Guests - Betsy Smith, Anthony Sanborn
China Watch Wednesday: Trump-Xi Summit Delivers Wins Amid Domestic Distractions
Kathleen Winn opened her shortened China Watch Wednesday segment with a nod to co-host Ava Chen's illness, blaming New York election fallout for the malaise. Filling the gap solo, Winn detailed outcomes from President Trump's meeting with Xi Jinping—results she called "understated" amid national news overload.
China agreed to suspend 24% additional tariffs on U.S. goods for one year while retaining a 10% levy. As the world's top agricultural buyer, Beijing will lift tariffs up to 15% on U.S. farm products starting November 10, paving the way for massive soybean purchases. "That'll help our farmers," Winn said, highlighting Trump's negotiation of a one-year open trade in rare earth minerals worth billions in soybean sales alone.
Fentanyl flows remain a flashpoint. Trump secured promises to curtail the deadly drug, though Winn cautioned vigilance: "We'll see how that goes—it's still a dangerous drug flowing in, even with secure borders." She noted rising fentanyl costs could spike petty theft and crime in places like Tucson, citing Tucson Police Protective League's Nate Foster.
Critical demands include China repatriating 30,000 military-aged illegal Chinese males in the U.S. and surrendering all CCP-owned land, much near military bases. "The CCP cannot retain ownership of land by our bases," Winn stressed, extending to exits from Cuba and Panama ports. These global seaports, including Panama Canal access, bolster U.S. shipping dominance.
A trillion dollars in deductions from China-held debt bonds rounded out accomplishments. "Many thought Xi wouldn't negotiate—they were cordial," Winn observed, contrasting with anticipated hostility. She predicted Trump's next focus: Russia.
In the last eight hours before air, China banned AI chips in state-funded data centers. Guidance mandates domestic AI chips only; projects under 30% complete must remove foreign chips like NVIDIA's. Advanced projects get case-by-case review. "The CCP wants to eliminate foreign technology from critical infrastructure," Winn explained, tying it to U.S.-China AI dominance rivalry.
Trump, in a Sunday interview, confirmed Washington allows NVIDIA deals but reserves the most advanced chips. "They can get chips, but we'll get the newer, better ones," Winn quoted. Takeaways: Repatriate the 30,000 males with verification; end CCP land ownership—states already pushing bans. "Positive outcomes," she concluded.
Election Hangover: Local Losses, National Lessons, and Bright Spots
Winn pivoted to Tuesday's elections, dubbing it "election hangover." Grateful for Betsy Brantner Smith calling in from the road, they dissected results.
New York's mayor-elect, a democratic socialist, drew fire. "Socialism never works—we'll watch in real time as people flee to Florida, Texas, Arizona," Smith said. Winn urged Tucsonans: "You can't give up—look at what we did right, wrong, and push forward."
Pima County observer issues dominated. Winn's team notified Elections Director Constance Hardgrove in advance, but Recorder Gabriella Cancio (or "Gabby") oversaw without notice. Republican and Democrat observers arrived; neither got the memo. "This wasn't Republican vs. Democrat—it was poor process," Winn said. Observers outside spotted overflowing ballot boxes on the ground. "We called to help," she added. No entry granted despite follow-ups; a letter went unanswered. About 16,000 voted; counting continues. Complaints: Names and phone numbers on unsecured envelopes via scanners—"What could go wrong?" Winn asked, blaming Recorder and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes.
Virginia’s attorney general pick normalized death threats to opponents. "Terrifying," Winn said. Smith blamed weak non-MAGA Republicans: "Glenn Youngkin was this side of Never Trumper; Winsome Earl Sears, terrific but poor communicator." New Jersey echoed: Anti-Trump Jack Ciattarelli lost again. "To win, be MAGA, patriot, support the agenda—no moderation," Smith insisted.
Tucson city council went extreme; school bonds passed (some close). "Disappointed, but analyze finals," Winn said. Turnout hit 40%—60% abstained. Pima GOP runs on volunteers and donations: "My salary? Zero—less, with what I spend." Infighting hampers Republicans; Democrats lockstep. "Don't complain about candidates unless you run—time, treasure, talent," Winn challenged. 2026 exposes vulnerabilities: "Assess, don't wallow—move forward."
National Tragedies and Political Maneuvers
A Louisville plane crash killed at least nine, injured 15, with 16 unaccounted. UPS hub incident: McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (1991) caught fire on runway, struggled for altitude with 38,000 gallons fuel post-refuel. "Doomed—should never have taken off," Smith's pilot husband said. MSNBC blamed Trump shutdown; hosts refuted. Massive response: Multiple fire departments, mutual aid, FAA probe. Airport/schools shut; mail/packages delayed.
