1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,200 All right, strap in, we're going deep today. 2 00:00:02,200 --> 00:00:06,200 Electoral vote news, January 13th, 2025. 3 00:00:06,200 --> 00:00:07,040 You ready for this? 4 00:00:07,040 --> 00:00:07,880 Oh, absolutely. 5 00:00:07,880 --> 00:00:09,360 It's not just the same old headlines. 6 00:00:09,360 --> 00:00:12,120 We're talking Republican power struggles, 7 00:00:12,120 --> 00:00:15,400 unexpected clashes even, potential legal showdowns, 8 00:00:15,400 --> 00:00:18,400 the whole scene could shift, ready to be surprised. 9 00:00:18,400 --> 00:00:20,520 Well, I think what's fascinating here is, 10 00:00:20,520 --> 00:00:23,000 you know, we see these events maybe as isolated, 11 00:00:23,000 --> 00:00:24,840 but actually they reveal a pattern. 12 00:00:24,840 --> 00:00:26,600 It's like, think of cracks in a foundation. 13 00:00:26,600 --> 00:00:28,960 You see one, might not be much, 14 00:00:28,960 --> 00:00:30,560 but together, uh-oh. 15 00:00:30,560 --> 00:00:31,400 Perfect analogy. 16 00:00:31,400 --> 00:00:32,400 And speaking of cracks, 17 00:00:32,400 --> 00:00:34,520 let's start with this whole Republican infighting 18 00:00:34,520 --> 00:00:36,080 over the salt tax deduction, 19 00:00:36,080 --> 00:00:38,320 like a high stakes poker game. 20 00:00:38,320 --> 00:00:40,240 You got Representative Mike Lawler from New York 21 00:00:40,240 --> 00:00:43,720 going all in to lift that Trump-era cap. 22 00:00:43,720 --> 00:00:46,120 He's got to please those affluent constituents, right? 23 00:00:46,120 --> 00:00:47,760 And don't forget about that potential. 24 00:00:47,760 --> 00:00:49,880 Gubernatorial run in 26. 25 00:00:49,880 --> 00:00:51,320 Well, and on the other side, 26 00:00:51,320 --> 00:00:53,680 you've got Trump himself, he's digging in his heels, 27 00:00:53,680 --> 00:00:55,240 not only worried about the deficit, 28 00:00:55,240 --> 00:00:56,880 but there's a sense he's, I think, 29 00:00:56,880 --> 00:01:00,320 enjoying the pressure on those blue state voters. 30 00:01:00,320 --> 00:01:02,560 Right, not exactly his biggest fans. 31 00:01:02,560 --> 00:01:03,400 It's almost like he's saying, 32 00:01:03,400 --> 00:01:05,920 hey, you want my help, let's make a deal. 33 00:01:05,920 --> 00:01:08,880 And that's where Representative Chip Roy from Texas comes in. 34 00:01:08,880 --> 00:01:11,040 Stodge Fiscal Conservative, right? 35 00:01:11,040 --> 00:01:13,200 He's leading the charge against lifting that cap. 36 00:01:13,200 --> 00:01:17,400 So classic Republican versus Republican showdown brewing. 37 00:01:17,400 --> 00:01:19,080 This isn't just about taxes anymore. 38 00:01:19,080 --> 00:01:21,880 No, no, this is, I think, a microcosm 39 00:01:21,880 --> 00:01:23,880 of the struggle within the party itself. 40 00:01:23,880 --> 00:01:25,560 You know, think back to the Tea Party movement. 41 00:01:25,560 --> 00:01:27,200 You see those echoes here, 42 00:01:27,200 --> 00:01:31,200 where individual representatives leverage their position, 43 00:01:31,200 --> 00:01:32,880 disrupt the establishment's agenda. 44 00:01:32,880 --> 00:01:35,280 Especially in a closely divided house, 45 00:01:35,280 --> 00:01:38,640 someone like Lawler can really hold a lot of sway. 46 00:01:38,640 --> 00:01:39,720 Oh yeah. 47 00:01:39,720 --> 00:01:42,800 And this Sarkap issue, it's a test for both sides. 48 00:01:42,800 --> 00:01:45,480 Lawler needs a win to, you know, 49 00:01:45,480 --> 00:01:48,080 solidify his gubernatorial ambitions. 50 00:01:48,080 --> 00:01:50,320 Trump, he's got a show he can still wrangle his party. 51 00:01:50,320 --> 00:01:52,000 Remember that Mar-a-Lago meeting they had? 52 00:01:52,000 --> 00:01:52,840 Right. 53 00:01:52,840 --> 00:01:54,080 Trump asking for a fair number. 54 00:01:54,080 --> 00:01:56,880 Feels like he's testing the waters for a compromise. 55 00:01:56,880 --> 00:01:58,480 But who knows how far he'll bend? 56 00:01:58,480 --> 00:02:03,480 Yeah, this reminds me of his approach to the TPP back in 2016. 57 00:02:03,600 --> 00:02:06,840 Campaigns against it, hints at renegotiation once in office. 58 00:02:06,840 --> 00:02:11,360 Is this genuine dealmaking or just a way to, you know, 59 00:02:11,360 --> 00:02:14,520 maintain that image as a tough negotiator, hard to say. 60 00:02:14,520 --> 00:02:15,480 Only time will tell. 61 00:02:15,480 --> 00:02:17,040 Okay, shifting gears now. 62 00:02:17,040 --> 00:02:19,920 This next story is straight out of political drama. 63 00:02:19,920 --> 00:02:21,880 Steve Bannon versus Elon Musk. 64 00:02:21,880 --> 00:02:22,920 Never saw that one coming. 65 00:02:22,920 --> 00:02:23,760 Oh wow. 66 00:02:23,760 --> 00:02:26,240 Bannon's publicly labeling Musk as quote, 67 00:02:26,240 --> 00:02:30,360 evil elite and he's actively trying to push him out. 68 00:02:30,360 --> 00:02:32,280 Of Trump's inner circle, 69 00:02:32,280 --> 00:02:34,920 we're talking some seriously inflammatory rhetoric. 70 00:02:34,920 --> 00:02:36,520 Even for Bannon. 71 00:02:36,520 --> 00:02:38,680 It's fascinating, almost Machiavellian. 72 00:02:38,680 --> 00:02:40,720 His strategy, remember, Musk was valuable 73 00:02:40,720 --> 00:02:43,240 to Trump campaign donations, tech world cred. 74 00:02:43,240 --> 00:02:46,040 But now elections over, Bannon's painting him as a threat. 75 00:02:46,040 --> 00:02:47,840 Even resorting to, you know, 76 00:02:47,840 --> 00:02:49,480 derogatory remarks about South Africans. 77 00:02:49,480 --> 00:02:51,000 It's a clear appeal to that base, 78 00:02:51,000 --> 00:02:53,160 that populist sentiment, us against the elites. 79 00:02:53,160 --> 00:02:54,840 And puts Trump at a tight spot, doesn't it? 80 00:02:54,840 --> 00:02:55,680 Oh yeah. 81 00:02:55,680 --> 00:02:57,080 He needs to choose, side with Musk, 82 00:02:57,080 --> 00:02:58,880 who may not be so politically useful now, 83 00:02:58,880 --> 00:03:00,920 or Bannon, who still has that sway over, 84 00:03:00,920 --> 00:03:02,400 a big chunk of his base. 85 00:03:02,400 --> 00:03:05,120 This kind of mirrors that tension he had. 86 00:03:05,120 --> 00:03:07,560 With Jeff Sessions back in 2017, 87 00:03:07,560 --> 00:03:11,680 loyalty versus political strategy, recurring theme. 88 00:03:11,680 --> 00:03:13,800 And with someone as unpredictable as Trump, 89 00:03:13,800 --> 00:03:15,600 who knows who he'll choose, right? 90 00:03:15,600 --> 00:03:16,440 Or why? 91 00:03:16,440 --> 00:03:17,280 Yeah. 92 00:03:17,280 --> 00:03:18,600 Okay, hold on to your hats for this one. 93 00:03:18,600 --> 00:03:20,480 This is where things get really messy. 94 00:03:20,480 --> 00:03:22,360 The National Energy Council. 