5/10/23: Trump GUILTY And NOT Guilty In E Jean Caroll Trial, Santos Arrested By Feds, Biden Threatens Debt Ceiling, Ukraine Counter Offensive, Trump V DeSantis, CIA Biden 2020, Ro Khanna on SCOTUS Corruption, David Miranda Remembrance
Guest Ro Khanna discusses SCOTUS corruption. Other topics include Trump found guilty yet not guilty in E Jean Caroll case, Santos arrested for fraud, Biden threatens debt ceiling, Ukraine counter offensive, Trump v DeSantis, CIA aiding Biden 2020, and remembering David Miranda.
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Quick takeaways
The CIA actively interfered in the US election by soliciting signatures for a letter claiming the Hunter Biden laptop story was Russian disinformation, highlighting the abuse of power by unelected bureaucrats for partisan gain.
Liz Cheney released an ad criticizing Trump's handling of the Capitol riot, attempting to position herself as an alternative candidate, although its effectiveness remains uncertain among Republicans.
Ron DeSantis transferred $86 million from his state campaign account to a Super PAC, potentially providing significant financial backing for his potential presidential bid in 2024, despite concerns about his likability among billionaire donors.
Senior Ukrainian officials express doubt about the success of the upcoming counter-offensive against Russia, suggesting that expectations may be overestimated and facing challenges as Russia strengthens its military presence and digs deeper.
Deep dives
CIA Involvement in Hunter Biden Laptop Story Opined
New revelations show that the CIA actively solicited signatures for and approved a letter claiming the Hunter Biden laptop story was a Russian disinformation plot. Former CIA Director Mike Morell was directed by Anthony Blinken to put together the letter, which was meant to help President Biden in the 2020 election. Testimonies reveal that a CIA employee requested signatures from former CIA analysts, and the committees have requested more information from the CIA. This revelation highlights the abuse of power by unelected bureaucrats for partisan purposes.
Liz Cheney Stakes Her Ground in New Ad
Liz Cheney has released an ad criticizing former President Trump, claiming he is unfit for office and pointing out his handling of the January 6th Capitol riot. The ad will air during a CNN town hall where Trump is interviewed. This move by Cheney is seen as an attempt to remind voters of Trump's role in the Capitol attack and position herself as an alternative candidate. The effectiveness of the ad among Republicans, especially in New Hampshire, remains uncertain.
Ron DeSantis Moves $86 Million to Super PAC
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has moved around $86 million from his state campaign account to a Super PAC. This move has raised legal concerns, but DeSantis's team argues that they are following legal ways to transfer the funds. DeSantis's move sets him up with significant financial backing as he prepares for a potential presidential bid in 2024. However, DeSantis's likability among billionaire donors has been questioned, potentially putting him at a disadvantage compared to other Republican candidates.
Ukrainian Counter-Offensive May Fall Short of Expectations
Senior Ukrainian officials have expressed doubt about the success of the upcoming counter-offensive against Russia. Defense Minister Alexei Resnikov warns that the expectations from the campaign are overestimated and there may be emotional disappointment. This comes as Ukraine receives a $1.2 billion aid package from the US to bolster its air defenses and sustain its artillery and ammunition needs. The counter-offensive aims to reclaim lost territories but faces challenges as Russia has strengthened its military presence and dug in deeper.
The Importance of Recognizing CIA Interference
Recent revelations highlight the CIA's interference in the US election by actively soliciting signatures for and approving a letter claiming the Hunter Biden laptop story was Russian disinformation. This underscores the abuse of power by unelected bureaucrats for partisan purposes. It is crucial to acknowledge the CIA's role in undermining democratic processes and the need for accountability in intelligence agencies.
The Challenge for Ron DeSantis
Ron DeSantis faces the challenge of not being well-liked among billionaire donors, which could impact his fundraising efforts for a potential presidential bid in 2024. Unlike politicians with smooth-talking or charismatic personalities, DeSantis has a more straightforward and at times unconventional style, which may not resonate with certain elite circles. However, his appeal to rural and conservative voters could offset this disadvantage.
The Importance of Separating Intelligence Apparatus from Politics
It is crucial to prioritize the separation of the intelligence apparatus, such as the CIA and FBI, from politics. The expansive power of these agencies can be easily abused, leading to a dangerous concentration of power in the government. The conservative movement should have always seen this as a priority, as it aligns with concerns about an overreaching government. It is concerning that these abuses of power are getting worse and openly justified, thanks to a lack of media accountability. The CIA should stay out of American elections and focus on their original purpose.
The Need for Ethical Standards and Transparency in the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is facing a crisis of confidence due to a lack of standards and transparency. While the court's decisions have often been divisive and questioned, the recent revelations of conflicts of interest and gifts given to Supreme Court justices have deepened the public's concerns. Congress should pass a code of conduct for the Supreme Court to ensure ethical behavior and prevent financial conflicts. Additionally, implementing term limits, such as 18 years, for Supreme Court justices would help address the issue of justices being out of touch and taking away basic liberties. It is crucial to restore trust in the Supreme Court and uphold democratic principles.
Ryan and Emily discuss Donald Trump being found liable by a New York federal jury for sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll in a Manhattan department store in the 1990's, George Santos is charged and arrested by the Feds for Fraud, Biden threatens to ignore the Debt Ceiling, Ukraine worries their counter offensive might not move the needle, DeSantis takes an important step in moving towards announcing a campaign for president, Liz Cheney launches attack ad in New Hampshire against Trump, the CIA caught aiding the Biden 2020 election, and Congressman Ro Khanna joins the show to talk about Clarence Thomas and SCOTUS corruption. We also take a short moment to celebrate the life of David Miranda, a Leftist in Brazil with a long career of political activism and husband to Glenn Greenwald.
