1/18/22: Red Wave, GOP War, Testing Plan, Oathkeepers, Djokovic Ban, Kamala Trainwreck, Mask Wars, Nina Turner, & More!
Jan 18, 2022
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Nina Turner, a passionate political commentator and former national co-chair of the Bernie Sanders campaign, dives into the future of the left and the looming red wave for the GOP. She discusses the battles between Trump and DeSantis, highlighting voter frustrations with the Biden administration. The conversation touches on Kamala Harris's struggles, the divisive mask mandates in schools, and the implications of the Oath Keepers' legal troubles. Turner emphasizes the need for bold action to address pressing issues like healthcare and climate change.
Stuart Rhodes, founder of Oath Keepers, has been charged with sedition for his role in plotting to storm the Capitol on January 6th, marking the first sedition charge among the 700 individuals linked to the attack.
The Biden administration's plan for COVID-19 testing has faced criticism for its slow turnaround time, limited availability, and insurance coverage hurdles, although there are signs of decline in Omicron cases.
The Biden administration should prioritize delivering on their campaign promises, push their agenda with passion and directness, and focus on issues supported by the majority of Americans.
Progressive lawmakers must remember their principles, stand strong against mainstream and corporate Democrats, champion justice and progressive policies, and utilize their power as the largest caucus in Congress.
Deep dives
First Oath Keepers leader charged with seditious conspiracy
Stuart Rhodes, founder of Oath Keepers, has been arrested and charged with seditious conspiracy, along with 10 other Oath Keepers. They are accused of plotting to storm the Capitol on January 6th and disrupt the certification of Joe Biden's electoral victory. This is the first sedition charge among the 700 people accused so far in connection with the attack. The charge of seditious conspiracy is difficult to prove and carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. It remains to be seen how the case will unfold, but previous sedition charges have been difficult to successfully prosecute.
Testing regime for COVID-19 is criticized as ineffective
The Biden administration's plan for distributing rapid COVID-19 tests has been widely criticized as ineffective. The online platform for ordering tests has a slow turnaround time of 7 to 12 days, and there is a limited supply of tests available. Additionally, insurance coverage for tests is subject to approval from insurance companies, creating further hurdles for individuals seeking tests. Despite the challenges in accessing tests, there is some positive news as COVID-19 cases, particularly from the Omicron variant, are starting to decline in certain areas.
Problems with the testing regime lead to frustration
The Biden administration's plan for distributing COVID-19 tests has faced significant criticism for its slow turnaround time and limited availability. Individuals have expressed frustration in trying to access tests and have called for a more streamlined and accessible testing system. The declining cases of the Omicron variant offer some hope, but the testing regime remains a source of contention.
First sedition charge among January 6th defendants
The arrest of Oath Keepers leader Stuart Rhodes on charges of seditious conspiracy marks the first sedition charge among the more than 700 individuals accused in relation to the January 6th attack on the Capitol. The charge of seditious conspiracy is challenging to prove and carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. While the case is still unfolding, previous sedition charges in similar cases have faced difficulty in conviction.
Disappointment with the Biden Administration
The biggest failing of the Biden administration is not delivering on their core campaign promises and not giving people something they can feel. The infrastructure bill should not have been decoupled from the Build Back Better plan, and more pressure should be put on Senators Manchin and Sinema to eliminate or reform the filibuster. The administration needs to be more passionate and direct in pushing their agenda, and they should prioritize issues that the majority of Americans support, such as canceling student debt, reducing prescription drug costs, and implementing paid family leave. Progressive lawmakers need to continue fighting for a robust agenda that uplifts the poor, the working poor, and the middle class, and they should not lose sight of what separates them from mainstream and corporate Democrats.
Hold Fast to Progressive Principles
Progressive lawmakers should remember why they are there and what makes them different from mainstream and corporate Democrats. They should stand firm in their principles and not allow anyone to sway them from standing up for humanity. Despite disappointments and low approval ratings, they have the power to overcome these obstacles by giving the American people something they can feel and by being vocal champions for justice and progressive policies. The progressive caucus, being the largest caucus in Congress, should exercise their power and hold the agenda on the stronger end, just as Senators Manchin and Sinema are holding it on the moderate end. They should stand strong and fight for what is just, right, and good for the American people, no matter the consequences.
Follow Senator Nina Turner
Follow Senator Nina Turner on Twitter @ninaturner, on Instagram @ninaturnerohio, and on Facebook @ninaturner.
Krystal and Saagar talk about the coming red wave for the GOP, Trump's battle against DeSantis, Biden's covid testing plan, DOJ charging Oathkeepers with sedition, Australia banning tennis great Novak Djokovic, Kamala's rebrand trainwreck, school mask wars, Nina Turner on the Left's future, and more!
