Talking Cents | Best 60ish Seconds

In this new installment of the "Best 60ish Seconds," for November 15, 2025, Charlie begins by reflecting on New York City's mayoral election. Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani's victory is emblematic of the Democratic Party's continued shift toward the political left. Charlie comments on how Mamdani represents the ideological direction that now dominates Democratic politics and how far the Democratic base has drifted from mainstream centrist governance.

Charlie then turns his attention to Pennsylvania's protracted budget battle, which finally concluded with a $50.1 billion state budget. However, Charlie criticizes the profligate spending levels, noting the dramatic 100% increase the past two decades—a spending trajectory that has far outpaced inflation and population growth.​

In closing, Charlie bids farewell to the penny. On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach struck the final five circulating one-cent coins at the Philadelphia Mint, ending 232 years of penny production. The historic final pennies will be auctioned off, with proceeds funding U.S. Mint operations.​