The Daily ‘I Would Like You to Do Us a Favor’
Sep 26, 2019
Michael S. Schmidt, a national security and federal investigations reporter for The New York Times, joins to dissect Trump’s controversial call with Ukraine's Zelensky. They explore the implications of Trump's request for an investigation into Biden, shedding light on ethical concerns in U.S.-Ukraine relations. Schmidt emphasizes the critical role of journalism in revealing truths amidst political maneuvering. The conversation dives into the ongoing impeachment inquiry, the significance of the whistleblower, and the evolving dynamics in Congress.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The Call Transcript
- The White House released a reconstructed transcript of President Trump's call with Ukrainian President Zelensky.
- This document, based on notes and voice recognition software, is expected to face intense scrutiny.
Zelensky's Approach
- Zelensky mirrors Trump's language, even mentioning "draining the swamp" in Ukraine.
- He presents himself as a "mini-Trump," modeling his approach after the U.S. president.
Withheld Aid
- Trump's emphasis on U.S. aid to Ukraine gains significance given his order to withhold $400 million in aid.
- This raises questions about Trump's motivations and whether Zelensky was aware of the withheld aid.