Keep on Trumpin’

On July 23, 2024, Kevin Lundberg and Toby Damisch joined the show. Former State Senator Lundberg analyzed the Trump assassination attempt as divine intervention, discussed Biden’s withdrawal and Harris’s nomination, and provided updates on Protect Kids Colorado ballot initiatives Douglas County Assessor Damisch explained the property tax crisis facing Colorado homeowners and analyzed Initiatives 50 and 108, breaking down their mechanisms, strengths,.

The Miracle at Butler and Political Fallout

Start listening at 17:13 – Hour 1

Kevin Lundberg argues that the July 13th assassination attempt on Donald Trump represents nothing short of divine intervention. The former state senator points to the impossibility of an assassin’s bullet barely grazing Trump’s ear while he moved during his speech, calling it “one of those obvious miracles that no one can deny.” Lundberg notes a visible change in Trump’s demeanor at the Republican National Convention, suggesting the near-death experience “dug deep into his soul.”

The conversation turned to the political earthquake of Biden’s withdrawal and Kamala Harris’s emergence as the presumptive Democratic nominee. Lundberg draws parallels to how the Biden administration and media spent months insisting the president was mentally fit, calling it a “masquerade” that voters saw through. He also revealed that Jared Polis is scheduled to speak at the American Legislative Exchange Council meeting in Denver that Friday, raising questions about the governor’s national political ambitions.

On the Protect Kids Colorado initiatives requiring parental notification about gender identity issues in schools and keeping biological boys out of girls’ sports, Lundberg reports that Attorney General Phil Weiser has pledged to fight both measures. Despite the uphill signature-gathering battle, Lundberg considers the education effort itself a victory.

“Self-governance is so absolutely essential for a good, healthy society. And it starts not from saying I am king. It starts from saying God is king.”

Kevin Lundberg, Former Colorado State Senator

Property Tax Crisis and Ballot Solutions

Start listening at 59:02 – Hour 2

Toby Damisch lays bare the property tax crisis gripping Colorado homeowners. The Douglas County Assessor notes that 2023 property reappraisals resulted in 20 to 100 percent valuation increases statewide, translating to average tax bill increases exceeding 30 percent in a single year. Damisch calls this level of taxation “absolute insanity” and warns it threatens the fundamental American ideal of home ownership, particularly for young families.

Two ballot initiatives aim to address the crisis. Initiative 50 would establish a 4 percent annual cap on statewide property tax revenue growth through a constitutional amendment. Damisch acknowledges the measure’s vagueness troubles many conservatives but views it as drawing “a line in the sand” against tax-and-spend policies. Initiative 108 would simplify assessment rates to two tiers, 5.7 percent for residential and 24 percent for commercial property, while creating a state backfill mechanism to protect local government revenues.

Kim Monson expressed concerns about Initiative 50’s constitutional status and the vague language that leaves implementation to a legislature hostile to taxpayers. She reminded listeners that Colorado Union of Taxpayers opposed the 2020 Gallagher Amendment repeal, warning it would put property tax rates “in the hands of the legislature,” a prediction now proving accurate.

“What about the citizen? What about the homeowner? What about the small business? They’re the ones who are paying these taxes.”

Toby Damisch, Douglas County Assessor