Topic: Open Secrets

A group of 77 Nobel laureates in medicine, chemistry, and physics signed a letter opposing the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The laureates argue that Kennedy's views on vaccines and public health would "undermine America's global leadership" in health sciences. However, an analysis of campaign finance data via Open Secrets suggests that many of the signatories are consistent donors to the Democratic Party, leading critics to dismiss the letter as a partisan effort.

The hosts criticize PBS NewsHour for its coverage of Justice Alito, specifically the appearance of law professor Kathleen Clark. After researching Clark on OpenSecrets, the hosts identify her as a Democratic donor, arguing she is not an objective ethics expert. They also mock the inclusion of former Congressman Joe Walsh as a representative of Republican perspectives.

A study from Columbia University led by Dr. Erwin Redlener estimates that up to 210,000 U.S. deaths could have been avoided with earlier policy interventions. The hosts deconstruct Redlener's background, noting his roles as an advisor to Mayor Bill de Blasio and his involvement in the 2000 Elian Gonzalez case. Financial records from OpenSecrets are cited to characterize Redlener as a partisan figure rather than a neutral researcher.

The American Bar Association (ABA) and America Magazine (a Jesuit publication) have both called for a halt to the Kavanaugh confirmation process. Despite the ABA previously giving Kavanaugh a "well-qualified" rating, their shift is attributed to the political leanings of law firms, which data from Open Secrets shows are overwhelmingly Democratic. The segment also revisits a "farce" exchange between Senator Feinstein and Kavanaugh regarding the Swetnick allegations.

Data from OpenSecrets.org reveals that the NRA spent approximately $5.1 million on lobbying in 2017, while the pharmaceutical industry spent $3.8 billion. The hosts argue that the "gun lobby" is significantly less influential than the insurance and pharma sectors. They also note that mass shootings are statistically rare compared to deaths from the opioid crisis, which receives less aggressive media coverage.

A $150 donation to the Trump campaign during the election cycle resulted in the receipt of a "Trump Gold Card," which became a point of contention during a dinner in France. The donation was intended to secure campaign mailings for media deconstruction purposes, similar to donations made to the Clinton campaign. The ensuing discussion touched on the viability of other candidates like Joe Biden and the general lack of information among European elites regarding US politics.

An analysis of campaign finance reports shows Bernie Sanders receives significant funding from major labor unions despite his "small donor" image. Donald Trump is noted for spending relatively little on his campaign, with a large portion of expenditures going toward merchandise like hats and shirts rather than traditional media ads.

Senator Ted Cruz uses data from Open Secrets to argue that the top campaign donors predominantly support Democrats, noting that Koch Industries ranks significantly lower than groups like Act Blue. Cruz criticizes Harry Reid for using the Senate floor to impugn the character of private citizens who have no right of personal privilege to defend themselves. The hosts comment on Cruz's distinctive speaking voice and his wife's employment at Goldman Sachs.

An analysis of the Wisconsin recall election spending reveals that while Scott Walker raised over $30 million, Tom Barrett's reported $4 million figure only covered a two-month period. The discussion argues that when outside donations and union spending are included, the financial fight was more balanced than portrayed by outlets like Democracy Now. The hosts suggest the media emphasizes spending gaps to encourage more political donations.

The hosts debunk a "powerful" New York Times and ABC News report claiming Congress got richer during the recession. They trace the data back to the Center for Responsive Politics (OpenSecrets.org), which is funded by George Soros's Open Society Institute. The hosts argue the report is a propaganda tool designed to fuel "Occupy Wall Street" style class resentment.

Despite campaign promises to exclude lobbyists from his administration, reports show over 130 top congressional staffers are former lobbyists. The hosts then transition to reading listener letters and birthday wishes, acknowledging donations from the "284 Club" and celebrating milestones for listeners like Chris Abraham and Brian Rogers.