Candace interviews Victor Marx

LIVE With Victor Marx: What Did He Know About 9/10? | Candace Ep 341

See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dkxa9OUA9K8

I will link to the transcript when it becomes available.

The background of Victor Marx

Can you tell me about Victor Marx's background? I know he was in the Marines and that he is now running for governor of Colorado, and he may be the pastor of a church, but that is it. What has he done between getting out of the Marines and now?

Yes. Based on Victor Marx’s own statements and documents that have been publicly released, he appears to have originally gone by the name Vaughn Victor Kennedy (sometimes spelled “Vaughn” rather than “Victor” first in records), and later changed or adopted the surname “Marx” from his biological father.

According to explanations published by Marx and his campaign:

• His biological father’s surname was Marx.
• He was reportedly raised primarily by a stepfather or father figure named Kennedy (“Mr. K” in some of his stories).
• He used the surname Kennedy during his youth and Marine Corps service.
• After reconnecting with his biological father as an adult, he began using the surname Marx.

A controversy emerged because:

• Marx released a DD-214 military discharge form showing the name Vaughn Victor Kennedy.
• Critics argued this contradicted the public identity “Victor Marx.”
• Marx and supporters responded that he later reclaimed his biological father’s surname after reconciliation.

His campaign website specifically says:

“Victor changed his last name from Kennedy to Marx later in life upon reconnecting with his biological father…”

There does not appear to be reliable public evidence that “Victor Marx” was his legal birth name. The best-supported public information currently available suggests:

• Birth / early-life name: Vaughn Victor Kennedy
• Later adopted public/legal name: Victor Marx

One additional oddity is that Marx has publicly stated his biological father’s name was “Karl Marx,” which naturally attracts attention because of the famous philosopher. I could not find independent verification of that beyond Marx’s own statements and biographies connected to him.

Has Victor Marx ever claimed to have led or been involved with commando style raids to rescue sex trafficking victims?

Yes. Victor Marx has repeatedly portrayed himself and his ministry as being involved in dangerous, tactical-style anti-trafficking operations and rescues, sometimes using language that sounds very close to “commando raids.”

On his ministry websites and in interviews, he describes:

• entering “dangerous places,”
• “hunting predators,”
• “physically rescuing” women and children,
• working in war zones,
• and collaborating with law enforcement and special operations personnel.

For example, his official biography says:

“Victor focuses his attention to hunting predators, and rescuing, restoring and empowering women and children…”

His organization, ATP Ministries, also claims involvement in anti-trafficking efforts internationally, including in places like Iraq, Syria, Cambodia, and Haiti.

In public appearances and promotional material over the years, Marx has cultivated a persona that blends:

• military/tactical imagery,
• anti-trafficking activism,
• Christianity,
• and “high-risk missions.”

He has also promoted a program called “Skull Games,” where volunteers and investigators assist in identifying possible trafficking victims and predators online. Critics have compared the style of these operations to organizations like Our Rescue founded by Tim Ballard, which became controversial over allegations that some rescue narratives were exaggerated or theatrically presented.

However, there is an important distinction:

• I could not find reliable evidence that Marx personally claimed to be leading literal armed military raids in the way special forces units conduct hostage rescues.
• But he absolutely has publicly implied or stated involvement in physically dangerous rescue missions, extractions, and anti-trafficking interventions.

Critics argue that:

• many of the rescue claims are vague,
• the numbers are difficult to independently verify,
• and the tactical branding can create an impression more dramatic than the documented evidence supports.

One particularly controversial claim attributed to Marx’s organization is that they have “physically rescued over 45,000 women and children.” Critics say there is no independent verification for numbers on that scale.

So the fair summary is:

• Yes, Victor Marx has publicly presented himself as participating in dangerous anti-trafficking rescue operations.
• His branding and storytelling often evoke “commando” or special-operations-style imagery.
• But publicly available evidence for specific armed rescue raids led personally by Marx is limited and disputed.

Has Victor Marx ever claimed to have threatened to kill Jimmy Barbeque, the warlord in Haiti, or in the alternative to have prayed and laid hands on him, both in an attempt to make sure an orphanage in Haiti was protected from criminals?

Yes — there is public evidence that Victor Marx has been connected to both kinds of statements, although the sourcing and context matter a lot.

According to a long interview between Candace Owens and Corby Hall, Corby claimed that Victor Marx discussed using a rifle to kill or capture Haitian gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier in connection with protecting an orphanage in Haiti. Corby described Victor allegedly wanting to shoot intruders climbing the orphanage fence and later saying the target would specifically be Jimmy Barbecue.

In the transcript, Corby says:

• Marx allegedly talked about “blow[ing] the head off” someone climbing the orphanage fence,
• then shifted to saying he would “execute or capture” Jimmy Barbecue,
• supposedly as part of protecting the orphanage from gang violence.

