Topic: National Press Club

Senator Jeff Flake criticized President Trump's foreign policy at the National Press Club, referencing Richard Nixon's "madman theory." Flake used the term "norming" to describe the acceptance of the President's behavior within the Republican Party. The hosts mock the use of the word "norming," identifying it as corporate jargon from the "forming, storming, norming, and performing" model of team development.

A 2013 speech by whistleblower Thomas Drake is used to argue that "leaks" to major media outlets like NBC are often approved government messages. The hosts contend that because intelligence officials face polygraphs regarding unauthorized press contact, any "top secret" report appearing in the news is likely a coordinated plant.

General Mark Milley clarified that the U.S. military does not currently classify Russia or China as "enemies," as that term specifically denotes entities engaged in open armed conflict. He emphasized the distinction between adversarial competition and war, stating that competition without conflict is the desirable goal. Milley urged for a more precise use of language in political and media discourse regarding international relations.

Protesters at the "Disrupt J20" event in Washington D.C. claimed that attendees at the National Press Club were "Nazis" who had performed Nazi salutes. Activists interviewed expressed a commitment to resisting the administration to protect their communities and rights.

The White House press corps expressed outrage after Donald Trump "gave them the slip" to have dinner with his family at the 21 Club in New York. Media outlets framed the lack of a press pool as a national security risk and a break in protocol. The hosts argue the press is simply upset about losing control of the narrative and being scooped by social media photos.

Attorney General Eric Holder delivered a speech and participated in a Q&A session at the National Press Club despite his pending departure from the role. Observers noted Holder's "lazy eye" during the appearance, which becomes more pronounced when he is fatigued. The segment questions why he is still acting as Attorney General while Loretta Lynch awaits confirmation.

Milwaukee Sheriff David Clark delivered a speech at the National Press Club criticizing Attorney General Eric Holder for throwing law enforcement "under the bus" for political gain. Clark questioned Holder's claims of being racially profiled as a federal prosecutor, noting that if Holder did not report the incidents at the time, his current anecdotes appear self-serving.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 639 of the No Agenda show from the South Austin Safe House and Northern Silicon Valley. They discuss the concept of being a "rule follower," featuring a clip of IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde at the National Press Club. Lagarde jokingly refers to herself as someone who does as she is told.

Senator Marco Rubio's appearance at the National Press Club is analyzed, where he was repeatedly asked about climate change despite being there to discuss retirement policy. The hosts argue that the press corps is obsessed with using climate change as a "litmus test" to make Republicans look like "religious nut jobs." Rubio's refusal to attribute climate change solely to human activity is framed as a standard Republican policy position.

During a speech on retirement systems at the National Press Club, Senator Marco Rubio is repeatedly questioned about climate change instead of his actual topic. The hosts use this as an example of "mass hysteria" in the press corps, where every Republican candidate is subjected to a "litany" of climate-related questions to make them appear anti-science.

NPR faced criticism at the National Press Club for laying off 60 workers while simultaneously planning a move to expensive new headquarters. CEO Vivian Schiller defended the move, claiming the organization sold its previous building at the top of the market. The hosts mock the "elitist" nature of public radio leadership and Kathy Griffin's public defense of the institution.