Topic: Thomas Roberts

Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich and other pundits are targeting Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito following the court's decision to overturn the bump stock ban. The hosts discuss the broader implications for the "Chevron deference," as the court moves to limit the power of federal administrative agencies to interpret statutes.

A producer recommends the book "The Remedy" by Thomas Goetz, which chronicles Dr. Robert Koch's discovery of anthrax and tuberculosis. Meanwhile, a report from a Trump rally in Pickens, South Carolina, describes Senator Lindsey Graham being loudly booed by his own constituents. The segment concludes with a call for more young people to enter skilled trades like plumbing and mechanics.

Senator-elect Tommy Tuberville shared a hearsay report regarding a heated confrontation within the Supreme Court over the Texas election lawsuit. The account claims that Chief Justice John Roberts screamed at Justices Thomas and Alito, refusing to hear the case out of fear of inciting riots. While unverified, the story has circulated among conservative circles as evidence of "moral cowardice" by the court's leadership.

President Trump issued a full pardon to former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. The hosts criticize ABC News and correspondent Pierre Thomas for incorrectly reporting that Flynn "pled guilty twice," noting that the legal saga was a drawn-out effort by the DOJ to drop charges that were stalled by a DC judge.

ABC News reported that President Trump allegedly asked Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, "Are you on my team?" The hosts deconstruct the report, arguing that the media is attempting to establish a pattern of Trump demanding "loyalty" similar to previous allegations involving James Comey and Andrew McCabe.

Legal experts and journalists discuss the implications of Michael Flynn's cooperation with Special Counsel Robert Mueller. While Flynn faces potential jail time for false statements, the hosts argue the investigation is being used by the media to create a narrative of collusion despite a lack of evidence. The suspension of Brian Ross is highlighted as a rare instance of high-level disciplinary action for journalistic malpractice.

Protests in Charlottesville, Virginia, centered on the removal of a Robert E. Lee statue, with a small group of KKK members met by a much larger counter-protest. There is growing speculation that the movement to remove Confederate monuments will eventually target statues of Thomas Jefferson due to his history as a slave owner.

MSNBC host Thomas Roberts is criticized for his aggressive interview style with Republican Representative Marsha Blackburn regarding the government shutdown. Roberts questioned whether Blackburn hated the Affordable Care Act more than she loved her country, a framing the hosts describe as blatant propaganda. The segment explores the declining quality of cable news and the performative nature of political media.

The hosts process a series of listener donations and "karma" requests, including a shout-out for the website "anewwaytowatchtv.com." Robert Stokes promoted the site as a way to watch AMC shows like *Breaking Bad* online following cable disputes. Other donors, including Thomas Lee and Mac Tudor, contribute to the show's "value-for-value" model, with some requesting "douchebag" call-outs for non-donating friends.

A series of donations based on the "111 formula" (birth year plus age equals 111) are read from listeners including Thomas Nussbaum and Robert Wilcher. The hosts also discuss the lack of a formal government in Belgium and joke about turning the country over to No Agenda "Barons" and "Knights." Birthday wishes are sent to several listeners, including Joe the "Dish Slave."

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs faced questioning regarding CIA payments to Ahmed Wali Karzai, ultimately referring all inquiries back to the CIA. The briefing was characterized by the press secretary's dismissive tone and the use of a mysterious audio recording played in the room stating "the president is powerful." Longtime reporter Helen Thomas is noted as one of the few remaining journalists asking substantive questions.

Adam Curry plays C-SPAN footage of a White House press briefing where reporters Helen Thomas and Chip Reid challenge Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. The reporters question the authenticity of President Obama's town hall meetings, alleging that the audiences are pre-selected and the questions are screened. Thomas specifically accuses the administration of controlling both the press and the public through pre-packaged engagements.