Topic: Bob Costas

Kamala Harris cited a quote from Bob Woodward's new book, attributing a statement to General Mark Milley calling Donald Trump "fascist to the core." The discussion notes that this is second-hand information from Woodward rather than a direct public statement from Milley. The hosts express skepticism regarding the book's timing and accuracy, referencing previous "debunked" claims about Trump sending PCR machines to Russia.

Sports commentator Bob Costas appeared on Michael Smerconish's program, describing Donald Trump as the most disgraceful figure in modern presidential history. Costas characterized Trump's supporters as being in the throes of a "toxic delusion" and a "toxic cult." The remarks are cited as evidence of a coordinated media narrative labeling the MAGA movement as a religious or psychological cult.

Bob Woodward and Robert Costa's new book, "Peril," reveals that General Mark Milley made secret calls to his Chinese counterpart to reassure them that the US would not launch a surprise attack during the final days of the Trump administration. The book is viewed as a strategic leak from intelligence sources, introducing Robert Costa as Woodward's potential successor in the realm of high-level political reporting.

The discussion turns to Vladimir Putin's public demeanor during the Sochi Olympics and his potential reaction to US interference in Ukraine. The hosts reference an interview where President Obama described Putin's "tough guy" persona as a "shtick." They suggest the US is intentionally "poking the gorilla" to provoke a Russian response.

MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell is criticized for his commentary on the murder-suicide involving Kansas City Chiefs player Jovan Belcher. O'Donnell's analysis, which touched on gun control and the culture of football, is characterized by the hosts as nonsensical. They specifically mock a metaphor comparing Babe Ruth's bat to gun ownership.

NBC's coverage of the London Olympics is criticized for focusing on American athletes and Bob Costas interviews rather than the sports themselves. Specific critiques include the heavy "hooker makeup" worn by gymnasts and the incomprehensible nature of interviews with athletes like Jamaica's "The Beast."

The Penn State child abuse scandal involving Jerry Sandusky is analyzed as a potential systemic cover-up involving the Second Mile Foundation. The hosts suggest the foundation's elite donor list, including major banks and corporations, may lead to a swift media suppression of the story. Clips from Bob Costas and Jon Stewart highlight the absurdity of Sandusky's "horseplay" defense.