95 00:03:22,360 --> 00:03:23,960 Trump created this new council, 96 00:03:23,960 --> 00:03:27,640 chaired by Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota, 97 00:03:27,640 --> 00:03:30,480 who's also his nominee for interior secretary. 98 00:03:30,480 --> 00:03:35,560 But it's like they skip the plan and phase entirely. 99 00:03:35,560 --> 00:03:36,920 Right out of the gate, the acronym. 100 00:03:36,920 --> 00:03:39,200 NC, already used, National Economic Council. 101 00:03:39,200 --> 00:03:40,920 Talk about confusion from day one. 102 00:03:40,920 --> 00:03:43,840 Then there's the vague mission, no clear authority, 103 00:03:43,840 --> 00:03:44,840 no budget, no staff. 104 00:03:44,840 --> 00:03:48,080 And to top it off, it's supposed to report to Stephen Miller. 105 00:03:48,080 --> 00:03:48,920 Who's no? 106 00:03:48,920 --> 00:03:51,320 It's a hard line immigration stance, not energy policy. 107 00:03:51,320 --> 00:03:52,240 It's baffling. 108 00:03:52,240 --> 00:03:55,200 It's almost like a parody of a government initiative. 109 00:03:55,200 --> 00:03:56,600 And just wait, he gets better. 110 00:03:56,600 --> 00:03:58,640 This council is supposed to work alongside 111 00:03:58,640 --> 00:03:59,960 the National Economic Council 112 00:03:59,960 --> 00:04:01,520 and the National Security Council, 113 00:04:01,520 --> 00:04:04,160 both of which already have a hand in energy policy 114 00:04:04,160 --> 00:04:07,440 and to add even more drama to the mix. 115 00:04:07,440 --> 00:04:09,960 There's this power struggle brewing 116 00:04:09,960 --> 00:04:12,880 between Burgum and Chris Wright, 117 00:04:12,880 --> 00:04:16,160 who is Trump's climate change denying pick 118 00:04:16,160 --> 00:04:17,840 for energy secretary, 119 00:04:17,840 --> 00:04:19,800 over who actually gets to lead the NEC. 120 00:04:19,800 --> 00:04:21,360 It's like going back to the early days 121 00:04:21,360 --> 00:04:23,160 of Trump's first term, remember? 122 00:04:23,160 --> 00:04:25,000 All that chaos and infighting. 123 00:04:25,000 --> 00:04:26,080 Within the administration, 124 00:04:26,080 --> 00:04:28,440 it feels like a repeat performance, only this time. 125 00:04:28,440 --> 00:04:30,160 It's happening before he's even back in office. 126 00:04:30,160 --> 00:04:33,320 And what makes it even more concerning 127 00:04:33,320 --> 00:04:34,960 is that it's not just incompetence. 128 00:04:34,960 --> 00:04:37,600 It seems deliberate, like Trump thrives 129 00:04:37,600 --> 00:04:38,960 on this kind of chaos. 130 00:04:38,960 --> 00:04:41,040 He wants people vying for his attention. 131 00:04:41,040 --> 00:04:43,560 For control, it's a power play, pure and simple. 132 00:04:43,560 --> 00:04:46,760 Raises the question, is this about effective governance? 133 00:04:46,760 --> 00:04:48,080 Or is it about maintaining this? 134 00:04:48,080 --> 00:04:49,480 Constant state of uncertainty. 135 00:04:49,480 --> 00:04:50,840 Keep everyone off balance. 136 00:04:50,840 --> 00:04:54,000 Exactly if no one knows what's coming next. 137 00:04:54,000 --> 00:04:56,680 How can they prepare, let alone govern effectively? 138 00:04:56,680 --> 00:04:59,840 It's like trying to build a house on shift and sand. 139 00:04:59,840 --> 00:05:00,840 And that brings us to something 140 00:05:00,840 --> 00:05:01,960 that's really resonating with. 141 00:05:01,960 --> 00:05:03,440 A lot of Republican lawmakers, 142 00:05:03,440 --> 00:05:06,480 that anxiety surrounding Trump's flip-flopping on issues. 143 00:05:06,480 --> 00:05:07,320 This isn't new. 144 00:05:07,320 --> 00:05:10,360 We saw it with immigration, healthcare, 145 00:05:10,360 --> 00:05:13,320 even recently, TikTok, marijuana. 146 00:05:13,320 --> 00:05:17,000 And you guess it, the salt deduction. 147 00:05:17,000 --> 00:05:19,440 One senior Republican put it perfectly. 148 00:05:19,440 --> 00:05:21,000 The puppies who've not been around him 149 00:05:21,000 --> 00:05:22,520 are in a state of glow. 150 00:05:22,520 --> 00:05:24,680 The senior members are in intestinal knots, 151 00:05:24,680 --> 00:05:26,400 waiting to see what happens. 152 00:05:26,400 --> 00:05:27,920 Because you don't know what he's going to do. 153 00:05:27,920 --> 00:05:29,200 It's like walking on eggshells. 154 00:05:29,200 --> 00:05:30,920 One wrong step. 155 00:05:30,920 --> 00:05:33,640 And you're on the receiving end of a Trump tweet storm. 156 00:05:33,640 --> 00:05:35,640 And that's what's really concerning here. 157 00:05:35,640 --> 00:05:38,760 How can anyone in Congress effectively support 158 00:05:38,760 --> 00:05:41,200 his agenda if they're constantly worried about 159 00:05:41,200 --> 00:05:42,560 being thrown under the bus? 160 00:05:42,560 --> 00:05:45,040 Creates a climate of fear and mistrust. 161 00:05:45,040 --> 00:05:48,320 Hardly conducive to effective governance. 162 00:05:48,320 --> 00:05:51,000 Imagine trying to build consensus on a bill 163 00:05:51,000 --> 00:05:52,880 when you're not even sure if the president 164 00:05:52,880 --> 00:05:54,040 will support it in the long run. 165 00:05:54,040 --> 00:05:55,800 It's a recipe for legislative gridlock. 166 00:05:55,800 --> 00:05:59,240 And it makes you wonder if this is part of Trump's strategy. 167 00:05:59,240 --> 00:06:01,960 Does he even want a functional Congress? 168 00:06:01,960 --> 00:06:05,600 Or does he prefer to rule by executive order and decree? 169 00:06:05,600 --> 00:06:06,560 It's a valid question. 170 00:06:06,560 --> 00:06:09,240 And speaking of consequences, let's talk about Jack Smith. 171 00:06:09,240 --> 00:06:11,720 The special counsel who is investigating Trump 172 00:06:11,720 --> 00:06:14,880 decided to resign before Trump could fire him. 173 00:06:14,880 --> 00:06:16,960 Which, you know, marks the end 174 00:06:16,960 --> 00:06:19,200 of a pretty tumultuous chapter 175 00:06:19,200 --> 00:06:23,600 in this ongoing legal saga surrounding the former president. 176 00:06:23,600 --> 00:06:26,760 Smith was leading two major cases against Trump. 177 00:06:26,760 --> 00:06:29,920 One related to the January 6th coup attempt. 178 00:06:29,920 --> 00:06:32,240 The other focused on those classified documents. 179 00:06:32,240 --> 00:06:33,400 Found at Mar-a-Lago. 180 00:06:33,400 --> 00:06:35,520 But he was facing some major hurdles, wasn't he? 181 00:06:35,520 --> 00:06:36,680 Oh, absolutely. 182 00:06:36,680 --> 00:06:39,360 The Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity 183 00:06:39,360 --> 00:06:41,880 really limited his ability to prosecute Trump 184 00:06:41,880 --> 00:06:43,640 for actions taken while in office. 185 00:06:43,640 --> 00:06:45,720 And then you had Judge Aileen Cannon, 186 00:06:45,720 --> 00:06:48,480 a Trump appointee who made that controversial ruling, 187 00:06:48,480 --> 00:06:51,360 declaring the special counsel law unconstitutional. 