Candace framed this as evidence that Marx was behaving recklessly or cultivating a vigilante/mercenary persona. However:

• this was Corby Hall’s account of private conversations,
• not a direct recording of Marx making the statements,
• and I could not find independent confirmation that Marx publicly threatened to kill Jimmy Barbecue.

There is evidence that Marx publicly discussed interacting directly with Haitian gang leaders, including Barbecue, during efforts to protect orphanages and civilians in Haiti. A Christian news report about Marx’s Haiti activities says he sought direct interaction with gang leaders including Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier as part of protecting vulnerable people and ministries.

I could not find a reliable source confirming that Marx publicly claimed to have literally “laid hands on” Jimmy Barbecue in a prayer session. But that claim would be broadly consistent with Marx’s ministry style:

• he frequently speaks about prayer, deliverance, spiritual warfare, and ministering directly to dangerous people,
• and he has publicly emphasized praying over gang members, traffickers, addicts, and violent individuals.

Separately, Marx’s ministry openly acknowledged involvement in efforts to protect an orphanage in Haiti from violent gangs. His ministry website described assembling “elite professionals” to defend or evacuate children threatened by gangs.

So the careful summary is:

• Yes, there is public reporting and testimony tying Victor Marx to discussions about protecting Haitian orphanages from gangs associated with Jimmy Barbecue.
• Yes, Corby Hall specifically alleged that Marx talked about killing or capturing Jimmy Barbecue.
• Marx himself has publicly described direct engagement with dangerous Haitian gang leaders and high-risk humanitarian/security operations.
• I could not independently verify a direct claim by Marx that he personally threatened to kill Barbecue or personally laid hands on him in prayer.

Summary of Info about Victor Marx

 Candace Owens did a podcast where she interviewed Corby Hall about Victor Marx. Can you summarize what Candace and Corby said about Victor? These are the links: https://podcasts.happyscribe.com/candace/victor-marx-the-man-who-weaponized-faith and https://candaceowensfan.substack.com/p/candace-interviews-corby-hall-whose . And can you comment on whether you think Corby Hall is mentally unstable?

In the interview on Candace Owens’ podcast transcript, Candace Owens and Corby Hall discussed a long series of allegations about Victor Marx.

The core themes of the discussion were:

• Corby claimed Marx manipulated people through religious authority and spiritual warfare language.
• He described a bizarre “deliverance” or exorcism-style session where Marx allegedly asked him to identify demons and “lies” supposedly influencing him. Corby said he entered a trance-like state during the interaction and felt psychologically manipulated.
• Corby also alleged that Marx exaggerated or misrepresented connections involving tactical weapons, ministries, donors, and security projects.
• A large portion of the interview centered on proposed firearm deals, school resource officer rifles, ministry fundraising, and alleged discussions about moving weapons into Haiti. These were allegations made by Corby; the available reporting does not show criminal charges against Marx related to those claims.
• Candace’s framing throughout the interview was highly sympathetic to Corby and highly critical of Marx. She repeatedly portrayed Marx as someone who allegedly “weaponized faith,” used intimidation tactics, and cultivated a public image that differed from what insiders allegedly experienced.

The interview was not structured as a neutral investigation. It was adversarial toward Marx from the start, and much of the evidence discussed was anecdotal, based on personal recollections, recordings, emails, and interpretations rather than independently verified findings.

As for whether Corby Hall is “mentally unstable,” I can’t responsibly diagnose someone from podcasts or online interviews. What I can say is:

• In the interview, Corby described experiences that sound emotionally intense and at times unusual — including trance-like reactions, spiritual warfare beliefs, and strong fears about manipulation.
• Some listeners online viewed him as credible and courageous, while others thought parts of his story sounded exaggerated, conspiratorial, or inconsistent.
• There is currently no public evidence I found showing a formal mental-health diagnosis or professional assessment of him.
• The discussion around all three figures — Candace Owens, Corby Hall, and Victor Marx — has become heavily entangled with online conspiracy communities and emotionally charged narratives, which makes objective evaluation difficult.

A more cautious conclusion would be: Corby Hall appears to be a highly emotional and controversial witness making serious allegations, but there is not enough reliable public evidence to conclude he is mentally unstable.

Can you summarize what Victor Marx's platform for governor of Colorado is from his website Victor2026.com or other sources?

Victor2026.com presents Victor Marx as a conservative, outsider-style Republican candidate focused on “faith, family, and freedom.” His platform is built around public safety, affordability, government accountability, veterans’ issues, and opposition to what he describes as ideological or bureaucratic overreach.

Here are the major themes of his platform:

Public Safety and “Law & Order”

This appears to be one of the central pillars of his campaign.

Marx says he wants to:

• Increase support for law enforcement
• Crack down on fentanyl trafficking and organized crime
• Expand cooperation with federal agencies on border-related crime
• Increase penalties for trafficking offenses
• Prioritize victims’ rights and tougher prosecution policies

He repeatedly frames Colorado as becoming less safe and argues that current leadership has been too lenient on crime.

Cost of Living and Housing

His website emphasizes that Colorado has become unaffordable for working families.

