8/30/23: Florida Slammed By Hurricane Idalia, Biden Impeachment, DeSantis Heckled After Shooting, Park Ranger Rams Through Climate Protest, Biden Civil Rights Claim, US Declassifies Chilean Coup, Jen Psaki On Abortion, New Medicare Price Negotiations
In this podcast, the hosts discuss Hurricane Idalia hitting Florida, McCarthy supporting Biden impeachment, DeSantis heckled after a mass shooting, climate protesters confronted by police, Biden's Civil Rights Act claim, US declassifying Chilean coup docs, Jen Psaki contradicting herself on abortion, and Alex Lawson breaking down Biden's new pharma price negotiations.
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Quick takeaways
Joe Biden's claim about Strom Thurmond's vote for the Civil Rights Act is factually inaccurate and raises questions about his integrity.
Biden's pattern of political opportunism, changing positions, and making false statements raises concerns about his trustworthiness.
The recently declassified documents on the Chilean coup raise questions about Biden's knowledge and potential involvement.
The inclusion of Medicare negotiation for drug prices is a significant step in addressing the high cost of prescription drugs and can generate significant savings.
Deep dives
Joe Biden's inaccurate claim about talking Strom Thurmond into voting for the Civil Rights Act
During a recent speech, Joe Biden claimed that he talked Strom Thurmond into voting for the Civil Rights Act, despite the fact that Thurmond actually voted against it. This claim is factually inaccurate and contradicts historical records. Biden may have been referring to Thurmond's vote for the 1980 Reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, but this does not align with his statement. This is another example of Biden making false or misleading claims.
The pattern of Joe Biden's political opportunism in his career
Joe Biden has shown a pattern of political opportunism throughout his career, changing his positions and making false statements to suit his political ambitions. This pattern is seen in his attempts to work with Strom Thurmond on crime legislation and his mentorship of Robert Byrd, a former KKK member. Biden's willingness to shift his positions and make false statements raises questions about his integrity and trustworthiness.
The recently declassified documents on the coup in Chile and Joe Biden's role
Recently declassified CIA documents shed new light on the coup in Chile in 1973 and raise questions about Joe Biden's role. The documents reveal the US government's involvement in supporting the overthrow of President Salvador Allende. Biden, in his freshman year in 1973, was a part of the US Senate, which had knowledge of and influence over US foreign policy. This raises questions about Biden's knowledge and potential involvement in the coup.
The importance of understanding historical context and questioning political narratives
These examples highlight the importance of critically examining political narratives and understanding historical context. It is crucial to fact-check politicians' claims and question their motives, especially when it comes to sensitive topics such as civil rights and international interventions. By doing so, we can gain a more accurate understanding of the past and hold our leaders accountable for their actions and statements.
Medicare Negotiation of Drug Prices
The Biden administration has announced that Medicare will be allowed to negotiate drug prices for 10 medications. This move is seen as a significant step in addressing the high cost of prescription drugs in the United States. Medicare negotiation has been a long-standing Democratic priority, and this development demonstrates a strong commitment from the Biden White House. The inclusion of insulin in the list of drugs to be negotiated is particularly notable, as it is a medication that affects many Americans. The ability to negotiate drug prices has the potential to generate significant savings and can be seen as a victory in the fight against the influence of the pharmaceutical industry.
The History and Struggle for Prescription Drug Negotiation
The battle to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices has been ongoing for over a decade. Initially, there was bipartisan support for this measure, but a deal was struck with the pharmaceutical industry in 2009 that derailed the effort. Over the years, there have been various attempts to address the issue through importation, public manufacturing, and other legislative proposals. However, the power and influence of the pharmaceutical industry have posed significant challenges. Despite these obstacles, advocates and some lawmakers have continued to push for Medicare negotiation, recognizing the potential savings and benefits it could bring to the American people.
Future Opportunities and the Fight Against High Drug Prices
While the inclusion of Medicare negotiation for certain drugs is a step in the right direction, there are still many opportunities to further address the issue of high drug prices. Governors like Gavin Newsom in California are making progress in public manufacturing and exploring options to tackle drug shortages. Importation from other countries, such as Canada, is another avenue being pursued. Additionally, the federal government can implement policies that incentivize states to import drugs and explore alternative measures to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable. This ongoing fight against high drug prices requires continued advocacy and a multi-faceted approach to bring relief to the American people.
Ryan and Emily discuss Hurricane Idalia hitting Florida, McCarthy reportedly supporting Biden impeachment, DeSantis heckled after racist mass shooting, climate protesters confronted by police, Biden makes dubious Civil Rights Act claim, US declassifies Nixon era Chilean coup docs, Jen Psaki contradicts herself on abortion, and Alex Lawson joins to break down Biden's new pharma price negotiations.