188 00:06:51,360 --> 00:06:54,160 Which, you know, really threw a wrench into the documents case. 189 00:06:54,160 --> 00:06:55,920 So even with all of that working against him, 190 00:06:55,920 --> 00:06:57,800 Smith still managed to uncover 191 00:06:57,800 --> 00:07:00,200 a lot of evidence of wrongdoing by Trump. 192 00:07:00,200 --> 00:07:02,160 Now that he's gone, it makes you wonder, 193 00:07:02,160 --> 00:07:03,880 if Trump will try to get revenge. 194 00:07:03,880 --> 00:07:06,480 Through his new attorney general, Pam Bondi, 195 00:07:06,480 --> 00:07:09,680 could this backfire and expose even more dirt on Trump? 196 00:07:09,680 --> 00:07:10,680 It's definitely a wild card. 197 00:07:10,680 --> 00:07:14,440 I think it speaks to that larger issue of accountability. 198 00:07:14,440 --> 00:07:17,440 Can someone like Trump, with all his wealth and influence, 199 00:07:17,440 --> 00:07:21,280 truly be held responsible for his actions? 200 00:07:21,280 --> 00:07:24,960 Or will he always find a way to escape consequences? 201 00:07:24,960 --> 00:07:26,560 It's a question that's been hanging over 202 00:07:26,560 --> 00:07:28,160 his entire career, right? 203 00:07:28,160 --> 00:07:30,040 And it's not going away anytime soon. 204 00:07:30,040 --> 00:07:32,720 But let's take a step back from the legal drama, 205 00:07:32,720 --> 00:07:34,080 for a moment. 206 00:07:34,080 --> 00:07:36,800 And look at what the Washington Post has to say 207 00:07:36,800 --> 00:07:38,560 about Trump's cabinet picks. 208 00:07:38,560 --> 00:07:40,760 It's interesting, because they didn't endorse 209 00:07:40,760 --> 00:07:42,800 anyone in the presidential race, 210 00:07:42,800 --> 00:07:45,320 yet they've come out swinging against 211 00:07:45,320 --> 00:07:46,680 some of these nominees. 212 00:07:46,680 --> 00:07:47,520 Interesting. 213 00:07:47,520 --> 00:07:49,960 Yeah, they've basically declared two picks unacceptable. 214 00:07:49,960 --> 00:07:51,400 Pete Hegseth for defense, 215 00:07:51,400 --> 00:07:53,880 and Robert Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services. 216 00:07:53,880 --> 00:07:57,920 And let's be honest, their reasoning is pretty solid. 217 00:07:57,920 --> 00:08:00,080 With Hegseth, there are concerns about 218 00:08:00,080 --> 00:08:02,120 his temperament, his past conduct, 219 00:08:02,120 --> 00:08:03,920 his support for pardoning, 220 00:08:03,920 --> 00:08:05,840 accused war criminals, 221 00:08:05,840 --> 00:08:07,800 and Kennedy Jr. well, 222 00:08:07,800 --> 00:08:11,200 his anti-vaccine views are especially alarming. 223 00:08:11,200 --> 00:08:13,480 Considering the ongoing threat of bird flu, 224 00:08:13,480 --> 00:08:15,400 they didn't outright reject everyone though. 225 00:08:15,400 --> 00:08:17,520 They gave lukewarm endorsements 226 00:08:17,520 --> 00:08:19,360 to Linda McMahon for education, 227 00:08:19,360 --> 00:08:21,440 and Kristi Noem for Homeland Security. 228 00:08:21,440 --> 00:08:24,480 But even then, they questioned their relevant experience, 229 00:08:24,480 --> 00:08:28,040 and they flat out rejected two cabinet level appointments. 230 00:08:28,040 --> 00:08:31,200 Russell Vought for OMB, citing potential violation of 231 00:08:31,200 --> 00:08:32,720 the Empowerment Control Act, 232 00:08:32,720 --> 00:08:34,640 and Tulsi Gabbard for DNI, 233 00:08:34,640 --> 00:08:38,840 due to her perceived closeness to US adversaries. 234 00:08:38,840 --> 00:08:41,120 It shows that even without endorsing a candidate, 235 00:08:41,120 --> 00:08:43,040 the post is willing to take a stand, 236 00:08:43,040 --> 00:08:45,720 and inform the public about the potential risks 237 00:08:45,720 --> 00:08:46,680 of certain appointments. 238 00:08:46,680 --> 00:08:50,320 It's a reminder that the media plays a vital role, 239 00:08:50,320 --> 00:08:52,480 holding those in power accountable, 240 00:08:52,480 --> 00:08:54,200 regardless of their political affiliation. 241 00:08:54,200 --> 00:08:56,440 Absolutely, and it's especially important, I think. 242 00:08:56,440 --> 00:08:58,960 At a time when trust in institutions is eroding, 243 00:08:58,960 --> 00:09:01,240 people need reliable sources of information 244 00:09:01,240 --> 00:09:02,960 to make informed decisions. 245 00:09:02,960 --> 00:09:04,520 And speaking of shifting landscapes, 246 00:09:04,520 --> 00:09:06,720 let's dive into how the 2024 election results 247 00:09:06,720 --> 00:09:08,320 have actually shifted the house map 248 00:09:08,320 --> 00:09:09,600 in favor of Republicans. 249 00:09:09,600 --> 00:09:12,960 And here's the kicker, it's not even due to gerrymandering. 250 00:09:12,960 --> 00:09:15,000 The increased support for Trump, 251 00:09:15,000 --> 00:09:17,440 among black, Latino, and young voters, 252 00:09:17,440 --> 00:09:19,920 has fundamentally changed the political calculus. 253 00:09:19,920 --> 00:09:23,680 Adam Kincaid, who heads the National Republican 254 00:09:23,680 --> 00:09:26,120 Redistricting Trust, put it pretty bluntly, 255 00:09:26,120 --> 00:09:27,800 the battleground map is expanding 256 00:09:27,800 --> 00:09:29,720 in favor of Republicans. 257 00:09:29,720 --> 00:09:32,920 What we're seeing is fewer Republican representatives, 258 00:09:32,920 --> 00:09:36,800 in districts won by the Democrat, in the presidential race, 259 00:09:36,800 --> 00:09:38,440 which makes it a lot harder for Democrats 260 00:09:38,440 --> 00:09:40,840 to regain control of the house in 2026. 261 00:09:40,840 --> 00:09:43,600 It's a fascinating development, that challenges, you know, 262 00:09:43,600 --> 00:09:46,720 the conventional wisdom about demographic trends 263 00:09:46,720 --> 00:09:49,240 and voting patterns, and it's not just theoretical. 264 00:09:49,240 --> 00:09:52,240 Districts like New Jersey's ninth and California's 25th, 265 00:09:52,240 --> 00:09:54,560 which used to lean Democratic, flipped and went for Trump. 266 00:09:54,560 --> 00:09:57,520 It makes you wonder if this is a lasting realignment, 267 00:09:57,520 --> 00:09:58,960 or just a temporary blip. 268 00:09:58,960 --> 00:10:00,840 It's too early to say for sure, 269 00:10:00,840 --> 00:10:03,240 but it's definitely something to watch closely. 270 00:10:03,240 --> 00:10:06,080 If these trends continue, it could have a profound impact 271 00:10:06,080 --> 00:10:08,640 on the political landscape for years to come. 272 00:10:08,640 --> 00:10:09,760 And speaking of things with- 273 00:10:09,760 --> 00:10:11,080 Law of reaching consequences. 274 00:10:11,080 --> 00:10:13,960 Let's turn our attention to the Supreme Court. 