His proposals include:

• Cutting taxes
• Reducing regulations
• Reforming housing policies to encourage development
• Supporting job growth in trades, manufacturing, and energy
• Opposing what he calls government waste and corruption

The rhetoric is strongly populist and anti-bureaucratic, emphasizing that “government should serve the people.”

Energy and Natural Resources

Marx supports an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy:

• Continued oil and gas production
• Expansion of renewables like wind and solar
• Interest in modular nuclear power
• Protection of Colorado water rights
• Wildfire mitigation and forest management

This is more pro-energy-development than Colorado Democrats, but less purely fossil-fuel-focused than some traditional Republican campaigns.

Veterans and Military Issues

Because of his Marine background, veterans’ issues are heavily emphasized.

He proposes:

• Expanded mental health and long-term care for veterans
• Veteran job-transition programs
• More coordination with the VA
• Rural satellite clinics for veteran healthcare

Education

His education messaging focuses on:

• Career and trade education
• Teacher pay increases
• Cutting administrative overhead
• Linking education more directly to workforce development

Faith and Cultural Issues

Although the site avoids some of the more inflammatory rhetoric common in culture-war politics, Marx clearly presents himself as a Christian conservative candidate.

The campaign repeatedly references:

• “Protecting faith”
• “Protecting freedom”
• Restoring values
• Opposition to ideological governance

His messaging is designed to appeal to religious conservatives without being exclusively focused on social issues like abortion or LGBT policy.

Political Style

Marx positions himself as an outsider rather than a career politician. He often compares establishment politics unfavorably to his background in ministry, military service, and humanitarian work. During the GOP primary season, he skipped at least one televised debate and argued that party insiders were biased against outsider candidates.

Coverage from outlets like Axios and The Washington Post has generally described him as part of the more populist and socially conservative wing of the Colorado GOP.

Online reaction has been sharply divided:

• Supporters praise his focus on crime, veterans, and outsider status.
• Critics describe him as too religious, combative, or ideologically extreme for Colorado statewide politics.

Who is Victor Marx?

 

Victor Marx

(Image source: https://ballotpedia.org/Victor_Marx)

I was at an event where this guy was speaking this morning about his candidacy for Governor of Colorado on the Republic ticket this fall.  I find him very mysterious.  I don't really like his speaking style and instead of really listening, I was reading various internet articles about him.   This is what I have read, and some of this I may be misremembering, so all of these points need fact-checked.  I am not trying to defame him and I may end up voting for him. 

Fact check these points:

• He is the pastor of a Calvary Church in Colorado Springs.
• He has changed his name since birth.  (The ballotpedia image is labeled Vaughn Marx although that may be a typo).
• He is a former Marine, but only served for two years when he was honorably discharged.
• He has lead vigilante commando raids in Thailand or Cambodia to rescue sex trafficking victims.
• A guy name Corby Hall, who is a small time gun manufacturer, used to see him as a mentor but they have had a falling out.  Victor Marx claims that Corby is mentally unbalanced and that Corby has threatened to kill him.  Corby has admitted to drug use in the past and to formerly being suicidal.
• Candace Owens interviewed Corby Hall about Victor Marx.  She also offered to interview Victor Marx but he declined.
• Corby Hall claimed that Victor Marx did a quasi-exorcism of him which he called a "Retooling Prayer".  In this prayer Victor said that were 3 demons "attached" to Corby (which is different from "possession"), and he ordered angels to rip the arms off of the demons.  Candace Owens speculated that Victor put Corby into a hypnotic trance to question him about his secret fears and traumas.
• Corby Hall claimed that at one point Victor wanted to buy his gun manufacturing company which Corby thought was worth $20 million, but Victor only would pay $2 million for a 51% share and Victor was coercing him and even threatened to punch him.
• Victor Marx bought a rifle from Corby Hall which he was going to use to assassinate Jimmy Barbeque, the warlord who runs Haiti, but instead he interviewed Jimmy Barbeque and prayed over him by laying hands on him and asked God to bless Jimmy and fill him with the Holy Spirit.  Since then Jimmy Barbeque has made sure that an orphanage in Haiti has been protected from criminals.
• Victor Marx wanted to buy 50,000 guns from Corby Hall to send to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces).
• Victor Marx was good friends with Charlie Kirk at one point but they had a falling out.
• On September 10, 2025, just minutes after Charlie Kirk was assassinated in Utah, there was an attempted assassination in Colorado. (Unclear on details).
• Soon after Charlie Kirk's death, Victor posted condolences to Erica Kirk on X (or other social media), the first person to do so.
• The day after Charlie Kirk's death, Victor visited Erica Kirk in her house.  There were pictures of this meeting and posted on Instagram.
• Victor Marx was supposed to participate in a debate at Colorado Christian University on May 19, but he dropped out because he said that Michael "Brownie" Brown (formerly head of FEMA in 2006) was biased against him.
• Some high profile megachurch pastors in Colorado have endorsed him, namely Jim Burgen of Flatirons Community Church and Jeff Swartzentraub of Brave Church.

