MGT Wants to be Trump’s VP + A Conversation with Occupy Democrats Grant Stern
Sep 8, 2023
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Grant Stern, Executive Editor of Occupy Democrats, discusses his bombshell report on fake electors and the impact of the Enrique Tario sentencing. The podcast also covers intense rivalry for Trump's endorsement, flipping on Trump, conviction of Proud Boys leader, lawyer involvement in Michigan scandal, prosecutorial misconduct, short-term wins, Southern Strategy, and Elon Musk's criticism.
The conviction of Enrique Tario highlights the need for accountability among organizers of violent groups like the Proud Boys.
The Republican Party's failure to reject hate and extremism allows groups like the Proud Boys to gain influence and shape the party's direction.
Racial gerrymandering in the United States, exemplified by Governor Ron DeSantis' actions, highlights the ongoing problem of voter suppression and the need for legislation like the Freedom to Vote Act.
Deep dives
The importance of Enrique Tario's conviction
Enrique Tario, the head of the Proud Boys, was convicted for his role in the January 6th Capitol insurrection. This conviction is significant as he was one of the main organizers behind the violent groups that stormed the Capitol. Tario had connections to law enforcement and political circles, making his conviction a landmark in holding one of the organizers accountable. The Proud Boys' strategy has shifted to infiltrating and influencing local GOP organizations, creating a more insidious and potentially effective plan in the long run. Until the Republican Party rejects hate and extremism, the influence of groups like the Proud Boys will continue to grow within the party.
Trump's ongoing threats and contempt of court
Donald Trump continues to make extra-judicial threats and use social media to oppose court motions in his legal cases. Judge Tanya Chutkan and other judges are likely to give him multiple opportunities to comply before resorting to holding him in contempt of court. This highlights the two-tiered justice system, where individuals with significant resources can heavily challenge the legal system and face fewer consequences compared to those without such resources.
The danger of extreme ideologies infiltrating the Republican Party
Extreme ideologies like white supremacy are finding a foothold within the Republican Party, with groups like the Proud Boys using grassroots tactics to gain influence. The danger lies in these ideologies seeping into the party's platform and shaping its direction. Until prominent Republicans denounce hate and extremism, the influence of these groups will continue to grow, potentially leading to long-term consequences within the party.
The power of influence and radicalization
The influence wielded by extremist groups like the Proud Boys cannot be underestimated. They have the power to radicalize individuals within the Republican Party and push their ideologies further into the mainstream. History has shown that small groups with influence can bring about significant changes, and it is crucial to address and counter the spread of hate and extremist ideals within political parties and society.
Racial gerrymandering in Florida and its impact on voting power
A Florida judge struck down congressional district lines for Northern Florida, ruling that the Republican governor's map had improperly diluted black voting power. This ruling exposes Governor Ron DeSantis' intentional efforts to take away black-held seats and manipulate the map to favor his party. The ruling showcases the ongoing problem of racial gerrymandering in the United States. The passage of the Freedom to Vote Act, which includes the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, is seen as a potential solution to address these issues and enforce voting rights for all citizens.
The history of racially gerrymandered maps and the impact of racism in law
The practice of racially gerrymandering maps in the South has deep historical roots. After the Civil War, the 14th Amendment and voting rights acts were passed to guarantee equal rights and protect against racial discrimination. However, white populations in the South vehemently opposed these measures, leading to the rise of Jim Crow laws and racial discrimination written into law. This racist history influenced the way Republican politicians, such as Ronald Reagan's strategist Lee Atwater, targeted and harnessed racism in the Southern Strategy. This insidious practice continues today with politicians like Ron DeSantis, perpetuating racism through legislation and suppressing minority voting rights. Elon Musk's impact on Twitter, on the other hand, has been detrimental. His disregard for responsibility, his embrace of extremists, and his scapegoating of organizations like the ADL has negatively altered the platform's purpose of fostering discourse and connecting people.
Mea Culpa welcomes Grant Stern to the show. Stern is the Executive Editor of Occupy Democrats AND publishes the must-read, STERN FACTS newsletter on Substack. He's also a mortgage broker, community activist and radio personality in Miami, Florida, as well as the producer of the Dworkin Report podcast. Grant is also an occasional contributor to Raw Story, Alternet, and the DC Report, and an unpaid senior advisor to the Democratic Coalition and a Director of Sunshine Agenda Inc. a government transparency nonprofit organization. He joins me today on Mea Culpa to discuss his latest bombshell report on fake electors and discuss the impact of the Enrique Tario sentencing plus much, much more.
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