275 00:10:13,960 --> 00:10:15,200 And the fate of TikTok. 276 00:10:15,200 --> 00:10:17,520 This is a huge case with implications for, 277 00:10:17,520 --> 00:10:20,000 free speech, national security, 278 00:10:20,000 --> 00:10:21,560 and the future of social media. 279 00:10:22,960 --> 00:10:25,840 The court heard arguments on the law requiring, 280 00:10:25,840 --> 00:10:28,240 bite dance, TikTok's Chinese owner, 281 00:10:28,240 --> 00:10:30,600 to sell the app to a U.S. company, 282 00:10:30,600 --> 00:10:32,040 or face a complete ban. 283 00:10:32,040 --> 00:10:33,520 And from what we're hearing, 284 00:10:33,520 --> 00:10:35,280 the justices were pretty skeptical of, 285 00:10:35,280 --> 00:10:36,720 bite dance is first amendment arguments. 286 00:10:36,720 --> 00:10:38,680 Yeah, their focus seemed to be on, 287 00:10:38,680 --> 00:10:40,600 the potential for data breaches, 288 00:10:40,600 --> 00:10:42,160 and the Chinese government's influence. 289 00:10:42,160 --> 00:10:44,880 It highlights, I think, a growing awareness, 290 00:10:44,880 --> 00:10:46,920 of the power these platforms have, 291 00:10:46,920 --> 00:10:48,720 and the need for more oversight. 292 00:10:48,720 --> 00:10:50,720 And then there's the whole issue of potential buyers, 293 00:10:50,720 --> 00:10:53,320 you know, Walmart, Microsoft, Oracle, 294 00:10:53,320 --> 00:10:55,600 Frank McCourt's consortium, they're all circling. 295 00:10:55,600 --> 00:10:57,280 But the real sticking point seems to be, 296 00:10:57,280 --> 00:10:59,640 the algorithm, the Chinese government doesn't wanna, 297 00:10:59,640 --> 00:11:01,120 included in any sale. 298 00:11:01,120 --> 00:11:02,520 And some argue that it's the algorithm, 299 00:11:02,520 --> 00:11:05,640 not the user base that makes TikTok so valuable. 300 00:11:05,640 --> 00:11:07,560 So you gotta stand off here, do you think? 301 00:11:07,560 --> 00:11:09,360 Trump might try to leverage this situation, 302 00:11:09,360 --> 00:11:11,000 maybe extend the deadline for a sale. 303 00:11:11,000 --> 00:11:12,440 In exchange for, I don't know, 304 00:11:12,440 --> 00:11:13,600 some kind of payment from bite dance, 305 00:11:13,600 --> 00:11:14,680 honestly, it wouldn't surprise me, 306 00:11:14,680 --> 00:11:16,640 this whole situation feels like it was. 307 00:11:16,640 --> 00:11:18,720 Taylor made for his deal making style. 308 00:11:18,720 --> 00:11:20,600 But it also raises a bigger question, I think. 309 00:11:20,600 --> 00:11:22,800 How much control should governments have, 310 00:11:22,800 --> 00:11:24,680 over social media platforms, 311 00:11:24,680 --> 00:11:27,080 especially those owned by foreign companies? 312 00:11:27,080 --> 00:11:29,800 It's a debate that's only going intensify, 313 00:11:29,800 --> 00:11:31,280 in the years to come. 314 00:11:31,280 --> 00:11:34,160 And as we're seeing, it's not just a theoretical debate, 315 00:11:34,160 --> 00:11:36,440 it has real world consequences, 316 00:11:36,440 --> 00:11:39,480 for millions of users who rely on these platforms. 317 00:11:39,480 --> 00:11:42,640 And on that note, let's end this part of our deep dive, 318 00:11:42,640 --> 00:11:44,680 with Rudy Giuliani, who seems to have a knack 319 00:11:44,680 --> 00:11:47,320 for finding himself in, legal hot water. 320 00:11:47,320 --> 00:11:50,920 He managed to achieve a rather dubious distinction, 321 00:11:50,920 --> 00:11:53,040 being held in contempt of court, 322 00:11:53,040 --> 00:11:56,080 in both New York and Washington DC within the same week. 323 00:11:56,080 --> 00:11:58,400 The New York case stems from his refusal 324 00:11:58,400 --> 00:12:01,640 to disclose assets related to that $148 million 325 00:12:01,640 --> 00:12:03,560 defamation judgment he owes. 326 00:12:03,560 --> 00:12:05,440 To Ruby Freeman and Shea Moss, 327 00:12:05,440 --> 00:12:07,160 the two Georgia election workers, 328 00:12:07,160 --> 00:12:08,960 he falsely accused of voter fraud. 329 00:12:08,960 --> 00:12:10,640 And in DC, it's about his. 330 00:12:10,640 --> 00:12:12,280 Continued false statements about them, 331 00:12:12,280 --> 00:12:13,800 even after the jury verdict, 332 00:12:13,800 --> 00:12:16,120 the judges aren't happy to say the least. 333 00:12:16,120 --> 00:12:19,120 No, they're clearly frustrated with his, you know, 334 00:12:20,080 --> 00:12:22,480 blatant disregard for the legal process. 335 00:12:22,480 --> 00:12:24,520 And it raises an important question, 336 00:12:24,520 --> 00:12:26,600 can someone like Giuliani, 337 00:12:26,600 --> 00:12:28,560 with his connections in history, 338 00:12:28,560 --> 00:12:31,880 actually evade consequences for his actions? 339 00:12:31,880 --> 00:12:35,800 Or will he finally face the full weight of the law? 340 00:12:35,800 --> 00:12:37,680 It's a question that gets to. 341 00:12:37,680 --> 00:12:41,400 The heart of our justice system, is it truly blind? 342 00:12:41,400 --> 00:12:43,840 Or do the rich and powerful get to? 343 00:12:43,840 --> 00:12:45,160 Play by different rules. 344 00:12:45,160 --> 00:12:47,160 We'll have to wait and see how it all plays out. 345 00:12:47,160 --> 00:12:49,720 But for now, we're gonna take a quick break 346 00:12:49,720 --> 00:12:51,440 and come back with even more insights 347 00:12:51,440 --> 00:12:53,920 and analysis from this day in 2025. 348 00:12:53,920 --> 00:12:54,920 Stay tuned. 349 00:12:54,920 --> 00:12:57,040 Welcome back, we just navigated a political landscape, 350 00:12:57,040 --> 00:12:59,800 wow, full of internal struggles, unexpected conflicts, 351 00:12:59,800 --> 00:13:02,040 and even potential legal showdowns. 352 00:13:02,040 --> 00:13:03,520 It seems the new year has kicked off 353 00:13:03,520 --> 00:13:05,120 with some serious political drama. 354 00:13:05,120 --> 00:13:07,360 Keeping us on our toes, that's for sure. 355 00:13:07,360 --> 00:13:09,320 And it strikes me that a sense of unpredictability 356 00:13:09,320 --> 00:13:11,880 is a common thread running through so many of these stories. 357 00:13:11,880 --> 00:13:13,800 It's like everyone's trying to figure out the rules 358 00:13:13,800 --> 00:13:16,040 of the game while the game itself keeps changing. 359 00:13:16,040 --> 00:13:18,760 Exactly, and that's why staying informed, you know, 360 00:13:18,760 --> 00:13:21,520 being able to critically assess the information 361 00:13:21,520 --> 00:13:22,340 is so crucial. 362 00:13:22,340 --> 00:13:23,920 We can get swept up in those headlines, 363 00:13:23,920 --> 00:13:27,200 but gotta look deeper, understand those forces at play, right? 364 00:13:27,200 --> 00:13:29,360 Right, let's dive back into electoral vote news, 365 00:13:29,360 --> 00:13:31,680 January 13th, 2025. 