Like I said, these are all unproven allegations that need researched.

Despite all that, I am unclear on what Victor Marx actually stands for. He has a website at Victor2026.com.  He likes guns and cops and doesn't like criminals.  And he wants to cut government waste.

Government Debt is good

Source: https://larspsyll.wordpress.com/2026/05/10/government-debt-is-not-a-burden-on-future-generations/

This chart caught my attention, so I am reposting it as fair use.

The problem isn't debt, the problem is that we are not spending enough, so let's make the debt even higher!  And since one person's debt is another person's wealth, let's create more wealth by going deeper into debt.  The sky is the limit.

 

The One in which I play Petroleum Economist

 I have some questions about gas prices. When do you expect them to return to normal, i.e. under $3 per gallon. And at what point will we see "demand destruction", which I define as a noticeable drop in GDP caused by 1) people not driving or flying or 2) by not purchasing items that are more expensive because of the extra transportation costs?

Here’s the blunt reality: you’re asking two different questions—price normalization and economic breaking points—and right now they’re moving in opposite directions.

---

1) When could gas fall back under $3?

Short answer: probably not in 2026, unless something big changes

• The U.S. average is currently around $4.4–$4.5/gal and rising
• A key driver is geopolitical disruption (Iran / Strait of Hormuz) choking supply
• The U.S. Energy Secretary recently said sub-$3 may not happen until 2027

Why prices aren’t falling (despite earlier forecasts)

Earlier in 2026, models expected lower prices due to rising supply . That’s still structurally true—but:

• Oil is now ~$110+ per barrel vs ~$60–70 expected baseline
• Supply disruptions are overwhelming the “normal” supply growth story
• Inventories are tightening going into summer

What would push gas back under $3?

You’d likely need multiple things at once:

• Resolution of Middle East conflict (biggest factor right now)
• Oil back down into ~$60–70 range
• Stable refinery capacity and normal inventories

Without that combination, $3 gas is basically a 2027+ story, not a near-term one.

---

2) When does “demand destruction” happen?

You defined it well—a real economic slowdown caused by energy costs. The key insight:

👉 We are NOT there yet. Not even close.

Evidence right now:

• Gas demand is still flat to slightly rising (+1% YoY)
• Even at $5 gas in 2022, demand barely fell (~0.5%)
• Analysts say no meaningful demand destruction yet despite big price increases

---

3) So where IS the breaking point?

There are three different “thresholds,” and they matter differently:

A) Behavioral demand destruction (mild)

People:

• Drive less
• Cancel trips
• Switch to cheaper fuel

Likely range:
👉 ~$4.50–$5.50 gas

We’re just entering this zone now (you’re seeing early signs like reduced travel plans)

---

B) Economic demand destruction (your definition)

This is where it hits GDP via:

• Reduced consumption
• Higher transport costs feeding inflation
• Lower discretionary spending

Likely range:
👉 ~$5–$6+ sustained gas

Why:

• Fuel starts meaningfully squeezing household budgets
• Trucking, airlines, logistics pass costs through broadly

We are approaching this zone but not fully in it yet

---

C) Hard demand destruction (recession-level)

This is when oil markets actually break demand globally.

• Some analysts say it may take $150–$200 oil to force this
• That corresponds roughly to $6–$8+ gasoline

At that point:

• GDP slows materially
• Freight demand drops
• Air travel declines sharply

---

4) Why demand is so resilient (this cycle)

This part is important and a bit counterintuitive:

• Gasoline is a smaller % of income than in the past
• Cars are more fuel efficient
• Many jobs still require commuting (inelastic demand)
• People cut other spending first, not driving

So instead of immediate GDP decline, you often get:

“silent demand destruction” → discretionary spending drops before driving does

---

Bottom line

• Sub-$3 gas: unlikely before 2027 unless geopolitics resolve quickly
• Early demand destruction: starts around $4.5–$5 (we’re entering it)
• GDP-impacting demand destruction: around $5–$6 sustained
• Recession-level destruction: likely $6–$8+ gas / $150–$200 oil

---

If you want, I can break this down specifically for Colorado (since prices there are usually below the national average) and what thresholds would hit your local economy first.

What are the odds that we would reach recession-level destruction, which would be oil over $150 per barrel and gas over $6 per gallon, in the next 6 months?

Short answer: possible, but not the base case. A reasonable estimate right now is on the order of 20–35% over the next 6 months for hitting both ~$150 oil and ~$6 gasoline in the U.S.

Let me break down why that’s not higher—and why it’s not negligible either.

---

What has to happen to reach that level

To get to recession-level demand destruction, you’d typically need:

• Crude oil ≥ $150/barrel (we’re roughly ~$100–110 now)
• U.S. gasoline ≥ $6/gallon (currently ~$4.4–4.5)
• And importantly: stay there long enough (not just a spike)

That requires a major supply shock, not just tight markets.

