6 chapters across the catalog
A segment from the show "Gay USA" is used to highlight Ted Cruz's past defense of a Texas law banning the sale of sex toys during his time as Solicitor General. The hosts discuss the irony of the law given the prevalence of large "sex toy warehouses" along Texas highways. They mock Cruz's legal position that there is "no right to personal sexual gratification."
Solicitation Avoidance Tactics and Planned Parenthood Encounter
A personal anecdote describes an encounter with street solicitors asking for support for Planned Parenthood and Greenpeace. The narrative explores various "solicitation avoidance tactics," including using nonsensical or aggressive comebacks to end unwanted public interactions.
The hosts discuss the rapid adoption of the phrase "Thank you for your courage" as the new primary meme of the program. They explore using the phrase in everyday life, particularly as a way to disorient street solicitors and opinion seekers. The expression has become a standard opening for listener emails and a recurring theme in host interactions.
Rachel Maddow, Elena Kagan Judicial Experience Defense
Rachel Maddow defended Elena Kagan's lack of judicial experience by comparing her to Harriet Miers, a move the hosts label as "specious." Maddow emphasized Kagan's role as Solicitor General and Dean of Harvard Law School to counter Republican criticism. The hosts argue that Maddow is ignoring Kagan's lack of litigation experience to score political points against the Bush administration's legacy.
Monsanto and Goldman Sachs, Kagan Conflict of Interest
Critics point to Elena Kagan's past ties to Goldman Sachs and her office's intervention on behalf of Monsanto regarding genetically modified alfalfa. The hosts argue that the media focus on her sexuality serves as a "smokescreen" to hide her status as a corporate shill. They also criticize C-SPAN for editorializing during broadcasts of Senate hearings on the Gulf oil spill.
Elena Kagan Goldman Sachs Connection and Supreme Court
Solicitor General Elena Kagan is identified as a front-runner for a Supreme Court opening despite her past membership on a Goldman Sachs advisory panel. The White House stated that this affiliation would not disqualify her from the position. The hosts use this as evidence of the deep integration between the Obama administration and major Wall Street firms.