366 00:13:31,680 --> 00:13:36,420 We left off discussing Rudy Giuliani's legal woes. 367 00:13:36,420 --> 00:13:39,640 It's striking to me how his actions highlight a question 368 00:13:39,640 --> 00:13:43,080 that seems to keep popping up, accountability. 369 00:13:43,080 --> 00:13:45,920 Can someone with his connections, his history, 370 00:13:45,920 --> 00:13:47,960 really face consequences for his actions? 371 00:13:47,960 --> 00:13:49,280 It's the crucial question, right, 372 00:13:49,280 --> 00:13:50,640 for any functioning democracy. 373 00:13:50,640 --> 00:13:52,880 If there's a sense that the rules don't apply equally, 374 00:13:52,880 --> 00:13:54,760 it erodes trust in the entire system. 375 00:13:54,760 --> 00:13:57,320 And Giuliani's case is a fascinating, 376 00:13:57,320 --> 00:13:59,680 I think microcosm of that larger issue. 377 00:13:59,680 --> 00:14:00,880 And on the subject of accountability, 378 00:14:00,880 --> 00:14:02,080 let's turn to the Supreme Court 379 00:14:02,080 --> 00:14:03,920 and that potential TikTok ban. 380 00:14:03,920 --> 00:14:05,880 This case has the potential, as we said, 381 00:14:05,880 --> 00:14:08,280 to reshape the whole social media landscape. 382 00:14:08,280 --> 00:14:10,640 What stood out to you about the arguments presented? 383 00:14:10,640 --> 00:14:12,160 I think the justice's skepticism 384 00:14:12,160 --> 00:14:14,200 toward Bite Dance's First Amendment arguments 385 00:14:14,200 --> 00:14:15,360 was pretty telling. 386 00:14:15,360 --> 00:14:17,920 They seemed far more concerned about data security 387 00:14:17,920 --> 00:14:19,040 and the potential, of course, 388 00:14:19,040 --> 00:14:21,200 for Chinese government influence. 389 00:14:21,200 --> 00:14:26,160 Could signal a shift in how the court views these tech giants? 390 00:14:26,160 --> 00:14:27,880 Greater regulation? 391 00:14:27,880 --> 00:14:28,720 Possibly. 392 00:14:28,720 --> 00:14:31,080 And let's talk about the practical side of things. 393 00:14:31,080 --> 00:14:33,360 If the court does uphold the ban, 394 00:14:33,360 --> 00:14:36,000 how would they actually go about removing TikTok 395 00:14:36,000 --> 00:14:37,440 from circulation? 396 00:14:37,440 --> 00:14:39,680 It would be a multi-pronged effort. 397 00:14:39,680 --> 00:14:43,520 First, app stores would block any new downloads and updates. 398 00:14:43,520 --> 00:14:46,000 Then you'd have telecom companies blocking access 399 00:14:46,000 --> 00:14:47,200 to the TikTok website. 400 00:14:47,200 --> 00:14:49,120 And over time, without updates, 401 00:14:49,120 --> 00:14:50,560 the app would become incompatible 402 00:14:50,560 --> 00:14:52,240 with those newer operating systems. 403 00:14:52,240 --> 00:14:56,000 It'd be like a slow strangulation, essentially. 404 00:14:56,000 --> 00:14:58,240 So even if people already have the app on their phones, 405 00:14:58,240 --> 00:14:59,480 they might not be able to use it for long. 406 00:14:59,480 --> 00:15:01,840 That's a huge deal for millions of users. 407 00:15:01,840 --> 00:15:03,240 What did you find most surprising 408 00:15:03,240 --> 00:15:04,920 about this whole TikTok saga? 409 00:15:04,920 --> 00:15:07,560 I was surprised by the focus on the algorithm 410 00:15:07,560 --> 00:15:09,000 and the Chinese government's opposition 411 00:15:09,000 --> 00:15:11,280 to including it in any sale. 412 00:15:11,280 --> 00:15:12,920 Underscore is the algorithm's power. 413 00:15:12,920 --> 00:15:14,960 You know, it's not just about the user base. 414 00:15:14,960 --> 00:15:18,240 It's the tech that drives engagement shapes behavior. 415 00:15:18,240 --> 00:15:19,640 It's like the algorithm itself 416 00:15:19,640 --> 00:15:21,000 has become a bargaining chip 417 00:15:21,000 --> 00:15:23,560 in this geopolitical chess match. 418 00:15:23,560 --> 00:15:25,840 And speaking of shifting power dynamics, 419 00:15:25,840 --> 00:15:27,920 let's revisit how the 2024 election 420 00:15:27,920 --> 00:15:30,040 has actually shifted that house map 421 00:15:30,040 --> 00:15:32,240 in favor of Republicans. 422 00:15:32,240 --> 00:15:35,200 Not gerrymandering, but changes in voter behavior, 423 00:15:35,200 --> 00:15:37,520 which is far more significant, I think. 424 00:15:37,520 --> 00:15:39,200 Definitely challenges a lot of assumptions 425 00:15:39,200 --> 00:15:41,840 about demographic trends and voting patterns, 426 00:15:41,840 --> 00:15:43,280 seeing increased support for Trump 427 00:15:43,280 --> 00:15:45,440 among black, Latino, and young voters, 428 00:15:45,440 --> 00:15:46,800 which has led to districts 429 00:15:46,800 --> 00:15:48,520 that were once considered safe, 430 00:15:48,520 --> 00:15:50,720 democratic seats flipping to the Republican side. 431 00:15:50,720 --> 00:15:53,000 And the source specifically mentions districts 432 00:15:53,000 --> 00:15:55,560 like New Jersey's ninth in California's 25th, 433 00:15:55,560 --> 00:15:57,280 as you said, prime examples. 434 00:15:57,280 --> 00:16:00,160 Do you think this is a sign of a broader realignment 435 00:16:00,160 --> 00:16:01,960 or more of a temporary phenomenon? 436 00:16:01,960 --> 00:16:05,200 It's hard to say for sure at this point too early, 437 00:16:05,200 --> 00:16:07,720 but it is a trend worth watching very closely. 438 00:16:07,720 --> 00:16:09,960 If these waiting patterns persist, 439 00:16:09,960 --> 00:16:13,600 it could reshape the political landscape for years to come, 440 00:16:13,600 --> 00:16:15,720 highlights the importance of understanding, 441 00:16:15,720 --> 00:16:17,960 you know, the motivations and concerns of voters, 442 00:16:17,960 --> 00:16:20,760 especially those who might be shifting their allegiances. 443 00:16:20,760 --> 00:16:22,680 It's a reminder that political parties 444 00:16:22,680 --> 00:16:25,840 can't afford to take any voter block for granted. 445 00:16:25,840 --> 00:16:30,040 They need to adapt, evolve to meet those changing needs, 446 00:16:30,040 --> 00:16:32,280 aspirations of the electorate. 447 00:16:32,280 --> 00:16:35,160 Speaking of adapting, let's talk about that growing sense 448 00:16:35,160 --> 00:16:37,160 of anxiety among Republican lawmakers 449 00:16:37,160 --> 00:16:41,280 about Trump's tendency to, well, flip-flop on issues. 450 00:16:41,280 --> 00:16:43,520 It's not exactly a new phenomenon, is it? 451 00:16:43,520 --> 00:16:44,840 But it does seem to be amplified 452 00:16:44,840 --> 00:16:46,080 now that he's back in the White House. 453 00:16:46,080 --> 00:16:48,960 Well, it creates a climate of uncertainty, of mistrust, 454 00:16:48,960 --> 00:16:50,000 which, as we've said, 455 00:16:50,000 --> 00:16:52,120 isn't conducive to effective governance. 