same as any other product. You pay the same price as Bill Gates for a gallon or gas or milk. Why should government services be different? God is not great? May 8, 2007 -- British born journalist and author Christopher Hitchens writes a book blaming religion for most of the world's problems. His beef is not just with religious fanatics, but mainstream religious beliefs too. He defended his thesis on Nashville's Morning News with Ralph Bristol. Premeditated Ralph Rant -- Gas taxes May 8, 2007 -- It seems some Tennessee lawmakers want to raise gas taxes because their parts of the state don't get enough highway dollars. But can this be true? Some of the gas tax revenue doesn't even go to highway construction and maintenance? Not just some -- a lot. Tenet: We all thought they had WMD May 2, 2007 -- Former CIA Director George Tenet defends the information he gave to President Bush that was used to justify the war with Iraq, but strangely refuses to say whether he thinks the Iraq War is an integral part of the overall war with terrorists. The China Connection March 12, 2007 -- Dr. Tim Kane of the Heritage Foundation, an economist and expert on international relations, discusses U.S.-China economic relations. If you're a protectionist, this might burn your ears. (approx 16 min) Is Islam a peaceful religon -- part 1 Feb. 27, 2007 -- Author Robert Spencer discusses the question, "Is Islam a peaceful religion?" Part One -- Runs 14:17 Is Islam a peaceful religon -- part 2 Feb. 27, 2007 -- Author Robert Spencer discusses the question, "Is Islam a peaceful religion." Part 2 -- Runs 18:50 Archives Hero's Tour comes to Nashville March 7, 2008 -- One of the most elequent spokesmen in the country for the mission of the Iraq War is Pete Hegseth, executive director of Vets For Freedom. His organization has included Nashville on a "Hero's Tour," featuring decorated veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. We talked with him in advance of the tour, which stops in Nashville on March 29th. Learn more at www.vetsforfreedom.com. If not Fred, who? Jan. 23, 2008 -- Since Fred Thompson has dropped out, Fred Heads, of which I am one, have to make a second choice. I'll vote for Ron Paul. Here's why. Ramsey discusses mandatory money management class Jan. 16, 2008 -- Money management expert Dave Ramsey discusses the idea of a mandatory money management course in public schools. Debix to provide ID protection to Nashville Voters Jan. 15, 2008 -- This is an interview with a representative of the company that Metro Nashville has hired to protect the identity of its voters whose personal information is contained in a stolen laptop. This is not your only option, but it's free for a year for those who qualify. Is Ann Coulter a liberal? Oct. 4, 2007 -- Listen to this interview to learn why conservative flame-thrower Ann Coulter likes blue state Republicans like Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney better than red state Republicans like Fred Thompson. Fred's first stump speech Sept. 6, 2007 -- Former TN Sen. Fred Thompson delivers his first stump speech in Iowa upon entering the race for the GOP nomination for President. (approx 23 minutes) Ralph Rant -- Don't shut up, grow up July 30, 2007 -- John Edwards whined to a group of supporters "They're trying to shut me up." Oh please, get over yourself John. We don't want you to shut up. We just want people to know you better. Immune to the facts July 16, 2007 -- Retired Army General Jack Keane argues that politicians who don't think we are making progress in Iraq appear to be "immune to the facts." Commerce Secretary pushes for immigration deal June 23, 2007 -- U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez tries to convince us that the senate's immigration "grand bargain" is a good deal for America. Judge answers questions about killer drunk driver June 21, 2007 -- An illegal alien with multiple felony convictions now faces even more serious charges after a drunk driving accident that killed a Nashville college student. Judge Mark Fishburn signed a plea agreement that allowed the suspect to roam free after one of those felony convictions. The judge agreed to answer questions about his decision. Alexander says his immigration vote is the conservative position June 6, 2007 -- Sen. Lamar Alexander voted against a key amendment to sunset the guest worker provision of the grand immigration deal. He argues that his is the conservative position on that issue. Ralph v. Michael June 4, 2007 -- It finally happened. After weeks of embarrasment, my new friend Michael DelGiorno finally bests me in a game of golf (because I shot a 94). He celebrates his victory on my show. Thanks to Gaylord Springs Golf Links for putting up with us. Memorial Day 2007 May 28, 2007 -- Just in case you don't think we are a patriotic nation, listen to this. I edited this 5-minute montage from the audio that ABC provided on Sunday and Monday, Memorial Day, 2007. You would have to multiply this by many thousands to get a true picture of the love that swelled the hearts of Americans on this day. Clemson tests double dipping May 25, 2007 -- If you can't double dip with the one you love, don't double dip. Clemson University researchers test something you probably first thought about while watching an episode of Seinfeld. Corker opposes immigration deal in present form May 24, 2007 -- U.S. Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee would vote against the grand immigrationi deal in its original form. Alexander undecided on immigration deal May 22, 2007 -- As of this date, Sen. Lamar Alexander is undecided on the immigration deal brokered by a bipartisan group of senators in mid May. TV News Team finds 'illegal' employers May 15, 2007 -- Ralph debriefs Channel 4's Jeremy Finley about his story that found plenty of employers eager to hire illegal immigrants in the Nashville area. Gingrich condemns 'empty' campaign May 14, 2007 -- Former House Speaker and possible presidential candidate Newt Gingrich chastises the 2008 presidential field for not taking terrorism seriously enough. Oh, and he hawks his book too, but you know... Why are gas prices so high? May 11, 2007 -- John Felmy, chief economist of the American Petroleum Institute, answers that question. Zack Wamp: We need Fred May 10, 2007 -- Tennessee Congressman Zack Wamp explains why he's shepherding support in Congress for a presidential run by former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson. He insists it's not just a "favorite son" kind of thing. Another American victory against terrorists May 8, 2007 -- ABC Chief Investigative Correspondend Brian Ross talks with me about the successful operation to stop six Muslims from killing a whole bunch of soldiers at Fort Dix. Club for Growth clubs McCain March 20, 2007 -- The president of the Club for Growth gives presidential candidate John McCain a less than glowing critique on economic issues. (Runs approx 15 1/2 minutes) Graham to vote for border fence Sept. 29, 2006 -- Sen. Lindsay Graham was rumored to be a possible vote against a Mexican border fence, but he decided to vote for it -- something he first announced on the Ralph Bristol Show. Sen. Graham Defends Detainee Deal Sept. 22, 2006 -- Sen. Lindsey Graham defends the deal that he helped craft with President Bush after first opposing the president's plan for questioning and trying foreign terrorist suspects. (approx 19 minutes) Tancredo v. Ralph on Immigration -- Part 1 Sept. 8, 2006 -- Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-CO) and Ralph debate illigal immigration and take phone calls. (Part 1 of 3) (Approx 13 minutes) Tancredo v. Ralph on Immigration -- Part 2 Sept. 8, 2006 -- Congressman Tancredo on illegal immigration (part 2 of 3) (approx 7 minutes) Tancredo v. Ralph on Immigration -- Part 3 Sept. 8, 2006 -- Congressman Tancredo on illegal immigration (part 3 of 3) (approx 15:45) Graham answers immigration questions -- part 1 March 30, 2006 -- Sen. Lindsey Graham defends his vote and answers questions about a bill that would allow illegal immigrants to "come out of the shadows." (part one of three)(approx 10 minutes) Graham answers immigration questions -- part 2 March 30, 2006 -- Sen. Lindsey Graham defends his vote and answers questions about a bill that would allow illegal immigrants to "come out of the shadows." (part two of three) (approx 10 minutes) Graham answers immigration questions -- part 3 March 30, 2006 -- Sen. Lindsey Graham defends his vote and answers questions about a bill that would allow illegal immigrants to "come out of the shadows." (part three of three)(approx 10 minutes) Graham defends 'guest workers' March 16, 2006 -- Sen. Lindsey Graham argues that the U.S. economy would suffer greatly if all 11 million illegal immigrants were sent packing. (This has been edited to stay focused on the central issue) (Running time 4:47) DeMint the optimist Oct. 18, 2005 -- Sen. Jim DeMint remains optimistic about the prospects of serious tax reform, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. DeMint's 'Stop the Raid' Social Security plan Sen. Jim DeMint explains the benefits and limitation of his plan to use only the payroll tax surplus to create new personal "Social Security lockboxes" and, he says, "stop the raid" on Social Security. Graham defends filibuster agreement May 24, 2005 -- Sen. Lindsey Graham defends his participation in an agreement that stopped a filibuster showdown in the Senate over judicial nominees. Graham's search for Democrats March 24, 2005 -- Sen. Lindsey Graham is searching for Democrats who will allow private accounts in Social Security if Republicans will allow a payroll tax increase on upper income folks. Is he finding any? Did he really say that? Who was the first President to suggest "privatizing" Social Security? Listen and find out.