8 chapters across the catalog
International media outlets like Sky News Australia critique American networks for blaming Trump's "defiant" reaction for inciting his supporters. CBS anchor Margaret Brennan is highlighted for criticizing Trump's failure to "lower the temperature" in his immediate post-shooting statement. The hosts discuss the media's struggle to report on Trump as a victim.
Economic Prosperity Network, China Tariffs and Trade Retaliation
The Trump administration is considering retaliatory measures against China, including new tariffs, over the handling of the COVID-19 outbreak. Officials are discussing the formation of an "Economic Prosperity Network" of trusted partners to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains. This shift indicates that China hawks within the administration are gaining influence over free-trade advocates as the multi-billion dollar trade deal signed in January becomes secondary.
Tulsi Gabbard, Bernie Sanders, DNC Retaliation History
Tulsi Gabbard's history with the DNC is reviewed, specifically her 2016 resignation as vice chair to support Bernie Sanders. Current friction exists because Sanders has reportedly refused to publicly back Gabbard against Clinton's recent "Russian asset" smears. Gabbard maintains that the attacks are retaliation for her consistent opposition to regime-change wars in Iraq, Libya, and Syria.
Les Moonves, Me Too Movement, Corporate Power Dynamics
The resignation of CBS CEO Les Moonves highlights the ongoing impact of the Me Too movement on powerful media executives. Allegations against Moonves involve mature women who feared reporting the incidents would ruin their careers. The discussion explores how powerful men in the entertainment and political industries use their positions to intimidate subordinates, characterizing the behavior as a toxic expression of power and control.
CIA Cyber Retaliation, Vladimir Putin and NBC News Report
NBC News reported that the CIA is preparing a "clandestine and embarrassing" cyber retaliation against Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin leadership. The report claimed "super hackers" at Langley could manipulate the banking accounts and personal phones of Russian oligarchs. The hosts mock the report's technical inaccuracies, such as "low-flying satellites" and the idea of announcing a "covert" operation on national television.
Secret Service Investigation, Jason Chaffetz Job Application
An investigation into the Secret Service reveals that employees accessed Chairman Jason Chaffetz's old, unsuccessful job application in an attempt to embarrass him. The information was leaked to The Daily Beast shortly after Chaffetz began leading hearings into Secret Service scandals. The hosts characterize this as a coordinated effort by the agency and political opponents to discredit the oversight committee.
A passenger was detained by the TSA after refusing to let agents test her drink. A secret recording of the encounter reveals a TSA agent admitting that the detention was "retaliatory" due to the passenger's attitude rather than a specific security threat.
ATF Whistleblower Retaliation and Congressional Oversight
Testimony from ATF agents suggests a culture of retaliation against employees who blow the whistle on illegal or unethical practices within the agency. During the oversight hearings, Representative Elijah Cummings was criticized for appearing to apologize to Justice Department witnesses rather than aggressively investigating the "Fast and Furious" scandal. This behavior is cited as evidence of the erosion of the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches.