456 00:16:52,120 --> 00:16:53,680 If lawmakers are constantly worried 457 00:16:53,680 --> 00:16:56,040 about being contradicted or thrown under the bus, 458 00:16:56,040 --> 00:16:58,400 how can they effectively support his agenda? 459 00:16:58,400 --> 00:17:00,800 The source quotes one senior Republican saying, 460 00:17:00,800 --> 00:17:02,360 the puppies who've not been around him 461 00:17:02,360 --> 00:17:04,160 are in a state of glow. 462 00:17:04,160 --> 00:17:06,440 The senior members are in intestinal knots 463 00:17:06,440 --> 00:17:07,960 waiting to see what happens, 464 00:17:07,960 --> 00:17:10,160 because you don't know what he's gonna do. 465 00:17:10,160 --> 00:17:11,160 Pretty vivid picture, right? 466 00:17:11,160 --> 00:17:14,160 Speaks to the, I think, unique challenge 467 00:17:14,160 --> 00:17:16,880 of working with someone as unpredictable as Trump. 468 00:17:16,880 --> 00:17:19,400 Policies that seem set in stone one day 469 00:17:19,400 --> 00:17:21,560 can be completely reversed the next. 470 00:17:21,560 --> 00:17:23,040 That constant state of flux 471 00:17:23,040 --> 00:17:25,440 can paralyze legislative action, 472 00:17:25,440 --> 00:17:28,240 makes it really difficult to build lasting consensus. 473 00:17:28,240 --> 00:17:30,400 Makes you wonder if it's a deliberate tactic, right? 474 00:17:30,400 --> 00:17:32,720 Does he thrive on this chaos, 475 00:17:32,720 --> 00:17:36,560 or is it just a byproduct of his impulsive nature? 476 00:17:36,560 --> 00:17:39,160 Either way, it's creating a significant obstacle 477 00:17:39,160 --> 00:17:40,720 to effective governance. 478 00:17:40,720 --> 00:17:42,040 And speaking of obstacles, 479 00:17:42,040 --> 00:17:44,520 let's revisit the Washington Post's decision 480 00:17:44,520 --> 00:17:47,040 to weigh in on Trump's cabinet nominees. 481 00:17:47,040 --> 00:17:48,840 Didn't endorse in the presidential race, 482 00:17:48,840 --> 00:17:50,480 yet they took a pretty strong stance 483 00:17:50,480 --> 00:17:51,680 against some of these picks. 484 00:17:51,680 --> 00:17:53,160 Interesting choice, I thought. 485 00:17:53,160 --> 00:17:54,880 It's almost as if they're saying, 486 00:17:54,880 --> 00:17:57,120 we may not have picked a side in the election, 487 00:17:57,120 --> 00:18:00,120 but we still have a responsibility to inform the public 488 00:18:00,120 --> 00:18:02,840 about the potential dangers of these appointments. 489 00:18:02,840 --> 00:18:04,120 And they didn't hold back, 490 00:18:04,120 --> 00:18:06,200 declaring Pete Hegzet for defense, 491 00:18:06,200 --> 00:18:08,920 and Robert Kennedy Jr. for health and human services 492 00:18:08,920 --> 00:18:10,440 is completely unacceptable. 493 00:18:10,440 --> 00:18:11,760 And they had their reasons. 494 00:18:11,760 --> 00:18:13,800 With Hegzet, they cited those concerns 495 00:18:13,800 --> 00:18:15,800 about his temperament, past conduct, 496 00:18:15,800 --> 00:18:18,240 his support for pardoning war criminals. 497 00:18:18,240 --> 00:18:19,760 And with Kennedy Jr., 498 00:18:19,760 --> 00:18:21,520 it was those anti-vaccine views 499 00:18:21,520 --> 00:18:23,720 that raised the biggest red flags, of course, 500 00:18:23,720 --> 00:18:26,840 especially with the ongoing threat of bird flu. 501 00:18:26,840 --> 00:18:28,920 They did express some reservations too 502 00:18:28,920 --> 00:18:31,320 about Linda McMahon, nominated for education, 503 00:18:31,320 --> 00:18:34,120 and Kristi Noem, tapped for Homeland Security, 504 00:18:34,120 --> 00:18:36,080 but not outright rejections. 505 00:18:36,080 --> 00:18:39,160 Underscore is the importance of a free and independent press 506 00:18:39,160 --> 00:18:41,240 in holding those in power accountable. 507 00:18:41,240 --> 00:18:43,680 Even if they haven't taken a partisan stance, 508 00:18:43,680 --> 00:18:45,360 it's about informing the public, 509 00:18:45,360 --> 00:18:47,120 ensuring that qualified individuals 510 00:18:47,120 --> 00:18:49,440 are appointed to these critical positions. 511 00:18:49,440 --> 00:18:50,840 It's also a reminder, I think, 512 00:18:50,840 --> 00:18:53,440 that the meaty landscape is evolving. 513 00:18:53,440 --> 00:18:56,600 The post's decision to take a stand on cabinet picks, 514 00:18:56,600 --> 00:18:59,000 even without endorsing the presidential race, 515 00:18:59,000 --> 00:19:01,680 suggests a shift in how they view their role 516 00:19:01,680 --> 00:19:03,120 in the political process. 517 00:19:03,120 --> 00:19:04,920 And speaking of shifting dynamics, 518 00:19:04,920 --> 00:19:07,560 let's circle back to that Republican tug of war 519 00:19:07,560 --> 00:19:09,480 over the salt tax deduction. 520 00:19:09,480 --> 00:19:12,400 The classic example of how internal divisions 521 00:19:12,400 --> 00:19:15,840 within a party can really derail a president's agenda. 522 00:19:15,840 --> 00:19:18,160 The salt deduction, which allows taxpayers 523 00:19:18,160 --> 00:19:21,280 to deduct state and local taxes from their federal taxes, 524 00:19:21,280 --> 00:19:26,000 was capped at $10,000 under the 2017 Trump tax cuts. 525 00:19:26,000 --> 00:19:28,120 And it's become a major point of contention, of course, 526 00:19:28,120 --> 00:19:30,000 between moderate Republicans representing 527 00:19:30,000 --> 00:19:32,480 those affluent districts and fiscal conservatives 528 00:19:32,480 --> 00:19:34,040 who were worried about the deficit. 529 00:19:34,040 --> 00:19:36,200 It's like watching a game of political chicken, really, 530 00:19:36,200 --> 00:19:37,600 with Representative Mike Lawler, 531 00:19:37,600 --> 00:19:38,920 who's pushing to lift the cap, 532 00:19:38,920 --> 00:19:40,480 holding a lot of cards, 533 00:19:40,480 --> 00:19:42,000 needs a win for his constituents, 534 00:19:42,000 --> 00:19:44,320 and of course, for his gubernatorial ambitions, 535 00:19:44,320 --> 00:19:46,480 while Trump's trying to appease both him 536 00:19:46,480 --> 00:19:48,040 and the deficit hawks. 537 00:19:48,040 --> 00:19:51,000 That Mar-a-Lago meeting between Lawler, 538 00:19:51,000 --> 00:19:53,520 those other, was it, salty Republicans, 539 00:19:53,520 --> 00:19:56,320 and Trump was fascinating, no deal was reached, 540 00:19:56,320 --> 00:19:58,800 but Trump's subsequent call for a fair number 541 00:19:58,800 --> 00:20:01,720 suggests he's at least open to negotiation. 542 00:20:01,720 --> 00:20:04,640 Puts his deal-making skills to the test, doesn't it? 543 00:20:04,640 --> 00:20:07,640 Can he find a solution that satisfies both sides, 544 00:20:07,640 --> 00:20:10,080 or will this issue become another source 545 00:20:10,080 --> 00:20:12,920 of gridlock and infighting within the Republican Party? 