The Josh Marshall Podcast And The Winner Is
Dec 29, 2025
Hosts unveil the recipients of the comical Golden Dukes awards, celebrating the most absurd instances of grifting, including a dubious Trump meme coin. The discussion highlights nominees for 'Best Support Hatchet Man' and critiques media failings, especially focusing on the New York Times' handling of key stories. They unveil a clear winner for the most egregious ring-kissing and the most scandalous general interest story—Trump's extravagant ballroom. The playful banter and outrageous nominations provide a humorous take on current events.
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Golden Dukes Framing Reveals Purpose
- The Golden Dukes are a satirical awards show celebrating political corruption and absurd scandals.
- Josh Marshall and Kate Riga frame it as a people's-choice ceremony highlighting ludicrous betrayals of public trust.
Potato Chips As A Bizarre Bribe
- Kate Riga recounts Winnie Greco giving a reporter a potato chip bag containing money as a baffling bribe.
- The reporter sealed the bag and treated the moment with incredulity, highlighting the petty, weird nature of the grift.
Cash In A Kava Bag Became Central Evidence
- Kate and Josh describe Tom Homan receiving a cash bribe delivered in a kava bag, an evocative detail in reporting.
- That single detail shaped public perception and undercut his defense that such payments were routine.