Topic: Corporate Welfare

Amazon officially announced it will split its second headquarters between Long Island City, New York, and Arlington, Virginia. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio faced backlash for offering nearly $3 billion in tax incentives and a helipad for Jeff Bezos. State Senator Ron Kim and other progressives have criticized the deal as "corporate welfare," arguing the funds should instead be used to address student debt and infrastructure.

Ted Cruz's attack on sugar subsidies during the debate is identified as a targeted strike against Marco Rubio, who has ties to the sugar industry in Florida. Cruz frames the subsidies as "corporate welfare" that bankrolls lobbying efforts. The hosts discuss the corruption inherent in these industry protections and the likelihood of a Bush vs. Clinton general election.

Ralph Nader is featured in a clip discussing "corporate welfare" and the collusion between giant corporations and the government. He argues that both parties support subsidies and bailouts that undermine market discipline. The hosts equate this "corporatism" with the classic definition of fascism, where the state and corporate interests become indistinguishable.

President Obama claims that new fuel standards will double vehicle efficiency and reduce dependence on foreign oil. He also targets $4 billion in "taxpayer-funded corporate welfare" for oil companies. The hosts argue that these are not special subsidies but rather "Section 199" tax breaks available to all U.S. manufacturers, including software and media companies, and accuse the president of misrepresenting the tax code.