5 chapters across the catalog
The Biden transition team has announced several key appointments, including Tony Blinken for Secretary of State. Critics highlight the "revolving door" between Democratic administrations and major news networks like CNN and MSNBC, noting that many former Obama officials are returning to government service.
Peerage Committee, Medi-Cal Restrictions, and Google Revolving Door
The hosts discuss the "Peerage Committee" for donor ranks and the restrictions of the Medi-Cal system, which reportedly prevents patients from paying cash for faster service. Former Google engineer Matt Cutts is noted for joining the Pentagon's "Defense Digital Service." The segment concludes with a formal knighting ceremony for several high-level donors.
Eileen Rominger, a long-time executive at Goldman Sachs, is appointed to lead the SEC division overseeing asset managers and hedge funds. This move is cited as a prime example of the "revolving door" between Wall Street and government regulators. The hosts argue this appointment contradicts President Obama's promises to curb corporate influence in Washington.
Chertoff Group Corruption, Airport Security Lobbying
Former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff is accused of profiting from the sale of body scanners through the Chertoff Group. The segment details the "revolving door" of government officials, including former UK Home Secretary John Reed and former Senator Al D'Amato, joining lobbying firms for security contractors like L3 Communications and Rapiscan. The hosts characterize the rapid deployment of expensive, potentially unsafe equipment as systemic corruption.
Mary Schapiro SEC Testimony and Revolving Door Concerns
SEC Chair Mary Schapiro faced questioning regarding the agency's failure to detect the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme. The testimony highlighted the "revolving door" problem where SEC employees leave for high-paying roles at the financial institutions they previously regulated.