546 00:20:12,920 --> 00:20:14,680 It highlights the challenge of governing 547 00:20:14,680 --> 00:20:16,400 in a polarized political environment, 548 00:20:16,400 --> 00:20:19,040 finding common ground, building consensus. 549 00:20:19,040 --> 00:20:20,520 It's become increasingly difficult, 550 00:20:20,520 --> 00:20:22,080 even within a single party. 551 00:20:22,080 --> 00:20:23,960 And then there's that other headscratcher, 552 00:20:23,960 --> 00:20:26,360 the creation of the National Energy Council. 553 00:20:26,360 --> 00:20:28,160 The NEC, as it's been dubbed, 554 00:20:28,160 --> 00:20:30,400 is already facing a mountain of problems. 555 00:20:30,400 --> 00:20:31,920 First, the acronym's already taken, 556 00:20:31,920 --> 00:20:33,560 National Economic Council. 557 00:20:33,560 --> 00:20:36,040 Then there's the vague mission, no clear authority, 558 00:20:36,040 --> 00:20:37,760 budget, staff. 559 00:20:37,760 --> 00:20:40,760 To top it all off, it's supposed to report to Stephen Miller. 560 00:20:40,760 --> 00:20:43,080 Immigration, not energy policy. 561 00:20:43,080 --> 00:20:43,920 It's baffling. 562 00:20:43,920 --> 00:20:46,040 Almost as if the administration didn't think 563 00:20:46,040 --> 00:20:49,000 through the logistics or the potential for conflict. 564 00:20:49,000 --> 00:20:51,320 And there's that power struggle brewing, of course, 565 00:20:51,320 --> 00:20:53,520 between Governor Doug Burdom, who's supposed to chair 566 00:20:53,520 --> 00:20:55,440 the NEC, and Chris Wright, 567 00:20:55,440 --> 00:20:57,600 the nominee for energy secretary. 568 00:20:57,600 --> 00:21:00,360 Recipe for chaos and dysfunction. 569 00:21:00,360 --> 00:21:03,480 And you have to wonder, is this a case of incompetence? 570 00:21:03,480 --> 00:21:05,280 Or a deliberate attempt to create 571 00:21:05,280 --> 00:21:07,440 that sense of constant turmoil? 572 00:21:07,440 --> 00:21:09,360 Is it about effective governance? 573 00:21:09,360 --> 00:21:11,640 Or about maintaining that state of uncertainty 574 00:21:11,640 --> 00:21:13,280 to keep everyone off balance? 575 00:21:13,280 --> 00:21:15,800 That question seems to continue to swirl 576 00:21:15,800 --> 00:21:17,880 around Trump's leadership style, doesn't it? 577 00:21:17,880 --> 00:21:19,520 Does he thrive on this chaos? 578 00:21:19,520 --> 00:21:21,360 Or is it simply a byproduct 579 00:21:21,360 --> 00:21:23,200 of his impulsive decision-making? 580 00:21:23,200 --> 00:21:25,040 It's a pattern we've seen before. 581 00:21:25,040 --> 00:21:27,240 Big announcements, followed by confusion, 582 00:21:27,240 --> 00:21:30,600 infighting, and ultimately very little concrete action. 583 00:21:30,600 --> 00:21:33,120 Frustrating for anyone hoping for a more stable 584 00:21:33,120 --> 00:21:34,920 and effective government, I think. 585 00:21:34,920 --> 00:21:36,400 And speaking of frustration, 586 00:21:36,400 --> 00:21:38,080 let's end this part of our deep dive 587 00:21:38,080 --> 00:21:40,240 by circling back to Rudy Giuliani. 588 00:21:40,240 --> 00:21:42,120 Can't seem to stay out of legal trouble. 589 00:21:42,120 --> 00:21:43,680 Being held in contempt of court 590 00:21:43,680 --> 00:21:45,600 and two jurisdictions within a week, 591 00:21:45,600 --> 00:21:47,560 it's quite a feat, even for him. 592 00:21:47,560 --> 00:21:51,160 The New York case stems from his failure to disclose assets 593 00:21:51,160 --> 00:21:53,560 related to that massive defamation judgment 594 00:21:53,560 --> 00:21:56,000 he owes to Ruby Freeman and Che Moss. 595 00:21:56,000 --> 00:21:58,760 And in DC, the issue is continuing 596 00:21:58,760 --> 00:22:01,560 to spread those falsehoods about them. 597 00:22:01,560 --> 00:22:03,400 Judges are clearly running out of patience. 598 00:22:03,400 --> 00:22:05,840 Raises a fundamental question about accountability. 599 00:22:05,840 --> 00:22:08,000 Can someone in Giuliani's position, 600 00:22:08,000 --> 00:22:10,160 with all his connections, his history, 601 00:22:10,160 --> 00:22:13,640 can he truly face consequences for his actions? 602 00:22:13,640 --> 00:22:16,080 It's a question that goes to the heart of our justice system 603 00:22:16,080 --> 00:22:18,040 and our democracy as a whole, really. 604 00:22:18,040 --> 00:22:20,640 And with that, we'll wrap up this part of our deep dive. 605 00:22:20,640 --> 00:22:22,560 Stay tuned as we explore even more news 606 00:22:22,560 --> 00:22:25,760 from this day in 2025 in our final segment. 607 00:22:25,760 --> 00:22:27,400 Welcome back, folks, to our deep dive 608 00:22:27,400 --> 00:22:31,040 into this whirlwind of news, 2025, January 13th. 609 00:22:31,040 --> 00:22:33,360 We've covered so much, political maneuvering, 610 00:22:33,360 --> 00:22:35,600 legal battles, the future of social media, 611 00:22:35,600 --> 00:22:36,520 it's almost too much. 612 00:22:36,520 --> 00:22:39,160 Yeah, it's been a day of twists and turns, that's for sure. 613 00:22:39,160 --> 00:22:40,400 Amidst all the chaos, though, 614 00:22:40,400 --> 00:22:41,880 there are these recurring themes, right? 615 00:22:41,880 --> 00:22:43,000 Things that keep popping up. 616 00:22:43,000 --> 00:22:45,320 Absolutely, and one that keeps coming back to mind 617 00:22:45,320 --> 00:22:47,880 is that question of accountability. 618 00:22:47,880 --> 00:22:50,640 Can those in power, people like Rudy Giuliani, 619 00:22:50,640 --> 00:22:53,200 truly be held responsible for their actions? 620 00:22:53,200 --> 00:22:54,960 Right, being held in contempt of court, 621 00:22:54,960 --> 00:22:57,200 not once, but twice in one week. 622 00:22:57,200 --> 00:22:59,480 That's a pretty serious development. 623 00:22:59,480 --> 00:23:02,120 What are the potential consequences for him, do you think? 624 00:23:02,120 --> 00:23:05,840 Well, I mean, beyond the immediate legal stuff, 625 00:23:05,840 --> 00:23:08,480 fines or even jail time, 626 00:23:08,480 --> 00:23:10,880 there's the long-term damage to his reputation. 627 00:23:10,880 --> 00:23:12,440 You gotta remember, this is the guy 628 00:23:12,440 --> 00:23:15,120 who was once America's mayor after 9-11. 629 00:23:15,120 --> 00:23:17,680 Now he's facing accusations of undermining, 630 00:23:17,680 --> 00:23:20,240 well, the foundations of our democracy. 631 00:23:20,240 --> 00:23:23,600 It's a stark reminder that actions have consequences. 632 00:23:23,600 --> 00:23:25,840 No matter your position, your past accomplishments. 633 00:23:25,840 --> 00:23:28,760 It's a fall from grace, hard to ignore. 634 00:23:28,760 --> 00:23:30,960 Speaking of things with far-reaching consequences, though, 635 00:23:30,960 --> 00:23:33,800 let's circle back to that potential TikTok ban. 636 00:23:33,800 --> 00:23:36,800 If the Supreme Court does uphold it, what happens then? 637 00:23:36,800 --> 00:23:39,320 How would they actually go about removing the app? 638 00:23:39,320 --> 00:23:41,280 It would be a multi-pronged approach, I think. 