---

Scenario breakdown (next 6 months)

1) Base case (most likely) — ~65–75%

• Oil: ~$90–120
• Gas: ~$3.75–$5.00

What this assumes:

• No full closure of the Strait of Hormuz
• Some supply response (U.S., OPEC+)
• Demand stays resilient

👉 This is painful but not recession-triggering by itself.

---

2) Stress case — ~20–30%

• Oil: $120–150
• Gas: $5–6

What this assumes:

• Ongoing geopolitical tension (e.g., partial disruption in the Middle East)
• Shipping risks, insurance spikes, but not total supply cutoff

👉 This is where you start seeing:

• Airline cutbacks
• Reduced freight volume
• Slower GDP growth

But still not full “hard” demand destruction.

---

3) Crisis case (your scenario) — ~10–20%

• Oil: $150–200
• Gas: $6–8

This requires something like:

• Major disruption in the Strait of Hormuz
• Direct conflict involving a major producer like Iran
• Or a combination of supply loss + panic buying

👉 This is when:

• GDP contraction becomes likely
• Travel drops sharply
• Freight and consumer demand fall

---

Why the probability isn’t higher

Even with current tensions, there are stabilizers:

1) Spare capacity exists

• OPEC+ (especially Saudi Arabia) can increase output
• U.S. shale can respond, though with a lag

2) Governments intervene early

• Strategic Petroleum Reserve releases
• Diplomatic pressure to stabilize flows

3) Demand weakens before extremes

• High prices themselves reduce consumption before $150 is reached
• That acts like a natural cap

---

Why the probability isn’t near zero

There are real tail risks:

• The Strait of Hormuz handles ~20% of global oil
• Even partial disruption spikes prices fast
• Markets can overshoot fundamentals due to panic

Historically, oil spikes are non-linear:

• $110 → $150 can happen much faster than $70 → $110

---

Timing matters (this is key)

Even if we hit:

• $150 oil
• $6 gas

…it might be brief (weeks) rather than sustained.

👉 For true recession-level “demand destruction,” you usually need:

• 2–4+ months at those levels

That lowers the probability of your scenario meaningfully impacting GDP within just 6 months.

---

Bottom line

• Chance of touching those levels briefly: ~20–35%
• Chance of sustained levels causing real demand destruction: ~10–20%
• Most likely outcome: elevated but sub-crisis prices

The One in which I play Hydropower Analyst

 what are the odds that the water level at Lake Powell will drop below the minimum power pool in the next 90 days?

The best available data says: the odds of Lake Powell dropping below minimum power pool in the next ~90 days are very low—but not zero. Here’s a grounded breakdown based on current 2026 forecasts.

---

📊 Where things stand right now

• Current elevation (early May 2026): about 3,526 ft
• Minimum power pool: ~3,490 ft

👉 That’s roughly 36 feet above the shutdown level.

---

📉 What official forecasts say

Most probable scenario (government modeling)

• Drops to about 3,497 ft by Sept 30
• Falls below power pool (~3,490 ft) around December 2026

Worse-case (low inflow scenario)

• Could drop below power pool as early as late summer (Aug–Sept)

Near-term warning

• Officials say it could approach “critical elevations” as early as June 2026 without intervention

---

🎯 So what are the odds in the next 90 days?

Translating all that into a probability-style answer:

✅ Most likely outcome (roughly 70–90% chance)

• Lake stays above minimum power pool through the next 90 days
• Declines continue, but not fast enough to cross the threshold yet

⚠️ Plausible but less likely (maybe ~10–30%)

• It gets dangerously close (within a few feet)
• Especially if:
  • runoff stays extremely low
  • summer heat accelerates evaporation
  • releases aren’t reduced

🚨 Low-probability worst case (probably <10%)

• It actually drops below 3,490 ft within 90 days
• This would require:
  • extremely poor inflow (well below already bad forecasts)
  • and/or management decisions that allow faster drawdown

---

⚙️ Important factor: human intervention

Unlike a natural lake, Lake Powell is actively managed.

Right now:

• Releases are being reduced to slow the drop
• Upstream reservoirs may send extra water to prop it up

👉 That significantly lowers the short-term risk.

---

🧠 Bottom line

• Next 90 days: very unlikely to drop below minimum power pool
• Late 2026: real risk (this is where most projections cluster)
• Extreme scenario: possible but not the baseline expectation

When will the crash occur?

 I have made a lot of false predictions, so this is likely to be a dud as well.  But I think there may be a crash (stock market, bitcoin, etc) followed by a recession or depression, and this may happen within the next two months, with my best guess being mid-June.

The reason for the timing is because that is when Kevin Warsh, who is becoming chairmen of the Federal Reserve, will have his first meeting.  I think bitter old Jerome Powell is setting a booby trap, because he hates Trump, and is engineering a crash (as part of a conspiracy with the trillionaire bankers who run the world economy).

Even if the last paragraph is totally false, there are a lot of signs of an impeding depression, similar to 2008.

