On this podcast, Krystal and Saagar cover a variety of interesting topics including the recession in America, Trump's battle with Fox News, insider trading indictments, Ukraine's blacklist, Dems' meddling in GOP primaries, scientific failures in Alzheimer's and depression research, and Trump's plan to remake the federal bureaucracy.
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Quick takeaways
Germany's gas supply from Russia has been severely cut, leading to energy shortages and economic damage.
Former Vice President Mike Pence is preparing for a possible presidential run in 2024.
Relations between Trump and Fox News are strained, questioning the network's influence on the Republican base.
The Nord Stream pipeline disruption highlights the need to diversify energy sources and curb carbon emissions.
Deep dives
Germany faces gas supply crisis as Russia cuts additional 20% of gas supply
Germany's gas supply from Russia has been cut by a total of 80% since the beginning of the Ukrainian invasion, leading to energy shortages and economic damage. Traders expect European gas prices to remain high for years to come, impacting both consumers and the global natural gas market. The EU has agreed to curb natural gas consumption by 15% in response, but experts say this will lead to increased carbon emissions as countries turn to coal for energy. The situation highlights the vulnerability of countries heavily reliant on Russian gas, and the need to diversify energy sources.
Mike Pence considering 2024 presidential run, seeks distance from Trump
Former Vice President Mike Pence is making moves towards a 2024 presidential run, even as the January 6th committee focuses on his role in certifying Biden's win. Pence is building a team and preparing for a possible campaign announcement in the spring. He hopes to appeal to evangelical voters with his conservative stance on issues like abortion and religious freedom. However, some polls show that Pence's name is not highly favored as an alternative candidate, with GOP voters showing more support for Ron DeSantis.
Fox News and Trump relationship strained as Trump criticizes poll numbers
Relations between Fox News and former President Trump have become strained as Trump criticizes the network for its coverage of his poll numbers. Trump believes the network intentionally botched his numbers and accuses them of going to the 'dark side'. While Fox News has generally been supportive of Trump, his comments suggest that there may be a growing split between him and the network. This raises questions about the future of Fox News' influence on the Republican base.
Political and economic implications of Nord Stream pipeline
The Nord Stream pipeline, which supplies natural gas from Russia to Germany, has political and economic implications. The recent cuts in gas supply from Russia to Germany have led to an energy crisis and economic damage in Germany. Traders expect European gas prices to remain elevated for years, impacting the global natural gas market. The EU's decision to curb natural gas consumption by 15% raises concerns about increased carbon emissions as countries turn to coal for energy. The situation highlights the vulnerability of countries heavily reliant on Russian gas and emphasizes the need to diversify energy sources.
The Radical Plan for Trump's Second Term
The Axios article explores the plans for a second Trump administration, focusing on the implementation of Schedule F. This executive order allows for the reassignment and replacement of federal employees who influence policy and removes their employment protections. Various conservative groups, such as the Conservative Partnership Institute and America First Policy Institute, are working on building a talent pool to meet the potential scale of staff changes. While there are doubts about the feasibility and organization of such a plan, the executive order provides the legal basis for significant personnel changes. Democrats, including Jerry Connolly, are attempting to block the ability to revive Schedule F.
Alleged Manipulation in Alzheimer's Research
A recent study suggests that a 2006 landmark paper in Alzheimer's research may have manipulated data, calling into question its foundational findings and wasting billions of dollars in subsequent research and funding. The scandal reveals the flawed incentive structure within the scientific establishment and questions the centralized funding power of organizations like the National Institute of Health. Democrats have raised concerns about the potential revival of Schedule F, which could impact federal employees in the research field.
New Analysis Challenges Serotonin's Role in Depression
A new meta-analysis of scientific evidence challenges the widely accepted notion that serotonin levels in the brain are responsible for depression. While serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed antidepressants based on this theory, the analysis finds no consistent evidence of a direct association between serotonin and depression. The discussion raises concerns about the efficacy of SSRIs, the high usage of antidepressants in the United States, and the need for further research on alternative treatment approaches.
Implications and Doubts
While the plans for a second Trump administration and the potential implementation of Schedule F raise questions about the scope and feasibility of such personnel changes, the article highlights the serious efforts being made by various conservative groups. There is an ideological component to the selections being made, guided by organizations like the Conservative Partnership Institute and America First Policy Institute. The fate of blocking the revival of Schedule F remains uncertain as Democrats attempt to prevent its future usage.
Krystal and Saagar discuss the recession coming to America, Trump's beef with Fox News, Nordstream 1 pipeline, insider trading indictments, Ukraine's blacklist of prominent political figures, Dems' meddling in GOP primaries, scientific failures on Alzheimers and depression, and Trump world's plan to remake the federal bureaucracy!
