Topic: State Senate

Representative Mo Brooks of Alabama outlines the constitutional process for challenging electoral college results on January 6th. If a House member and Senator object, it triggers a vote that could lead to the House of Representatives choosing the President via state delegations. Republicans currently control the majority of these delegations, providing a potential path for a Trump victory.

Eleven Republican state senators in Oregon left the state to prevent a quorum and block the passage of dramatic climate change legislation. The Republicans are demanding a public referendum on the measure rather than a legislative vote. This tactic has effectively stalled the Democratic majority's agenda regarding greenhouse gas emissions.

DHS and FBI officials testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee regarding Russian attempts to target election systems in 21 states. While officials confirm that no vote tallies were altered, the scope of the "probing" is described as staggering. The hosts criticize CBS News for framing the hearing as a "Trump hit piece" by linking it to the Access Hollywood tape.

In an interview with Politico, President Barack Obama claimed that Hillary Clinton is more experienced than any non-Vice President who has ever sought the office. The hosts challenge this assertion, questioning what Clinton has actually "governed," noting that being a Senator or Secretary of State are legislative and administrative roles rather than executive governing positions.

The hosts propose a theory that the Charleston shooting was a targeted political hit on State Senator Clementa Pinckney. They cite Pinckney's involvement in local corruption scandals and gerrymandering efforts in Colleton County as potential motives. They suggest Dylann Roof may have been a "Manchurian candidate" style patsy used to mask a political assassination.

Adam Curry describes attending a private meeting at the Austin Club, a historic venue in Texas, at the invitation of his constitutional lawyer friend, Eric. The guest speaker was Stuart Bowen, the former Inspector General for the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq and a Bush-Cheney transition team insider. Curry details conversations with lobbyists and the head of the Texas Teachers Retirement Fund, noting that a state senate seat in Texas reportedly costs $500,000 to secure.

The hosts conclude the show by teasing a future investigation into the State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR). They also mention upcoming coverage of Texas Senate Bill 5 regarding abortion legislation. The program ends with a final reminder of the "protect their freedoms" remix and a call for listener support to keep the show independent.

President Obama officially nominated Senator John Kerry to succeed Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. The President praised Kerry's service in Vietnam and his long tenure on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The hosts revisit the "Swift Boat" controversy and Kerry's past performance in high-profile Senate hearings.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, chaired by John Kerry, to discuss the State Department's $57 billion budget. Kerry's opening remarks set a tone for intervention in Libya, emphasizing that Muammar Gaddafi has lost legitimacy. The discussion highlights the lack of verifiable video evidence for reported "slaughter of innocents" and suggests the narrative is part of an information war.

Speculation arises regarding George Clooney's potential transition from acting to a high-level political career, such as a U.S. Senator or Secretary of State. His public image and proximity to President Obama are viewed as foundational steps for a future run for office.

Barack Obama held his first press conference as President-elect, which appeared highly scripted and controlled by campaign advisor David Axelrod. In local election news, a candidate named Bacon defeated a candidate named Fries in Denver's State Senate District 14. The transition process is underway with a focus on the highly managed public image of the new administration.