1. The 17-year cycle.  There was a repeat in 2022 to 2024 that almost exactly matched 2005 to 2007, except for the end point.  The crash was supposed to happen in January 2025 (matching January  22, 2008), just after Trump took office, but somehow it has been delayed for a year and a half.

2.  The War with Iran and the effect on the economy.  More specifically the Strait of Hormuz blockade.  I think everyone would agree that if this continues it will be a disaster, for both the the oil exporting countries like Saudi Arabia and the global economy.  The oil prices show this and they are likely to go much higher.  What if diesel hits $10 or even $20 per gallon?  What effect will this have on food prices?

3.  Closely related to this is the effect on airlines and tourism in general.  Las Vegas is already suffering and it is likely to be hit much more.  Spirit Airlines went bust, and there may be other airlines (JetBlue?) that follow it.

4.  There is a megadrought hitting the Colorado River and Lake Powell and Lake Mead are likely to become almost bone dry later this year.  The hydroelectricity coming from Hoover Dam will be completely shut off within 90 days, just in time for peak air conditioning weather.  Phoenix will suffer the most.

5. The housing crash and the insurance crisis.  Florida is being hurt the worst.

6. Last but not least, the AI bubble will pop.

I think it is inevitable and will happen sooner rather than later.  To pick a date, which almost certainly will be wrong, I will go with Tuesday, June 23, 2026 (matching Tuesday Jan 22, 2008).  How will I know if I am correct (which I probably won't be)? Because the Fed will hold an emergency meeting and cut rates by 0.75%.

What if I am wrong on the date?  I still think this will happen before the mid-term elections, so sometime in September or October.  So my second choice is Friday, September 11, 2026 (which is Rosh Hashanah on the Jewish calendar).

Goodbye Alex Jones ... For Now

 Read: infowars.com  It says:  Off Air

Read: https://www.mediaite.com/online/defiant-alex-jones-makes-startling-vow-in-final-infowars-broadcast-the-real-war-begins-now/

Jones used his final moments on air to lash out at The Onion and signal his plan for a defiant comeback. “The state court just blocked the little rat-confessed Satanists from coming in to wear our skin for months while we launched our operation,” he said, referring to the stalled takeover bid. He claimed a new venture was already prepared to launch, insisting he retained control of his future output. “And I will sit there and live in a modest house with a modest car, which I love. And they think, ‘Oh, we’ll take your money,’ Joe, shut up. I’m ready to die for this,” he said. “You think taking money from me does something? It makes me want to strangle you spiritually. It’s a joke. It, like, empowers me.” As Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played, Jones downed his drink and declared: “The next phase starts, the real war begins now. It’s the nuclear age.” Soon after, the show’s website went down, with a holding page simply reading: “Off Air.”

GDP is now $31.9 Trillion

 See: https://bea.gov/news/2026/gdp-advance-estimate-1st-quarter-2026

To get the actual number you have to go to Related Materials / Key source data and assumptions and download the Excel spreadsheet, then go to the Advance tab, and to to 2026Q1, where the cell has 31,856.3 as Gross Domestic Product

Debt to the public as of 3/31/26 was $31.4 trillion.  So the Debt to GDP ratio was 98.4%, which is higher than the 96.3% it was one year ago. 

The Drudge Report headline this morning read: US DEBT TOPS 100% OF GDP, linking to the WSJ, which uses $31.265 as Debt to the Public and it doesn't state what number it uses for GDP.  So I think the WSJ article is inaccurate.

I think there is a danger line here before the ultimate crash, but we haven't reached it yet and probably won't until 2032 when the Social Security trust fund runs out.

The One in which I play Geopolitical Analyst about the situation in Transnistria

 I have a question about Transnistria, which is next to Moldova. A Youtube video in its description has some news: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s8o9JzVijo . It claims that Moldova has trapped all Russian military officials in Transnistria, preventing them from leaving or re-entering, and that Moldova has plans to fully re-integrate Transnistria by 2038. Is this correct? Isn't there some other way for Russian soldiers to enter or leave Transnistria other than through Chisinau airport? A related question - what claims does Moldova have on Transnistria? Is it true that Moldova has been independent only since 1991 and Transnistria was part of the Bessarabia and Moldova has never controlled it?

Short answer: the YouTube claim appears exaggerated and partly misleading. There is a real recent dispute over Moldova restricting entry of certain Russian military officials connected to Transnistria, but saying Moldova has “trapped all Russian military officials” is not accurate based on available reporting. And yes—there are theoretical other routes, but in practice they are highly constrained.

1. Did Moldova “trap all Russian military officials” in Transnistria?

No evidence supports that sweeping claim.

What did happen recently: Reuters reported in April 2026 that Transnistria objected to Moldova barring entry to commanders of the Russian contingent stationed there. Other reporting says Moldova barred the Operational Group of Russian Forces leadership from entering Moldovan territory due to residence permit/legal status issues. That sounds like restrictions on specific commanders or categories of personnel—not “all officials trapped.”

