The David Pakman Show It turns out one bad day really can change everything
Jul 9, 2026
Katie Phang, independent journalist and former trial lawyer known for legal analysis and Epstein Files reporting. She discusses DOJ redactions and the fight for transparency. She warns about Supreme Court moves on birthright citizenship. She also talks about leaving corporate media to pursue independent reporting and the challenges of keeping high-profile investigations in the public eye.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Consultant Driven Candidate Collapse
- Poor vetting by Ivy League consultants catalyzed Graham Plattner's implosion and forced the Democratic Party to scramble for a new nominee.
- Plattner had years of racist posts, a disputed Nazi tattoo, and multiple sexual-assault allegations that consultants either missed or downplayed.
Foreign Gift Plane Became A Security And PR Nightmare
- Accepting a donated Qatari 747 exposed security gaps and forced multiple plane switches that wasted taxpayer resources and created a political spectacle.
- The plane lacked defensive systems per Secret Service advice, prompting Trump to fly both jets and switch mid-trip in London.
Insist On Proof Of Life For Missing Senators
- Demand transparent medical updates for public officials whose absence affects governance, rather than accepting vague assurances.
- Andy Beshear formally requested a full health update on Mitch McConnell after weeks of limited information and conflicting reports.