639 00:23:41,280 --> 00:23:43,640 First, Apple and Google would have to remove TikTok 640 00:23:43,640 --> 00:23:46,560 from their app stores, no more downloads, no updates. 641 00:23:46,560 --> 00:23:48,280 Then telecom companies would be required 642 00:23:48,280 --> 00:23:51,280 to block access to the website, and without updates, 643 00:23:51,280 --> 00:23:53,320 eventually the app would become incompatible 644 00:23:53,320 --> 00:23:57,120 with newer versions of iOS and Android, essentially useless. 645 00:23:57,120 --> 00:23:59,840 Wow, so even if people already have it, 646 00:23:59,840 --> 00:24:01,480 they might not be able to use it for long. 647 00:24:01,480 --> 00:24:04,000 It's a scenario with a lot of questions. 648 00:24:04,000 --> 00:24:06,520 What surprised you most about this whole TikTok thing? 649 00:24:06,520 --> 00:24:10,080 I was struck by the justices' focus on, you know, 650 00:24:10,080 --> 00:24:11,520 the potential for data breaches, 651 00:24:11,520 --> 00:24:15,000 and the Chinese government's influence over the app 652 00:24:15,000 --> 00:24:17,600 suggests a growing awareness of the power 653 00:24:17,600 --> 00:24:20,960 these platforms have, not just in terms of entertainment, 654 00:24:20,960 --> 00:24:22,720 but in shaping public opinion, 655 00:24:22,720 --> 00:24:24,920 potentially even interfering with elections. 656 00:24:24,920 --> 00:24:26,320 It's a wake-up call, isn't it? 657 00:24:26,320 --> 00:24:28,160 About the need for greater oversight, 658 00:24:28,160 --> 00:24:29,720 regulation of these tech giants, 659 00:24:29,720 --> 00:24:32,360 especially when it comes to data security 660 00:24:32,360 --> 00:24:34,440 and foreign influence, and speaking of foreign influence, 661 00:24:34,440 --> 00:24:38,040 let's shift gears back to that Republican infighting 662 00:24:38,040 --> 00:24:40,680 over the salt tax detection, classic example, 663 00:24:40,680 --> 00:24:42,640 of how internal divisions can just derail 664 00:24:42,640 --> 00:24:43,720 a president's agenda. 665 00:24:43,720 --> 00:24:46,360 Representative Mike Lawler's push to lift the cap. 666 00:24:46,360 --> 00:24:48,680 It's really a fascinating case study, you know? 667 00:24:48,680 --> 00:24:51,160 He's caught between the needs of his constituents, 668 00:24:51,160 --> 00:24:54,640 those affluent voters who are feeling the pinch of that cap, 669 00:24:54,640 --> 00:24:56,880 and Trump's desire to hold firm. 670 00:24:56,880 --> 00:24:58,160 For budgetary reasons, sure, 671 00:24:58,160 --> 00:25:01,280 but also as a way to exert pressure on those blue states. 672 00:25:01,280 --> 00:25:04,240 The Mar-a-Lago meeting, remember, with Lawler and those, 673 00:25:04,240 --> 00:25:07,760 salty Republicans, plus Trump's call for a fair number, 674 00:25:07,760 --> 00:25:10,960 suggests he's at least open to negotiation. 675 00:25:10,960 --> 00:25:12,760 But who knows how this will actually play out? 676 00:25:12,760 --> 00:25:15,680 It's a good reminder that even within a single party, 677 00:25:15,680 --> 00:25:17,360 there can be those deep divisions, 678 00:25:17,360 --> 00:25:19,760 competing interests that make it, well, 679 00:25:20,720 --> 00:25:22,680 incredibly difficult to achieve anything. 680 00:25:22,680 --> 00:25:25,080 Yeah, speaks to the challenges of governing 681 00:25:25,080 --> 00:25:27,320 in such a polarized environment. 682 00:25:27,320 --> 00:25:31,080 Compromise, consensus building, increasingly difficult. 683 00:25:31,080 --> 00:25:33,600 And then there's that headscratcher, 684 00:25:33,600 --> 00:25:36,040 the creation of the National Energy Council, 685 00:25:36,040 --> 00:25:38,240 already facing a mountain of problems. 686 00:25:38,240 --> 00:25:41,160 The acronym, the Vade Mission, lack of clear leadership. 687 00:25:41,160 --> 00:25:42,160 It's almost comical. 688 00:25:42,160 --> 00:25:44,800 Right, raises serious concerns about, you know, 689 00:25:44,800 --> 00:25:46,080 the administration's competence, 690 00:25:46,080 --> 00:25:48,200 their ability to implement policies effectively, 691 00:25:48,200 --> 00:25:50,960 lack of planning, foresight is baffling, 692 00:25:50,960 --> 00:25:53,440 and the potential for conflict dysfunction very high. 693 00:25:53,440 --> 00:25:55,320 Makes you wonder if it's all intentional, right? 694 00:25:55,320 --> 00:25:58,520 A deliberate attempt to create chaos, so division. 695 00:25:58,520 --> 00:26:01,000 Or is it just incompetence, poor decision making? 696 00:26:01,000 --> 00:26:02,200 I guess only time will tell. 697 00:26:02,200 --> 00:26:04,760 One thing's for sure, we're in for a wild ride. 698 00:26:04,760 --> 00:26:07,440 The political landscape, it's shifting fast. 699 00:26:07,440 --> 00:26:10,000 The stakes are incredibly high. 700 00:26:10,000 --> 00:26:13,680 So we've covered a lot of ground, Republican in fighting, 701 00:26:13,680 --> 00:26:16,800 unexpected alliances, legal battles, 702 00:26:16,800 --> 00:26:18,640 the future of social media. 703 00:26:18,640 --> 00:26:21,720 Quite a deep dive into a remarkable day. 704 00:26:21,720 --> 00:26:24,440 What would you say is the biggest takeaway for our listeners? 705 00:26:24,440 --> 00:26:26,520 I think the key takeaway is this, 706 00:26:26,520 --> 00:26:29,440 we're living in a time of unprecedented uncertainty, 707 00:26:29,440 --> 00:26:30,880 rapid change. 708 00:26:30,880 --> 00:26:33,160 The old rules, they don't apply anymore, 709 00:26:33,160 --> 00:26:34,800 the stakes are higher than ever. 710 00:26:34,800 --> 00:26:37,760 So it's crucial to stay informed, think critically, 711 00:26:37,760 --> 00:26:39,080 and be prepared to adapt. 712 00:26:39,080 --> 00:26:40,560 That is excellent advice. 713 00:26:40,560 --> 00:26:42,320 We've given you a lot to consider today. 714 00:26:42,320 --> 00:26:44,040 But remember, this is just a snapshot 715 00:26:44,040 --> 00:26:47,240 of one day, January 13th, 2025. 716 00:26:47,240 --> 00:26:49,200 Imagine how these stories will unfold, 717 00:26:49,200 --> 00:26:51,880 how it will connect in unexpected ways down the line. 718 00:26:51,880 --> 00:26:54,080 It's a political thriller in real time, 719 00:26:54,080 --> 00:26:55,480 and we're all part of the audience. 720 00:26:55,480 --> 00:26:56,720 Well said. 721 00:26:56,720 --> 00:26:58,440 Thanks for joining us on this deep dive. 722 00:26:58,440 --> 00:27:01,120 We'll be back soon with more insights and analysis. 723 00:27:01,120 --> 00:27:18,360 Until then, stay curious, be informed, and stay engaged.