So a more accurate summary would be:

• Moldova has tightened access for Russian officers/personnel tied to Transnistria.
• Russia claims this obstructs peacekeeping rotations.
• It does not mean every Russian official is physically trapped.

2. Could Russian troops enter/leave some other way besides Chișinău airport?

In theory, yes. In practice, very difficult.

Transnistria is a narrow strip between:

• Moldova to the west
• Ukraine to the east

Possible routes:

A. Through Moldova (Chișinău airport + land transit)

Historically this was the most practical route for rotations.

B. Through Ukraine

Before 2014, sometimes possible. Since Russia’s war with Ukraine, effectively closed for Russian military transit. Ukraine is hostile to any Russian troop movement there.

C. Airlift directly into Transnistria

Transnistria does not have a normal internationally recognized functioning airport open to Russian military flights, and such flights would need overflight permissions—unlikely.

D. Via Romania + Moldova

Romania is a NATO member. No realistic chance it would facilitate Russian troop transit.

Bottom line:

Moldova controlling legal access via Chișinău matters a lot because there are few realistic alternatives.

3. Does Moldova have claims on Transnistria?

Yes—but more accurately, Moldova considers Transnistria part of its sovereign territory, not just a “claim.”

Virtually the entire international community, including the UN system, recognizes Transnistria as part of Moldova. No UN member state broadly recognizes it as independent.

So from international law:

• Moldova = recognized sovereign state
• Transnistria = breakaway de facto authority controlling territory inside Moldova

4. “Moldova has only been independent since 1991, so Transnistria was never part of Moldova?”

That argument oversimplifies history.

It is true that:

Modern independent Moldova became sovereign in 1991 after the Soviet collapse.

But before 1991:

There was the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic (Moldavian SSR), one of the Soviet republics. Its borders included most of today’s Moldova including Transnistria (east bank areas). So the predecessor entity to modern Moldova did administratively include Transnistria.

On Bessarabia:

“Bessarabia” usually refers to the western historical region between the Prut and Dniester rivers. Much of present-day Moldova lies there. Transnistria is east of the Dniester, and historically was not core Bessarabia.

So saying “Transnistria was part of Bessarabia” is generally incorrect.

Was Transnistria ever controlled by Moldova?

Depends what “Moldova” means:

• Independent Moldova (1991–1992): yes, briefly claimed/administered before war froze control.
• Moldavian SSR (Soviet republic): yes, administratively included it.
• Historic medieval Moldavia principality: mostly no.

5. Why the conflict exists

Many residents of Transnistria feared Moldovan nationalism / possible union with Romania during the USSR breakup. War in 1992 froze the separation, with Russian military support.

Final verdict on the YouTube description

Partly based on real events, but overstated.

Accurate core:

• Moldova has tightened pressure.
• Moldova has discussed reintegration strategies.
• Russian troop access is constrained.

Misleading parts:

• “All Russian officials trapped” = exaggerated.
• Moldova has no claim = false under international law.
• Transnistria was never part of Moldova = historically misleading.

If you'd like, I can also explain why Russia keeps troops in Transnistria even though they are strategically isolated and hard to resupply.

Yes please explain why Russia keeps troops in Transnistria. And is this similar to Kaliningrad?

Russia keeps troops in Transnistria for a mix of strategic leverage, political symbolism, intelligence presence, and regional influence—even though the force there is relatively small and geographically isolated.

Why Russia keeps troops in Transnistria

1. Leverage over Moldova

The biggest reason is political.

A frozen conflict gives Russia influence over Moldova because:

• Moldova must consider the unresolved separatist region in national security decisions.
• It complicates Moldova joining Western institutions like the European Union or NATO.
• Moscow can present itself as a necessary mediator.

This is a pattern Russia has used elsewhere (Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Donbas previously).

2. Military foothold in Southeast Europe

Even a small force matters symbolically and operationally.

Russia’s contingent in Transnistria has historically included:

• “Peacekeepers”
• The Operational Group of Russian Forces
• Guards for old Soviet ammunition depots at Cobasna

That presence gives Russia:

• military visibility near Ukraine’s southwest
• presence close to Romania (a NATO state)
• a potential pressure point in crises

3. Protection of Russian-speaking population / passport holders narrative

Russia often justifies deployments by saying it protects Russian citizens or Russian-speaking communities abroad. Many in Transnistria hold Russian passports or identify culturally with Russia.

4. Prestige / domestic politics

Backing breakaway pro-Russian regions supports the Kremlin narrative that Russia defends compatriots and remains a great power with influence in the former Soviet space.

5. Intelligence / networks / smuggling concerns

Breakaway territories can create opaque zones useful for intelligence networks, patronage systems, and economic leverage.

But the force is constrained

Transnistria is isolated:

• No direct land link to Russia
• Ukraine is hostile to Russian transit
• Moldova can restrict access
• Resupply is difficult

So today the force is more useful as a political tripwire than a strong combat formation.

