3 Martini Lunch How Haniyeh Was Killed, Russia Prisoner Swap, 9/11 Plea Deal, Trump Fumbles on Race
Aug 1, 2024
29:01
It's four martinis for the price of three today as Jim and Greg unpack the latest details in the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, the prisoner swap with Russia that freed two Americans, the government striking a plea bargain with 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and Donald Trump focusing on Kamala's race instead of her train wreck of a record.
First, they enjoy learning how Haniyeh was killed by a bomb planted months earlier and detonated remotely. It seems to point more clearly to an Israeli operation and a massive, embarrassing failure for the Iranian government and especially its terrorist arm, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Next, they're thrilled to hear Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan are being released by Russia. What reports don't tell us yet is who or what the U.S. is giving Russia in return. And given the Obama-Biden track record on lopsided prisoner swaps, that's an important question.
Then, they groan as the U.S. government strikes a plea deal with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two other 9/11 conspirators. The agreement removes the possibility of capital punishment for any of them. 9/11 survivors and family members are not happy. And while Jim and Greg understand there's a slight possibility of these terrorists revealing more than they already have, it's hard to imagine anyone more deserving of death then they are.
Finally, Jim unloads on Donald Trump for wondering when Kamala Harris decided she was black because he says she spent much of her life identifying with her Indian heritage. Not only does that moment give Harris a chance to go on offense, but it shows Trump getting distracted from going after the endless political liabilities Harris brings into this campaign.
First, they enjoy learning how Haniyeh was killed by a bomb planted months earlier and detonated remotely. It seems to point more clearly to an Israeli operation and a massive, embarrassing failure for the Iranian government and especially its terrorist arm, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Next, they're thrilled to hear Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and fellow American Paul Whelan are being released by Russia. What reports don't tell us yet is who or what the U.S. is giving Russia in return. And given the Obama-Biden track record on lopsided prisoner swaps, that's an important question.
Then, they groan as the U.S. government strikes a plea deal with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two other 9/11 conspirators. The agreement removes the possibility of capital punishment for any of them. 9/11 survivors and family members are not happy. And while Jim and Greg understand there's a slight possibility of these terrorists revealing more than they already have, it's hard to imagine anyone more deserving of death then they are.
Finally, Jim unloads on Donald Trump for wondering when Kamala Harris decided she was black because he says she spent much of her life identifying with her Indian heritage. Not only does that moment give Harris a chance to go on offense, but it shows Trump getting distracted from going after the endless political liabilities Harris brings into this campaign.