Government shutdown persists; 8,000% rise in ICE attacks. Broadview, Illinois riot emboldened left. Rep. Brandon Gill (Dinesh D'Souza's son-in-law) filed impeachment articles against Judge Boesberg for anti-Trump activism, Jack Smith orders/subpoenas targeting Trump and hundreds of Republicans. "Corrupt Democrats from Obama to Biden—more coming," Winn said.
Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego vote to sustain shutdown, denying SNAP, military, law enforcement pay—while collecting salaries. "Kelly campaigns in Virginia for white woman over black female Marine veteran," Winn noted. Democrats protest daily outside Jim Click and Christian Siskamani offices.
Minneapolis mayoral tie: No 50% in ranked-choice voting—forces runoff, costs money, disenfranchises. "Arizona said no last year—horrific in real time," Smith said. Republicans underperform when turnout lags.
Pima elections flawed like Maricopa; no early ballot observers (legal loophole). "Elect new recorder," Winn urged. Democrats claim no observers sent—contradicting earlier reports. EIC member attended one of nine meetings; always dealt with Constance, not recorder.
Mesa recall success: Julie Spilsbury out for endorsing Kamala Harris. "Turning Point ballot chasers—recall hard; Mesa overtaking Tucson as second-largest," Winn said. She once ran/lost there by ~400 votes.
Christopher Schultes update: Failed custody appearance post-hot-car daughter death plea. Died—likely suicide per experts. Civil wrongful death suit pending. "Should've stayed in custody—now two deaths, no justice," hosts agreed. Ties to no-cash-bail failures.
Tucson: Most dangerous Arizona city; Marxists/Democrats on council, mayor, board (Jen Allen; Steve Christie sole reason). "See in real time," Smith said.
White House site launch: Mug shots, locations, histories of illegal aliens defrauding Medicare/Medicaid. "Kelly/Gallego lie—they get benefits," Winn said. End "free stuff"—deport, return in 10 years. Tie to Trump-Xi: 30,000 Chinese illegals out.
SNAP fraud: 6,000 dead on rolls; one man in nine states ($10-15K/month). Reform eligibility—no able-bodied single men. Limited SNAP during shutdown; Supreme Court tariff case looms.
Desert Dog Canine Trials: Honoring Furry Four-Legged Officers
Anthony "Tony" Sanborn, Scottsdale PD officer and Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA) member, joined to promote the memorial repair and weekend event.
ALECA: 330+ current/retired handlers, federal/military. Memorial at Wesley Bolin Plaza damaged in George Floyd unrest—acid poured, degrading granite. Cracks form; needs full replacement. Cost: $60-80K for specific black granite, statue lift, re-etching names (oldest late 1980s; ~12 fallen).
Event: Desert Dog Canine Trials & Public Safety Expo, November 8-9, Westworld Scottsdale. Largest U.S. police canine competition; 5-7,000 attendees. Gates 8 a.m.-3/4 p.m. Tickets: $10 online (alekapolicecanine.com—ALECA police canine.com), $15 gate. Family-friendly; no personal dogs/food (concessions available).
Vendors, specialty units demo equipment/tech. Equidome: Competition—tactical obedience, dock jumping, apprehension, shooting, Code 3 driving (lights/sirens, jumps), tennis ball dodges. Live scoring; Jumbotron. Off-site: EOD (bomb), narcotics detection. Therapy dogs growing—Scottsdale: 5 SRO-attached, adding 2. "Break walls with students," Sanborn said.
45 competitors; AZ teams (Tucson/PD/Sheriff strong), CA, NV, past AK/IN/NY. Tough Dog: Decoys vote hardest-hitters; trophy travels. Merch/store on site; donations tax-deductible (501c3).
Sanborn: 21 years Scottsdale; third dog (Jaro, ~10 March, retiring healthy). Dogs: Family/partners; on-off switch critical. Imported Europe (Holland direct); vendors handle customs.
Colin's Canine Dream: Honors ill children (e.g., Colin Rasky, brain tumor)—sworn in, helicopter, Code 3, apprehension command. Post: Disney trips. "Reminder why we do this," Sanborn said.
Tucson/PD/Sheriff collaboration praised; statewide training shares successes/failures. "Makes us safer, saves lives."
Goal: Restore memorial by next year—ribbon-cutting celebration. Donate via site (memorial/general). Circle K partner 7 years.
Winn: Texting Mike Kirkenbach (DOE public safety) and Shelly Boggs (Maricopa supt.) intros for SRO therapy expansion. "Bridge gaps—brilliant."