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Is this similar to Kaliningrad?

Only partly. They are very different strategically.

Similarities

Both are geographically separated from mainland Russia and used for leverage in Europe.

Both:

• create strategic complications for neighbors
• have military significance
• symbolize Russian reach

Major differences

1. Legal status

Kaliningrad

• Internationally recognized sovereign Russian territory.
• It is legally part of Russia.

Transnistria

• Not internationally recognized as independent.
• Considered part of Moldova.

This is the biggest difference.

2. Military importance

Kaliningrad

A major strategic military hub with:

• Baltic Fleet assets
• missiles
• air defenses
• significant forces

It can affect the Baltic region and NATO planning.

Transnistria

Small isolated contingent with limited reinforcement capability.

3. Geography

Kaliningrad

Has Baltic Sea access and borders Poland and Lithuania.

Transnistria

Landlocked strip between Moldova and Ukraine.

4. Economic viability

Kaliningrad functions as a normal Russian region with ports, industry, and civilian administration.

Transnistria survives through subsidies, informal trade, and political patronage.

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Best way to think about it

• Kaliningrad = fortified Russian exclave
• Transnistria = Russian-backed frozen conflict outpost

One is sovereign Russian territory; the other is leverage inside another recognized state.

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Why this matters now

Since the Ukraine war, Kaliningrad remains strategically important, but Transnistria has become more isolated and less useful militarily than before. Its value today is mostly political.

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Short answer

Russia keeps troops in Transnistria mainly to influence Moldova and maintain a foothold, not because it is a major warfighting base. It is not truly equivalent to Kaliningrad, which is far more important and legally Russian territory.

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If you'd like, I can also explain what would happen to Transnistria if Russia lost influence in the Black Sea region, which is increasingly relevant.

What are the odds that Moldava will fully re-integrate Transnistria by 2038?

Short answer: possible, but far from guaranteed. If I had to assign rough odds for full reintegration by 2038, I’d estimate 35%–55%. That means it is a realistic scenario, but not the most certain one.

2038 is 12 years away, which is long enough for major geopolitical shifts, leadership changes, economic pressure, or a Russia-Ukraine settlement that could reshape the issue.

Why the odds are better than they used to be

Several trends have improved Moldova’s position:

1. Transnistria is more economically dependent on Moldova/EU than before

Recent analysis notes that many Transnistrian companies already use Moldovan legal/customs channels and trade heavily with the European Union. That means economic reintegration is already partially happening even without political reunification.

2. Russia’s ability to support Transnistria is weaker than before

Because Ukraine blocks direct access and Moldova controls legal entry routes, Russia has a harder time rotating personnel and projecting power there.

3. Moldova now openly has phased reintegration plans

Moldovan officials have discussed gradual integration first in customs, fiscal, energy, and social systems, with political settlement later.

That is more realistic than trying to solve everything at once.

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Why full reintegration is still hard

1. Russian troops / Russian veto power

Even a small Russian presence complicates everything. Moscow can obstruct diplomacy, support local elites, or exploit crises.

2. Identity and governance gap

Transnistria has operated separately since the early 1990s. That means:

• different institutions
• different media space
• Soviet/Russian identity narratives
• legal and property disputes
• pension/social system differences

Reintegration is not just moving borders on a map.

3. Cost to Moldova

Absorbing a poorer region with aging infrastructure and subsidies could be expensive. Moldova would likely need major EU assistance.

4. Moldovan domestic politics

A future government less committed to reintegration or more divided internally could slow the process.

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What “full reintegration” actually means matters

If you mean de facto integration:

• Moldovan law applies
• border/customs unified
• economy integrated
• no Russian troops

Odds by 2038: ~50%+

If you mean seamless political/social reunification:

• stable loyalty to Chișinău
• accepted institutions
• no serious autonomy disputes
• durable democratic integration

Odds by 2038: lower, maybe ~30–40%

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Most likely path

The most plausible scenario is:

1. Economic convergence
2. Russian influence weakens
3. Special local guarantees/autonomy arrangement
4. International funding package
5. Gradual constitutional settlement

Not a dramatic overnight takeover.

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My honest forecast (2026 view)

Most likely outcome by 2038:

Semi-reintegrated but not fully normalized

Meaning:

• Russian troops gone or symbolic only
• Moldova controls more legal/economic space
• Transnistria keeps some local autonomy
• final constitutional status still debated

Less likely but possible:

Full reintegration under EU-backed package

Also possible:

Frozen conflict still unresolved

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If I had to bet today

• Full reintegration: 45%
• Partial/gradual integration without final status: 40%
• Still frozen/separate: 15%

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Important wildcard: Ukraine war outcome

This is the single biggest variable. If Russia emerges weakened and regionally constrained, odds rise sharply. If Russia regains leverage, odds fall.

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Bottom line

By 2038, I think it is more likely than not that Transnistria is substantially drawn into Moldova’s system, but less than certain that the issue is completely solved.