This podcast discusses Joe Biden's decision to build a border wall and the contradictions in his stance. It explores the challenges of electing a new Speaker of the House and the potential consequences for Republicans. The podcast also addresses concerns about deprogramming MAGA members and the need for agency overhaul. Additionally, it covers criticism of CBS News and a GoFundMe campaign.
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Quick takeaways
The Biden administration is constructing a wall along the southern border to address illegal entry, contradicting Biden's previous stance against border walls.
The Republican Party is in turmoil over the speakership position, facing a potential government shutdown and struggling to maintain unity.
A faction of House Republicans is demanding changes to the motion to vacate rule before endorsing a candidate for Speaker, raising concerns about party unity and the ability to pass budgets.
Deep dives
Biden administration builds border wall despite previous opposition
The Biden administration is constructing a 20-mile wall along the southern border in Star County, Texas to address the high illegal entry rate. This move contradicts President Biden's previous statements and positions against border walls during his 2020 campaign. The Department of Homeland Security waived numerous federal laws to allow the construction to proceed, including the Clean Air Act and Endangered Species Act.
Joe Biden faces conundrum in border wall construction
Joe Biden's decision to build a border wall reflects the political pressure faced by the administration due to the significant number of people crossing the southern border. The construction is seen as a response to criticisms from Governors Hochl, Pritzker, and Johnson, who have urged the administration to address the overwhelming flow of unauthorized immigrants. Despite the construction, Biden continues to claim that the wall will not be effective and defends the decision as a response to the appropriations package from fiscal year 2019.
Republicans divided over the speakership battle and government shutdown risk
The Republican Party finds itself in a precarious situation as it battles over the speakership position and faces the possibility of a government shutdown. The party is divided between candidates like Steve Scalise, Jim Jordan, and Kevin Hearn, all vying for the role of Speaker of the House. The televised speakership debate and closed party election have intensified tensions within the party. Additionally, the absence of strong leadership tools to enforce party discipline poses challenges in maintaining unity and avoiding government shutdowns in the face of a narrow House majority.
Power struggles within the Republican Party
A group of 45 House Republicans, including influential figures, are demanding changes to the motion to vacate rule that led to Kevin McCarthy losing his position as House Speaker. They are unwilling to endorse any candidate for Speaker until the rule is overhauled. This faction's letter aims to modify the rules to give more power to the Speaker and make it easier for them to keep their caucus members in line.
Challenges in selecting a new Speaker of the House
The selection of a new Speaker raises concerns about the ability to pass party-line budgets and maintain party unity. Jim Jordan argues that there should be at least 218 votes for the Speaker before a vote takes place, in order to avoid a chaotic situation. Meanwhile, Matt Gaetz is proposing changes to the motion to vacate and making demands in relation to congressional stock trading and term limits for Congress. However, it remains uncertain whether these demands are achievable or beneficial for Republicans. The power struggles and lack of a clear plan for selecting a strong and effective Speaker could weaken the Republican party and potentially benefit the Democrats.
Joe Biden builds miles of wall along the southern border, even as he attempts to deny it will make a difference; chaos continues among Republicans seeking a new speaker; and the FBI launches a new effort to target Trump followers.
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