On this week's episode of Freed Up, Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi condemn Vivek Ramaswamy's new attack ad against opponent Amy Acton before discussing their predictions for the 2026 midterm elections. Next, the boys get biblical with references to their favorite parables as they discuss Tyler Cowen's latest article on why he thinks Elizabeth Holmes—and most other non-violent female criminals—should not be in prison. The episode wraps with a thoughtful discussion on aging, state attorneys general, and the latest Meta settlement.

 

00:00—Vivek Ramaswamy ad controversy

20:00—2026 midterm elections

25:50—Should Elizabeth Holmes be in prison?

49:20—Getting older

58:55—An update on Rep. Ilhan Omar

1:03:10—The importance of grain

1:06:14—Robby and Christian extol author Michael Crichton

1:11:30—The war in Ukraine should end.

1:14:50—Meta settled with the state of New Mexico

1:20:00— Christian continues his crusade against state attorneys general.

 

If you enjoy Freed Up, come watch Robby debate at our upcoming Reason Versus in D.C. Tickets are available here. 

The post Vivek Ramaswamy, Elizabeth Holmes, and Jesus appeared first on Reason Magazine.

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© Illustration: Fatima Ruiz

Republican Mike DeWine said ad featuring estranged mother of Democrat Amy Acton was ‘wrong’, drawing ire of president

Donald Trump issued a swift rebuke against Mike DeWine, Ohio’s Republican governor, who on Thursday said gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was “wrong” to release an ad critical of his Democratic rival Amy Acton that featured her estranged mother.

DeWine had implored Ramaswamy to take the ad down, but hours later, Trump urged Ramaswamy to keep airing it and accused the Republican governor of disloyalty.

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© Photograph: Allison Robbert/AP

© Photograph: Allison Robbert/AP

© Photograph: Allison Robbert/AP

Election forecaster Sabato’s Crystal Ball moved its ratings of Ohio’s gubernatorial race toward Democratic nominee Amy Acton, following a controversial campaign ad launched by her opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy (R). Previously, the forecaster rated the race as a “toss-up,” but it has changed it to “leans Democratic,” following what it called “an explosive—and desperate—attack ad,” according…

Election forecaster Sabato’s Crystal Ball moved its ratings of Ohio’s gubernatorial race toward Democratic nominee Amy Acton, following a controversial campaign ad launched by her opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy (R). Previously, the forecaster rated the race as a “toss-up,” but it has changed it to “leans Democratic,” following what it called “an explosive—and desperate—attack ad,” according…

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• Trump attacks Ohio governor over call for Ramaswamy to drop ‘deeply troubling’ ad

Reporting from Anchorage, Alaska

Mary Peltola’s campaign to represent Alaska in the US Senate has taken her to parts of the massive state’s interior that are inaccessible by road and on the frontlines of the cost-of-living crisis she hopes will make her the first Democrat to win the seat in nearly two decades.

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© Photograph: Charlie Neibergall/AP

© Photograph: Charlie Neibergall/AP

© Photograph: Charlie Neibergall/AP

Wednesday on CNN’s “The Lead,” Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) said Ohio Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy’s ad featuring Donna Arthur, the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent, Amy Acton, “might have cost JD Vance the presidency.” Anchor Jake Tapper said,

The post Nancy Mace: Ramaswamy’s ‘Ad Might Have Cost JD Vance the Presidency’ appeared first on Breitbart.

The vice president backed an advertisement featuring Democrat Amy Acton’s mother, who has been estranged from Dr. Acton since her stepfather was charged with child rape.

© Kenny Holston/The New York Times

The campaign is in its final stretch and the attacks are getting increasingly personal. In Ohio, Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign is behind an ad featuring the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent, Amy Acton, disputing Acton's account of her childhood. For analysis, Geoff Bennett spoke with Democratic strategist Faiz Shakir and Republican strategist Whit Ayres.